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Illinois Roofing License General Questions

Do I need a roofing license in the State of Illinois?

Yes, you must have a roofing license to do any roofing in the state of Illinois. According to the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, all contractors offering roof construction services must obtain either a Limited or Unlimited Roofing License, authorized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

What happens if I do roofing work without a license in Illinois?

Doing roofing work without a license in Illinois is illegal and can result in fines up to $5,000, cease and desist orders, and even criminal charges. The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act mandates that all roofing contractors be licensed unless exempted. Violators may also face civil penalties or business closure.

What is the difference between a residential and an unlimited roofing license?

  • Limited Roofing License: Contractors are limited to residential roofing, consisting of but not limited to 8 units or fewer.
  • Unlimited Roofing License: Contractors can work on any roof type, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

You will need either one of these to become a licensed roofer or contractor.

Do I need to get my Residential License before my Unlimited License?

No, you can apply for the Unlimited or Limited Roofing License from the get-go. Some people apply for the residential roofing license and then upgrade to the unlimited license. Choosing a license depends on your subjective choices and needs.

Can I convert a Limited Roofing license to an Unlimited Roofing License?

You can update your Limited License to an Unlimited License by attempting the Upgrade Exam (105 Roofing Exam Test Code 2). However, you can only attempt this exam when you've held the Limited License for one year or more.

Is the Illinois roofing licensing exam hard?

Yes, most people find it difficult, even with roofing experience. The exam is about theory, building codes and Illinois law rather than what you do on a roof, and it is timed. Our students pass at 98%, because we teach exactly what the exam asks.

How do I register for my Illinois Roofing Exam?

You register with Continental Testing Services at continentaltesting.net, exam fee is $248. When you register for our class, we help you fill out the forms, so nothing gets missed.

Illinois Roofing License Requirements

What are the requirements to get a roofing license in Illinois?

To get a roofing license in Illinois, you must be at least 17 years old, pass the state roofing exam, show proof of liability, roofing bond, and pay the application fee of $125.

Can I apply for my roofing license if I do NOT have a valid Social Security number?

Yes, you can apply for a roofing license without an SSN because of certain exemptions. Please contact our team for a free consultation at (630) 222-4433.

Can I still get an Illinois Roofing License if I have a conviction?

Yes, you can still get an Illinois Roofing License with a conviction.

Can an out-of-state roofing contractor perform work in Illinois?

Yes, but only if the out-of-state contractor first obtains an IL roofing license. To obtain the IL roofing license, you must take the Illinois Roofing Contractor Exam.

Can I apply for my roofing license as an individual, or do I need to place it under a business entity?

You can apply for the roofing license as an individual or through a business entity, but not both. Either way, you have to be the qualifying party to obtain a license under your name.

Can I apply for a roofing license with a foreign entity?

Yes, you can apply for the license as a qualifying party for a foreign entity. Please contact our team for foreign entities and the required legal process. For a free consultation, call (630) 222-4433.

(A Foreign entity is any business that is located outside the state of Illinois)

Illinois Roofing Licensure Costs

How much does the Illinois roofing exam cost?

The Illinois roofing exam costs $248, and you can apply for it online via the Continental Testing Services website.

How much do study guides for the roofing license exam cost?

Study guides and resources can cost anywhere between $2000 and $7000. You can find all of these official study guides on the NRCA website. You do not need to buy any of these resources for our roofing classes because we provide all the necessary prep materials.

Do you need insurance for a roofing license in Illinois?

Yes, you need general liability insurance and a bond. Roofing bond coverages of $10,000 (Limited License) and $25,000 (Unlimited License). We help you apply for the necessary insurance plans and bonds during and after your classes.

How much is an Illinois roofing license?

The Illinois roofing license application costs $125.

Our Roofing Exam and Prep Classes

Do I need a class to take the roofing contractor exam?

No, you do not need a class to take the Roofing Contractor exam. However, a class is recommended because the exam is based on theory versus installation. Our classes are set up for students with no roofing experience and roofers with 20+ years of experience.

We give our students the tools they need to pass the exam, obtain the Illinois roofing license, and get their business off the ground.

How many days and hours is our roofing class?

  • Residential Class is 2 days from 9 am to 4 pm.
  • Unlimited Class is 3 days from 9 am to 4 pm.

These classes are structured to give you the full roofing license exam prep, without disturbing your schedules.

How frequently are state exams administered, and what is the deadline to register?

State exams are only offered 6 times per year, and the deadlines change accordingly. The deadline for a roofing exam is 28 to 30 days before the exam. Our classes are scheduled according to the roofing exam dates and schedule.

Do I need to have insurance and a bond before I come to class?

No, our class will give you a complete breakdown of the state requirements to obtain your roofing license. Insurance and bonding are required when you pass your exam and are ready to apply for your roofing license. We can provide you with insurance carriers for quotes if needed, to best accommodate your needs.

Should I have my business entity established before taking your class?

No, you do not need to have a settled business identity to attend a class. We will go through the entire application process during class.

What does this roofing class include?

Our roofing classes will cover theories, laws and regulations, practices, ethics, and everything else that you might get in the exam. We will also walk you through the process of getting licensed.

Do I need to prepare anything before attending the class?

No, you do not need to prepare anything beforehand to attend our class. We will give you the necessary materials, including books, pens, pencils, highlighters, calculators, a notebook, and daily quizzes. Our exam prep classes are designed for everyone, irrespective of their preparation and experience levels.

Why Choose Illinois Roofing Institute

Why should I select your school for my exam preparation?

Our staff is fully equipped and knowledgeable in the roofing industry, licensing department, state requirements, and more. We give you detailed and tailored advice to navigate the application, examination, and business formation processes. Our connection stays strong even after you graduate from our institute.

How many roofers have graduated from the Illinois Roofing Institute?

There are 4,647 licensed roofing contractors in the State of Illinois as of May 2025. Dalia has helped about 3,094 of those contractors obtain their license. We collaborate with other roofing schools of Illinois and help them navigate various hurdles in the application processes.

Do we help with business formation?

Yes, we help you start your roofing business by going through the necessary paperwork. Our parent company, The Roof CoLab, can provide you with all the tools and resources you need to start, scale, and maintain your roofing business.

What Else Does Illinois Roofing Institute Offer?

You can join our Advanced Sales Training Program or use our consultations to set up your business. Every student of Illinois Roofing Institute recieves free consultations, application assistance, and peerless connections in the industry, even after their graduation.

After You Pass The Illinois Roofing Exam

How do I view my roofing exam results?

Exams are posted on continentaltesting.net typically a week or two after the exam. At the Illinois Roofing Institute we send our students reminders when results are posted.

Am I automatically licensed after I view my test results?

No, you must apply for your roofing license by completing an application with the Illinois Department and Professional Regulation. We at the Illinois Roofing Institute will complete this application for our students while in class.

How long does it take to receive the Illinois Roofing License after I send my application?

The process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, assuming your application is properly completed. In some cases, the license can arrive faster, but the average is 6 weeks.

Can I perform roofing while I wait for my license to arrive?

No, legally, you must NOT perform any roofing work until you have an active 104 roofing license number. Working without a license could lead to fines and legal proceedings.

Do I need continuing education or to retest to maintain my license active?

No, you do not need continuing education or a retest to maintain the license. You will only need to fill out a renewal application and pay the required $125 fee. You must pay an extra reactivation fee if you fail to renew the license within the due time.

Does the Illinois roofing license have an expiration date?

Yes, your license expires every 2 years on odd-numbered years. You must renew your license every 2 years for $125 ($62.5 per year) with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

What happens if my roofing license expires?

If your roofing license expires, the IDFPR will move it into a dormant state. You will have to pay a re-instatement fee, in addition to the renewal fee. Please renew your license before the expiry date to avoid unnecessary costs.