The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act requires anyone who performs construction services on roofs to obtain a roofing license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Those wondering how to get a roofing license in Illinois can find all the information you need here.
Understanding the Illinois Roofing License Requirements
Before sitting for the roofing exam, applicants must provide proof of liability, property damage, and worker’s compensation insurance if they have employees.
A surety bond of $10,000 must also be obtained before a license will be issued. A surety bond is similar to insurance except that it protects customers if contractors do not fulfill their contractual obligations.
An application fee of $125 must also be paid. Once the application is submitted, you’ll have three years to complete the exam, so you have plenty of time to take an exam prep class.
Types of Roofing Licenses Available in Illinois
Understanding how to get a roofing license in Illinois starts with choosing the type of license you need. There are two types of roofing licenses available in Illinois:
- Limited Roofing License. This license allows you to work on residential properties, including single-family homes and multi-unit buildings with no more than eight units.
- Unlimited Roofing License. This license allows you to work on commercial and residential properties, including those with more than eight units.
Steps to Obtain a Roofing License in Illinois
To learn how to get a roofing license in Illinois, follow these steps:
1. Choose a License Type. Based on the type of work you will perform, decide whether you need a limited or unlimited license.
2. Designate a Qualifying Party. A Qualifying Party is the person at your company who will take the licensing exam and be responsible for the company’s roofing operations.Employees of a licensed roofing contractor in Illinois do not need to carry their own license.
3. Obtain all Required Insurance Coverage and Bonding Requirements. In Illinois, this includes general liability and property damage coverage, workers’ compensation insurance if workers are employed, and a surety bond.
4. Submit Application & Paperwork. Complete and submit the license application, along with the $125 application fee and all necessary insurance documents.
5. Pass the Illinois Roofing License Exam. The designated party must sit for and pass the license examination.
6. Wait for Approval. The IDFPR will review the application and documents, a process that can take up to 8 weeks, but is often completed in 2-4 weeks.
Preparing for the Illinois Roofing License Exam
Most roofing contractors learn much of what they need to know through on-the-job experience. However, the roofing license exam covers specific topics that may not come up during everyday work. If you want to learn how to get a roofing license in Illinois, an exam prep course can help.
Most people attend a roofing license exam prep course that covers the relevant topics to ensure they’re ready to go on test day. To get the most from a prep course, choose one that holds classes immediately before the exam so the information is fresh. In Illinois, roofing licensing exams are given only in odd-numbered months.
It can also be helpful to choose an energetic roofing exam prep course that includes strategies for passing exams. For some in the roofing industry, it may have been a few years since you’ve been asked to sit and take a test. Having the right studying and testing strategies will ensure you have the confidence you need to ace the exam.
Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Illinois Roofing Contractors
To obtain a roofing license in Illinois, it is critical to meet the insurance and bonding requirements. These requirements protect contractors and their clients and ensure compliance with all state regulations. If you want to know how to get a roofing license in Illinois, start with these requirements:
- General Liability Insurance. Contractors must secure a general liability insurance policy with minimum coverage of $250,000 per occurrence for property damage and $500,000 per occurrence for personal injury. This protects against claims of damages or injuries arising from roofing work.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If the contractor has employees, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory under Illinois law, and the contractor must not be late on any payments. This coverage protects employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses and shields employers from potential lawsuits.
- Surety Bond. This bond ensures that contractors fulfill their contractual obligations and provides financial recourse to clients if the contractor fails to meet agreed-upon terms. Illinois requires a $10,000 surety bond for a Limited Roofing License and $25,000 for an Unlimited License.
Renewing and Maintaining Your Illinois Roofing License
In Illinois, roofing licenses expire on December 31st of every odd-numbered year, regardless of when it was issued. Licenses must be renewed with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) every two years. The process includes submitting a renewal application online or via mail, along with the $125 renewal fee.
Contractors must also maintain valid general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable), and a surety bond, ensuring these documents are current and compliant with state requirements.
Some license holders may be required to attend continuing education courses, depending on state regulations. Staying informed about updates to industry practices and laws ensures contractors meet IDFPR standards. Failing to renew or maintain compliance can result in license suspension or additional fines.
