Becoming a licensed roofing contractor in Illinois opens doors to high-paying roofing work, from single-family residential homes to multi-story commercial projects. Follow these key steps, use targeted preparation, and you’ll be ready to conquer the Illinois 105 Roofing Contractors Exam and start earning more.
1. Meet Experience & Documentation Requirements
Before you register, verify you meet the state’s minimum experience:
- Two years of on-the-job experience performing roofing systems installation and maintenance.
- Properly documented work history and references.
- Proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Once you’ve gathered those items, begin the application process with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). For questions on forms or deadlines, you can always contact IDFPR directly or consult their online sources for guidance.
2. Choose the Right License Type
Illinois offers two core paths:
- Limited License: Covers roofing on residential homes up to eight units.
- Unlimited License: Authorizes roofing work on all property types—commercial roofing, industrial facilities, and residential.
Decide which fits your career goals, then register for the corresponding exam date.
3. Gather & Complete Study Materials
Effective prep starts with the right materials. Your course should include:
- Official codebooks and the NRCA Roofing Manual.
- Interactive practice quizzes and timed exams that mimic the real time limit.
- Video modules, flashcards, text summaries, and links to other online sources for deeper dives.
Our students use a complete set of study materials built around the latest Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and rules (EDUCBA).
4. Understand Exam Content & Format
The Illinois 105 Roofing Exam tests you on six major sections. See the breakdown in the infographic above. In total:
- Residential exam: 80 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute time limit.
- Unlimited exam: 130 questions, 2½-hour time limit.
Because the test is designed for test-takers (not just seasoned roofers), having structured drills and professional regulation insights makes all the difference.
5. Leverage Proven Pass-Rate Strategies
Candidates who prep with targeted coursework see dramatic gains:
- Some providers report pass rates as high as 98% for prepared students (PRIME-IL).
- On average, first-time test-takers without formal prep pass less than half the time.
By following a proven study plan, you maximize your chances on exam day—and save time and money by avoiding multiple retakes.
6. Register & Sit for the Exam
Deadlines come quickly, so mark your calendar early:
- Registration closes roughly 3 weeks before each exam window.
- Exam windows occur quarterly: spring, summer, and fall.
Once registered, continue drilling with practice quizzes until you’re hitting consistent 90%+ scores under real-time conditions.
7. Launch Your Career & Business
After passing, you’ll receive your official license from IDFPR. From there, you’ll be fully authorized to bid and perform roofing services, backed by your legal authorization, bond, and insurance.
Many graduates go on to:
- Start small, contracting businesses focusing on roof repairs and replacements.
- Partner with general contractors on larger commercial roofing projects.
- Leverage digital marketing to attract clients seeking “roofing professionals with proven licensing and safety compliance.”
Ready to take the next step? Consider taking Illinois roofing license classes and get personalized coaching from industry pros who speak your language, both on the roof and in the classroom.