Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Colorado
Roofing, CO
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Colorado
Types of Roofing Licenses in Colorado
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Colorado
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Colorado
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Colorado?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Colorado?
How to Get a Roofing License in Colorado
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Colorado?
Colorado Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Colorado Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Colorado?
Do I Need to Renew My Colorado Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Colorado Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Colorado Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Colorado
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Colorado employs 2,920 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Colorado is double that at 12%.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Colorado.
Roofing License Requirements in Colorado
Unlike for plumbers or electrical contractors, Colorado doesn’t require a general contractor license for roofing at the state level. However, many cities have contractor license requirements within their jurisdictions.
For example, Denver requires a Specialty Class D certificate, referred to as a Supervisor certificate, and a contractor’s license for commercial and residential roofing work. The Supervisor certificate must be obtained prior to the contractor’s license.
In Aurora, roofers need a Supervisor license and a Roofing Contractor license.
Check for licensing requirements in the Colorado municipality where you intend to perform work.
Roofing License Types in Colorado
In Denver, there are a few Specialty Class D classifications that apply to roofing depending on whether you work on commercial property or family dwellings:
Roof Covering/Waterproofing: Installation of commercial and residential roof coverings, including valleys, gutters, downspouts and waterproofing
Roofing - Green Roof Systems: Installation of landscaped rooftop vegetation systems only
Roofing-Shingles: Installation of residential-only roofing systems
Once one acquires a Specialty Class D certificate, they can apply for the contractor license.
In Aurora, the Supervisor license and Roofing Contractor license are both required.
Other cities, like Boulder, use Class A, Class B, and Class C business license types.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Colorado
The licensing process for a roofer in Denver includes:
Meet minimum experience requirements for Supervisor certificate.
Roof Covering/Waterproofing certificate requires two years of field experience in all aspects of residential and commercial roofing systems. You must provide a minimum of 24 projects from 24 different months to document the two years of field experience. At least 75% of the installation projects must be different types of low-slope roof systems on commercial buildings.
Roofing - Shingles certificate requires two years of field experience in all aspects of residential roofing systems. You must provide a minimum of 24 projects from 24 different months to document the two years of field experience.
Fill out the online application, which requires notarized experience letters.
Once you receive approval, follow directions to pay the $60 certificate fee.
Fill out a Supervisor Statement of Responsibility.
Compile required Secretary of State documents.
Apply online for the contractor license.
Once approved, pay the $250 license fee.
The application process to become a licensed roofer in Aurora:
Fill out the application for a Supervisor license and pay a $120 fee.
Pass Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor International Code Council (ICC) exam, which requires International Building Code knowledge.
Fill out the contractor license application and pay a $150 fee.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Colorado
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Colorado.
First, and most important, many cities and towns require a contractor license to legally perform roofing services.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Colorado?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $54,560 for those in Colorado. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Colorado is $22.74 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $57,897 for a full-time roofer per year.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Colorado?
Getting started in the roofing field in Colorado is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. If you plan to work in an area where roofers need a contractor license to legally operate, you’ll need to meet the experience threshold and pay for licensing.
Denver application fees include $60 for the Supervisor certificate and $60 for the license. In Aurora, you’ll need to pay $120 for the Supervisor license, $115 for the required exam, and $150 for the Contractor license.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, such as general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This is primarily done by the contracting construction business, so it will only impact you if you decide to open your own business.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Colorado
Colorado doesn’t require a general contractor license for roofing at the state level. However, many cities have contractor license requirements within their jurisdictions. It’s important to verify license requirements in each locality in which you intend to operate.
The process to become a licensed roofer in Aurora includes filling out the application for a Supervisor license and paying a $120 fee, passing the Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor International Code Council (ICC) exam, and filling out the contractor license application, which incurs a $150 fee.
In Denver, you must meet experience requirements, fill out the online application, pay the $60 certificate fee, fill out a Supervisor Statement of Responsibility, apply online for the contractor license, and pay a $250 license fee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Colorado?
Because Colorado doesn’t offer a state license for roofing or contracting, the length of time to become a Colorado contractor depends on the municipality.
Colorado Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue construction engineering or construction management degree. There are many higher education options throughout The Centennial that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Aims Community College | Greeley AAS Construction Management — 2 years Basics of Construction Management Certificate — 6 credit hours Basics of Construction Methods Certificate — 5 credit hours Construction Fundamentals Certificate — 6 credit hours
Lamar Community College | Lamar AAS Construction Trades — 2 years Construction Trade Mastery Certificate — 1 semester Construction Trades Essentials Certificate — 1 semester Construction Trades Exterior Building Certificate — 1 semester
Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs AAS Building and Construction Technology — 2 years Carpentry Fundamentals Certificate — 1 semester Carpentry Advanced Applications Certificate — 1 semester
Trinidad State College | Trinidad, Alamosa Construction and Housing Renovation Program — 4 weeks
Colorado Roofing Licensing Exam Details
License exam details depend on the locality. Denver doesn’t require any exam to be licensed as a roofing contractor, while Aurora requires the Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor ICC exam.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Colorado?
While Colorado licenses plumbing contractors and mechanical contractors, the state does not offer a roofing license. Many municipalities require a contractor license to perform roofing work. Denver licenses are issued by the Denver Community Planning and Development department. In Aurora, licenses are issued by the city’s Building Department.
Do I Need to Renew My Colorado Roofing License?
Denver Supervisor certificates and Contractor licenses must be renewed every three years. In Aurora, Supervisor licenses must be renewed every three years, and Contractor licenses must be renewed annually.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for licensure in Denver or Aurora.
Does Colorado Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Because licenses are issued at the local level, there are no statewide reciprocal agreements for contractors.
Does My Colorado Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you have a roofing license at the local level in Colorado, that will help you feel prepared for any licensing requirements in the new state. Ultimately, you will have to familiarize yourself with that state’s requirements and follow its application process.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Colorado through the Colorado Roofing Association.
Other Requirements Unique to Colorado
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.
In the state of Colorado, you must have your project inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a Colorado-certified asbestos building inspector before commencing work. If the amount of asbestos-containing material exceeds trigger levels (32 square feet on single residential dwellings and 160 square feet on public and commercial buildings), then it must be removed by an abatement contractor.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
