Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Connecticut
Roofing, CT
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Connecticut
Types of Roofing Licenses in Connecticut
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Connecticut
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Connecticut?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut?
How to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut?
Connecticut Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Connecticut Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Connecticut?
Do I Need to Renew My Connecticut Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Connecticut Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Connecticut Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Connecticut
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 Connecticut employs 820 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 Connecticut is 10%.
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.
Roofing License Requirements in Connecticut
While there’s no specific roofing license in Connecticut, the state requires individuals and businesses to register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) if they are doing contracting work on residential properties costing more than $200 or commercial properties meeting specific guidelines.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Connecticut
While the state of Connecticut does not require professional licensing for roofers, it requires individuals or contracting businesses performing construction projects, including roofing, to register with the state.
Contractor registrations for roofers include:
Home improvement contractor: This registration includes home improvement construction on roofs, siding, insulation, driveways, swimming pools, porches, garages, flooring, patios, landscaping, painting, fences, doors and windows, waterproofing, and alarm systems not requiring electrical work.
Major contractor: Roofers working on commercial buildings must register with the DCP as a major contractor, which is similar to a general contractor’s license.
Businesses building new, single-family dwellings, two-family units, or condominiums need to register as a new home construction contractor.
Connecticut’s laws and regulations define occupational classifications, license types, and contractor licensing requirements.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut
Roofing contractors need to register with the state. The state accepts home improvement contractor applications online, while it accepts major contractor applications online or by mail.
Steps to register as a home improvement contractor include:
Obtain a minimum of $20,000 general liability insurance. You’ll need to provide the name of your insurance provider and policy number in the application.
Determine whether you will register as an individual (sole proprietorship) or a legal entity (LLC or corporation).
Legal entities must register with the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office before applying.
Pay $220 application fee.
Submit an online registration application.
Steps to register as a major contractor include:
Register your business with the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office.
Submit two credit reference letters: one from the trade industry, such as a supplier or subcontractor, and a second from a financial institution.
Provide evidence of general liability insurance.
Pay $500 application fee.
It’s important to check city and county regulations to find out if you need to submit local license applications so you avoid performing unlicensed work.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Connecticut
There are many benefits to registering as a home improvement contractor or major contractor in Connecticut.
First, and most importantly, it is illegal to perform roofing work without the proper registration.
Registration proves your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only registered home improvement contractors can perform roofing work on residences, and only registered major contractors can perform roofing work on commercial buildings.
Being properly registered 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 Connecticut?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $69,170 for those in Connecticut. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Connecticut is $25.02 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year.
Indeed also lists a salary for a roofing contractor in Connecticut as $115,922 annually.
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 Connecticut?
Getting started in the roofing field in Connecticut is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.
The home improvement contractor application fee costs $220, and a major contractor license application fee costs $500. Each of these also require general liability insurance.
Legal entities face additional business-related expenses, such as worker’s compensation insurance, which would only affect you if you open your own business.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut
To register as a home improvement contractor or major contractor in Connecticut, you need to obtain liability insurance. If you apply as a major contractor, you’ll also need to submit two credit reference letters.
Those starting a new business must first register with th Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office.
Insurance
A home improvement contractor, which can be an individual or business, must obtain a minimum of $20,000 general liability insurance. Major contractors must also show proof of liability insurance.
Reference letters
Applicants registering as a major contractor need to submit two credit reference letters: one from the trade industry, such as a supplier or subcontractor, and a second from a financial institution.
Application fee
Those registering as a home improvement contractor pay a $220 application fee online. Those applying for a major contractor application pay a $500 fee online, or if mailing a paper application, pay by money order or check.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Connecticut?
Since there are no formal education or licensing requirements in Connecticut, there’s no set length of time to become a roofer. If you choose to pursue a roofing apprenticeship or formal education, the time for completion varies depending on the program.
Connecticut Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a construction certificate or a construction management degree. Several higher education options throughout the Constitution State offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Central Connecticut State University | New Britain Construction Management Certificate — 12 credits Construction Management, BS — 4 years
CT State Community College| Hartford, Norwalk Construction Management Certificate — 6 months to 1 year Construction Management, AS — 2 years | Norwalk, Norwich Construction Technology Career Program, AS — 2 years
University of Hartford | West Hartford Construction Management and Technology, BS — 4 years
Connecticut Roofing Licensing Exam Details
There is no exam requirement at the state level for roofers in Connecticut.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Connecticut?
Although Connecticut contractor licenses are required for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors, roofing contractors do not obtain state licenses. Instead, they annually register as a home improvement or major contractor with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Do I Need to Renew My Connecticut Roofing License?
Those who register in Connecticut as a home improvement contractor and major contractor must renew their registration every year.
For home improvement contractors:
Registrations expire annually on March 31.
The state sends renewal notices by email or mail 30-45 days before the expiration date.
Renewal applications must show proof of a minimum of $20,000 general liability insurance.
Applicants must submit the renewal and pay a $220 renewal fee online.
For major contractors:
Registrations expire annually on June 30.
The state sends renewal notices by email or mail 30-45 days before the expiration date.
Applicants submit the renewal and pay a $500 renewal fee online.
Continuing Education
While Connecticut mandates continuing education for plumbers and electricians, the state does not require continuing education for roofers or roofing contractors.
Does Connecticut Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Connecticut does not hold reciprocal license agreements for contractors with any other state. Those with a license from another state will need to register with Connecticut to perform roofing work.
Does My Connecticut Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Because Connecticut doesn’t grant a roofing license, Connecticut roofers don’t receive license reciprocity in any other states. Connecticut roofers will need to check with the state where they plan to work to obtain the appropriate licenses.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. This and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money.
You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Connecticut through the Connecticut Roofing Contractors Association or the Connecticut Construction Industries Association.
Other Requirements Unique to Connecticut
Connecticut promotes asphalt roofing shingle recycling, and several recyclers in the state process asphalt shingles. Some roofing products may have contained asbestos until the early 1980s, and those disposing of shingles with asbestos must apply for a special waste disposal authorization from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
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.
