Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Louisiana
Roofing, LA
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Louisiana
Types of Roofing Licenses in Louisiana
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Louisiana
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Louisiana?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana?
How to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana?
Louisiana Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Louisiana Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Louisiana?
Do I Need to Renew My Louisiana Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Louisiana Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Louisiana Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Louisiana
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 Louisiana employs 830 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 Louisiana is also 6%.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the licensing and regulation requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Louisiana.
Roofing License Requirements in Louisiana
Louisiana requires roofing contractors to obtain a license or registration, depending on the size of projects they perform.
A Commercial license is required for commercial contractors completing commercial projects of $50,000 or more in value.
A Residential license is required for contractors completing projects of $75,000 or more in value.
Home improvement contractors who perform residential projects valued higher than $7,500 but less than $75,000 are required to register with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
License Types in Louisiana
Commercial and Residential licenses are required for roofing contractors. The Commercial license has a different major classification and subclassifications. For roofing, the major classification is Building Construction and the subclassification is Roofing and Sheet Metal, Siding.
For the Residential license, roofers must obtain the Home Improvement classification. Home improvement registration is required for contractors performing residential construction projects valued higher than $7,500 but less than $75,000.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana
The application process for a Commercial license includes:
Complete the online Commercial application.
Provide a financial statement showing a minimum of $10,000 net worth (must be current within 12 months of application).
Pass the required examinations (Business Law and Roofing and Sheet Metal, Siding).
Receive Board approval.
The steps to obtain a Residential license include:
Complete the online Residential application.
Provide a financial statement showing a minimum of $10,000 net worth (must be current within 12 months of application).
Pass the required examinations (Business and Law and Residential Construction).
Submit proof of general liability insurance with a minimum amount of $100,000 and proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage via email to insurance@lslbc.louisiana.gov.
Receive Board approval.
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Louisiana
There are many benefits to obtaining a Louisiana contractor license:
First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license. A license is required under Louisiana law.
Being a licensed contractor is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and 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 Louisiana?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $43,540 for those in Louisiana. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in Louisiana is $22.04 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $51,390 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 Louisiana?
Getting started in the roofing field in Louisiana is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. For one license classification, two exams, and the background check, the cost to become licensed is $400 total.
There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so this will only affect you if you open your own business.
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How to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana
To obtain a Commercial roofing license requires completing the online Commercial application, providing a financial statement showing a minimum of $10,000 net worth, passing the required examinations, and receiving Board approval.
Obtaining a Residential roofing license requires completing the online Residential application, providing a financial statement showing a minimum of $10,000 net worth, passing the required examinations, submitting proof of general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and receiving Board approval.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Louisiana?
There are no experience requirements for becoming a licensed contractor in Louisiana therefore there is no set amount of time that it takes. The process simply requires filling out the application and passing the required exams.
Louisiana Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout The Pelican State that offer these types of programs.
Here are some options:
Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge AAS Construction Management — 2 years
ITI Technical College | Baton Rouge AOS Construction Management — 2 years
Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge BS Construction Management — 4 years Project Management in Industrial Construction Certificate — 9 credit hours Project Management in Residential Construction Specialist Certificate — 9 credit hours Introduction to Construction Management Specialist Certificate — 9 credit hours Construction Technology Management Specialist Certificate — 9 credit hours
University of Louisiana Monroe | Monroe BS Construction Management — 4 years
Louisiana Roofing Licensing Exam Details
After submitting a license application, you’ll receive an exam approval notification and details for registering for the required exams. Contractors exams can then be scheduled at approved testing centers via the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors licensing portal.
A Commercial license requires the Business and Law exam and Roofing and Sheet Metal, Siding exam. A Residential license requires the Business and Law and Residential Construction exams. The Business and Law exam is open book.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Louisiana?
Licenses are issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).
Do I Need to Renew My Louisiana Roofing License?
A Louisiana license needs to be renewed after one year. At that time, you can choose to renew the license for a one-, two-, or three-year period.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for the Commercial license. A Residential contractor must complete six hours of continuing education annually by a board-approved provider.
Does Louisiana Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Louisiana holds general contractor reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Utah for all classifications and subclassifications, as long as the license holder has not been sanctioned for violations in the last three years. Reciprocity only applies to an exemption of a trade exam. All other license requirements must be met.
In addition, the state has Residential license reciprocity with Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Does My Louisiana Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, the Residential license works in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. In addition, the trade exam for the Commercial license can be waived in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Utah.
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 Louisiana through theHome Builders of Northeast Louisiana or the Residential Roofing Contractors Association of Louisiana.
Other Requirements Unique to Louisiana
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 Louisiana, a thorough asbestos inspection is required any time a public building, school building, commercial building, industrial building, or building comprising more than four dwelling units is being renovated. If asbestos is found, only a licensed asbestos contractor can safely remove or handle the asbestos-containing material.
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.
