State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in North Carolina

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in North Carolina

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in North Carolina

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in North Carolina

5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in North Carolina?

6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina?

7. How to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina

8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina?

9. North Carolina Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. North Carolina Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in North Carolina?

12. Do I Need to Renew My North Carolina Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does North Carolina Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

15. Does My North Carolina Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to North Carolina 

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 North Carolina employs 2,910 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 North Carolina is 9%.

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.

Roofing License Requirements in North Carolina

The state of North Carolina requires a General Contractor license for any contractor conducting construction activity of $30,000 or more in value. Licenses are issued through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. 

Types of Roofing Licenses in North Carolina

There are multiple classifications for the General Contractor license. The most basic is a Specialty Contractor, but Building and Residential Contractor licenses allow the licensee to perform other types of work. The license classifications include:

• Building Contractor: Covers all building construction and demolition activity, including commercial, industrial, institutional, and all residential building construction. Several specialty classifications apply, including roofing,​ masonry construction work, driveways, swimming pools, and asbestos.

• Residential Contractor: Covers all construction and demolition activity pertaining to the construction of residential units that are required to conform to the Residential Building Code. 

• Specialty Contractor - Roofing: Covers the installation, demolition, and repair of roofs and decks on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures requiring materials that form a water-tight and weather-resistant surface.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina

The steps to apply for a North Carolina roofing license are:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Submit license application online at nclbgc.org, which requires an application fee and audited financial statement showing you meet financial requirements*.

3. Take required exams. 

4. Upon passing an exam, wait for Board approval of the license. Lists for Board approval are scheduled for twice a month.

*For a limited license type, which allows you to complete projects up to $750,000, you must demonstrate proof of assets that exceed total current liabilities by at least $17,000 or have a total net worth of at least $80,000.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in North Carolina

There are many benefits to obtaining a roofing license in North Carolina:

• First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license. 

• 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 North Carolina?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $47,320 for those in  North Carolina. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed, the average wage for a roofer in  North Carolina is $21.54 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $50,243 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 North Carolina?

Getting started in the roofing field in North Carolina is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. 

The application fee depends on the type of license:

• $125 for an unlimited license (no restriction on project value)

• $100 for an intermediate license (project values up to $1,500,000)

• $75 for a limited license (project values up to $750,000)

You’ll also have to pay a $79 exam fee for each required exam. 

How to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina

To get your North Carolina roofing license you must be at least 18 years of age.

Applicants must submit a license application online at nclbgc.org. The application requires an audited financial statement showing you meet financial requirements.  For a limited license type, which allows you to complete projects up to $750,000, you must demonstrate proof of assets that exceed total current liabilities by at least $17,000 or have a total net worth of at least $80,000. You will also need to take the required exams. 

Upon passing an exam,  you will need to wait for Board approval of the license. Lists for Board approval are scheduled twice a month.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in North Carolina?

Since North Carolina doesn’t have any experience requirements for licensure, it doesn’t take long to acquire a license. Initial processing of a license application takes about two weeks. Once exams are passed, the application goes on a list for Board approval. The Board meets twice a month for license approvals. This can take about two to three weeks. 

North Carolina 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 Tar Heel State that offer these types of programs.

Here are some options:

Central Piedmont Community College | Charlotte Associate degree in Construction Management Technology — 2 years

East Carolina University | Greenville BS Construction Management — 4 years

North Carolina State University | Raleigh BS Construction Engineering — 4 years

Sandhills Community College | Pinehurst Certificate in Construction Management Technology — 1 year Associate degree in Construction Management Technology — 2 years

Wake Tech | Raleigh Basic Construction Estimating Certificate — 1 year Basic Construction Management Certificate — 1 year Construction Management Safety Certificate — 1 year AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years

North Carolina Roofing Licensing Exam Details

North Carolina roofing license exams are administered by  PSI Services, Inc.  All applicants must pass the North Carolina Business and Law exam and the exam required for their specific license type:

• Building Contractor: NC Building Contractor exam

• Residential Contractor: NC Residential Contractor exam

• Specialty Contractor - Roofing: NC Roofing exam

There are details on all of these examinations in the  Candidate Information Bulletin.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in North Carolina? 

North Carolina contractor licenses are issued by the  NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Do I Need to Renew My North Carolina Roofing License?

Licenses must be renewed annually by Dec. 31. The fee structure is the same as the original application: 

• $125 for an unlimited license (no restriction on project value)

• $100 for an intermediate license (project values up to $1,500,000)

• $75 for a limited license (project values up to $750,000)

Continuing Education Requirements

License renewal requires eight hours of  continuing education each year. The continuing education must include a mandatory 2-hour course produced by the Board with information about changes in the laws and rules and other content applicable to general contracting.

Does North Carolina Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

While the State Board doesn’t offer full reciprocity with any other state, they do have exam-waiver agreements with:

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Louisiana

• Georgia

• Mississippi

• Alabama

• Florida

Applicants will need to complete the new application, and the board they are licensed with in the other state must complete the Examination Waiver form included in the application. This only waives the trade exam. All new applicants will still need to pass the North Carolina Business and Law exam. 

Does My North Carolina Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

Because North Carolina has exam-waiver agreements with South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida you can expect those states to waive an examination when you apply for a license.  

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 North Carolina through the following organizations:

• Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association

• North Carolina Roofing Contractors Association

Other Requirements Unique to North Carolina 

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. It should be determined before a roofing project begins whether asbestos is present. In North Carolina, those who handle asbestos removal are required to be appropriately licensed or registered. 

Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.

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.