State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Ohio

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Ohio

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Ohio

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Ohio

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Ohio

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

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

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Ohio

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

9. Ohio Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Ohio Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Ohio?

12. Do I Need to Renew My Ohio Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Ohio Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

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

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Ohio

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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 4,840 of them work in Ohio. 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 is 2% in Ohio.

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 Ohio roofing license guide will help you determine what you need to get started. 

Roofing License Requirements in Ohio

While the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board  (OCILB) issues contractor licenses for HVAC contractors, hydronics and refrigeration contractors, electricians, and plumbers, there is no Ohio contractor license required for a roofing professional. Businesses just need to register with the  Secretary of State.

Many cities and counties have their own local licensing requirements.

For example, the City of Columbus requires a General Contractor license for commercial roofing work and a Home Improvement Limited Contractor license for residential roofing work. Both are issued by the  Department of Building and Zoning Services.

The City of Cincinnati and City of Cleveland both require contractor registration for all contractors performing work in city limits. 

Types of Roofing Licenses in Ohio

While there’s no statewide roofing license, there are various types of local roofing licenses. Columbus has two types of licenses for roofing work:

1. General Contractor license for commercial

2. Home Improvement Limited Contractor for residential

Be sure to check the locality where you plan to conduct business and meet whatever requirements they have before bidding on or doing any roofing work. 

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Ohio

The application processes for the cities of Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati are outlined below.

Columbus

General Contractor

1. Fill out the contractor license application and get it notarized.

2. Obtain a surety bond with a minimum coverage of $25,000 and a certificate of liability insurance listing City of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services as a certificate holder.

3. Pay a non-refundable $300 application fee.

4. Submit application and corresponding documentation to BZSLicensing@Columbus.gov or City of Columbus - Department of Building & Zoning Services.

Home Improvement Limited Contractor

1. Must have one year of hands-on work experience. 

2. Fill out the required application and get it notarized or sign it in front of a Building and Zoning Services (BZS) official. 

3. Include a non-refundable $250 fee and submit the application to BZSLicensing@Columbus.gov or City of Columbus - Department of Building & Zoning Services. Note: Application must be submitted at least seven days prior to the next General and HIC Board meeting for consideration.

4. Upon Board approval, the applicant will receive notification by certified mail with instructions on how to complete the remaining steps in the licensing process.

Cincinnati

1. Fill out the registration application.

2. Include the required documentation: certificate of liability insurance coverage, proof of workers’ compensation insurance, application fee of $131.25.

3. Email application to ccpbpermitcenter@cincinnati-oh.gov or deliver via mail or in person to Permit Center, Contractor Registration, 805 Central Ave., Suite 500.

Cleveland 

1. Fill out the registration application form and get it notarized.

2. Include the required documentation: bond form with power-of-attorney form attached, certificate of liability insurance, insurance endorsement, $150 application fee. 

3. Submit to City of Cleveland, Department of Building and Housing.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Ohio

There are many benefits to getting an Ohio contractor license.

• First, and most important, many cities and towns require a contractor license to legally perform roofing services with their jurisdictions in  Ohio.

• A license is proof of your experience and skill as a tradesperson.

• 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 Ohio?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $59,230 for those in  Ohio. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a  roofer in Ohio is $23.57 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $54,964 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, the type of work you do, and years of experience.

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 Ohio?

Getting started in the roofing field in Ohio is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. You’ll have to pay the appropriate application and exam fees required by each locality in which you work.

For Columbus, the General Contractor application fee is $300, and the Home Improvement Limited Contractor is $250. The registration fees in Cincinnati and Cleveland are $131.25 and $150, respectively.

There is also the expense of securing the various types of business insurance required for licensure, including workers’ compensation insurance, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so will only affect you if you open your own business.

How to Get a Roofing License in Ohio

There is no Ohio contractor license required for a roofing professional. Businesses only need to register with the Secretary of State. Many cities and counties have their own local licensing requirements, so it’s important to verify licensing in the localities where you intend to operate.

For example, Cincinnati requires  registration. Registration requirements include a certificate of liability insurance coverage, proof of workers’ compensation insurance, and an application fee of $131.25. The application and documents can be emailed to ccpbpermitcenter@cincinnati-oh.gov or delivered via mail or in person to Permit Center, Contractor Registration, 805 Central Ave., Suite 500.

Cleveland also requires roofing applicants to fill out a  registration application form and get it notarized. The application form, along with a bond form with power-of-attorney form attached, certificate of liability insurance, insurance endorsement, and a $150 application fee must be submitted to the City of Cleveland, Department of Building and Housing.

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

Because Ohio doesn’t offer a state license for roofing or contracting, the length of time depends on the municipality. If you choose to pursue a roofing apprenticeship or formal education, the time for completion varies depending on the program.

Ohio 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 accredited higher-education options throughout the state of Ohio that offer these types of programs.

Here are some options:

Columbus State Community College | Columbus, Delaware Residential Construction Management Certificate — 1 year Residential/Light Commercial Certificate — 1 year AAS Construction Management — 2 years

Cuyahoga Community College | Cleveland AAS Applied Industrial Technology - Carpentry — 2 years

Lorain County Community College | Elyria Construction & Renovation Tradesman Short-Term Certificate — 1 year Residential Building & Renovation Certificate — 1 year AAS Construction Engineering — 2 years AAS Construction Management  — 2 years

Terra State Community College | Fremont Construction Tech Certificate — 1 semester

Ohio Roofing Licensing Exam Details

Since Ohio issues no statewide roofing license, licensing exam details depend on each locality’s requirements. Exams for roofing work aren’t required in Columbus, Cincinnati, or Cleveland.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Ohio?

Since Ohio does not offer a roofing license at the state level any license or registration will come from the local level.  Many municipalities require a contractor license to perform roofing work. 

In Columbus, licenses are issued by the City of Columbus, Department of Building & Zoning Services. In Cincinnati, registration is required through the City of Cincinnati Permit Center. In Cleveland, registration is required through the City of Cleveland, Department of Building and Housing.

Do I Need to Renew My Ohio Roofing License?

Ohio license renewal depends on the locality:

• Cincinnati contractor registration must be renewed annually for $130. 

• Cleveland registration must be renewed annually for $120. 

• All Columbus licenses must be renewed annually for $300.

Continuing Education

The cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland do not require continuing education for contractor registration or licensing. 

Does Ohio Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Because licenses are issued at the local level, there are no statewide reciprocal agreements for contractors. 

Does My Ohio Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

No, those local licenses will not work in another state. However, if you have a roofing license at the local level in Ohio, that will help you feel prepared for any licensing requirements if you move to a new state. Ultimately, you will have to check out 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 Ohio through one of the industry associations in the state, such as the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association.

Other Requirements Unique to Ohio

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.

Ohio follows the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements for asbestos control. Contractors conducting work involving asbestos-containing materials must provide a notification to the  Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, conduct thorough inspections to determine the presence of asbestos, follow specific work practices, and ensure proper disposal of the materials. 

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.