Important Alabama licensing distinction: The Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor classification is regulated by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. It is not the same credential as an Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board residential roofing license. The General Contractors Board generally regulates covered undertakings costing $100,000 or more, while residential roofing may fall under separate HBLB requirements at a lower project value. Always confirm which board and classification apply to your work.
The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor classification is a state-regulated specialty classification for qualifying roofing and sheet metal construction work.
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees the licensing process, while PSI administers the applicable trade examination.
Roofing contractors protect buildings from water, weather, and damage. A roof must shed or manage rainwater, accommodate temperature changes, resist appropriate loads, and connect correctly with adjoining building materials.
Roofing projects can involve asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile, slate, modified bitumen, single-ply membranes, built-up roofing, insulation, flashing, waterproofing, drains, gutters, and other components.
Sheet metal work often plays an important role in roofing construction. Flashing, metal edges, gutters, downspouts, coping, roof penetrations, and related details help direct water away from vulnerable areas.
The correct material or installation method depends on the roof assembly, building conditions, weather exposure, slope, and other applicable requirements.
Licensed contractors must also understand how to estimate jobs, interpret plans, organize workers, follow safety regulations, and comply with the Board's licensing rules.
Remember that this classification has a specific scope. A Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty license does not automatically authorize every form of general building construction or every activity involving architectural sheet metal.
State authority: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Classification: Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty.
Examination provider: PSI.
Trade examination: 60 questions.
Time allowed: 150 minutes.
Passing score: 70%, or 42 correct.
Format: Open book.
Business and Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.
Review the Alabama General Contractors Board application instructions. For preparation materials, explore the Alabama Roofing Books and Courses Rental Package.
Follow the state licensing process, from selecting the proper contractor classification through examinations and final Board approval.
| Step | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm Licensing Jurisdiction | Alabama General Contractors Board | Determine whether the project is regulated under this specialty classification, HBLB, or another authority. |
| Select Roofing and Sheet Metal | Specialty Classification | Match your planned scope of work to the Board's classification rules. |
| Document Work Experience | Board Qualification | Prepare project history and references supporting your requested classification. |
| Prepare Financial Documentation | Financial Review | Follow the Board's current financial requirements for your application and requested bid limit. |
| Submit Contractor Application | Prime or Subcontractor Application | Choose the correct application type and submit the required documents and fee. |
| Obtain Examination Eligibility | Board Approval | Wait for eligibility before scheduling required examinations with PSI. |
| Review Approved References | PSI Bulletin | Confirm the 2021 IBC, 2025 NRCA Steep Slope manual, and 2023 NRCA Membrane manual. |
| Pass the Roofing Trade Exam | 60 Questions | Complete the 150-minute test and earn at least 70%. |
| Complete Business and Law | Applicable Applicants | Prepare for the separate 50-question exam when required for your license application. |
| Complete License Issuance | Final Board Approval | Receive the approved classification and bid limit before performing regulated work. |
These details follow the Alabama PSI General Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin updated January 23, 2026.
| Exam Information | Authority | Current Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Authority | Alabama | Licensing Board for General Contractors |
| Trade Classification | Board | Roofing and Sheet Metal |
| Testing Provider | PSI | Computer-based contractor testing |
| Trade Questions | PSI Bulletin | 60 |
| Trade Time Limit | PSI Bulletin | 150 minutes |
| Trade Passing Standard | PSI Bulletin | 70%, or 42 correct answers |
| Trade Exam Format | PSI Bulletin | Open book |
| Largest Trade Subject | PSI | Steep and Low Slope Roofing, 27 questions |
| Estimating and Plan Reading | PSI | 10 questions |
| Roofing Components | PSI | 9 questions |
| Surface Preparation | PSI | 8 questions |
| Safety | PSI | 6 questions |
| Building Code Reference | PSI | 2021 International Building Code |
| Estimating Reference | PSI | Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995 |
| Steep Slope Manual | PSI | NRCA Roofing Manual, 2025 |
| Membrane Manual | PSI | NRCA Roofing Manual, 2023 |
| OSHA Reference | PSI | 29 CFR Part 1926 with latest available amendments |
| Business and Law Questions | PSI | 50 |
| Business and Law Duration | PSI | 120 minutes |
| Business and Law Passing | PSI | 70% |
| Business Reference | PSI | NASCLA Alabama General, 3rd Edition |
| Published PSI Exam Fee | January 2026 Bulletin | $96 per examination for this classification |
| Prime Application Fee | Board | $300 |
| Subcontractor Application Fee | Board | $150 |
2026 trade exam: 60 questions, 150 minutes, open book, and 70% passing.
Separate Business and Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, and 70% passing.
Reference edition: The official roofing specialty bulletin lists the 2021 International Building Code. Confirm all references directly with PSI before testing.
Fees: Published amounts are subject to change. Verify current charges when applying or scheduling.
The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal trade examination measures whether candidates understand roofing systems, materials, planning, estimating, components, and safe installation procedures.
The examination has 60 questions and lasts 150 minutes. That works out to approximately two and a half minutes per question.
The largest subject is Steep and Low Slope Roofing, Including Built-Up Roofing and Waterproofing. It contains 27 questions, or 45% of the trade examination.
This category deserves the most study time. Candidates should understand steep-slope systems such as asphalt shingles, tile, wood roofing, slate, and metal roofing, along with low-slope membrane and built-up roofing systems.
Study underlayment, insulation, roof decks, fastening, attachments, joints, transitions, flashing, valleys, penetrations, edges, and water management.
Estimating and Plan Reading contains 10 questions. Contractors may need to read roof drawings, calculate areas, interpret pitch, estimate materials, determine waste allowances, and understand construction details.
Roofing Components contains nine questions. This subject includes the parts that help a roof function as a complete system, such as drains, gutters, flashing, edges, accessories, transitions, and related sheet metal details.
Surface Preparation and Planning includes eight questions. Study roof deck conditions, existing materials, preparation methods, work sequencing, and the planning needed before installation.
Safety contains six questions. Roof work creates special hazards involving heights, ladders, scaffolding, fall protection, equipment, materials, and employee safety.
The separate Business and Law examination covers contractor licensing, estimating, financial management, contracts, payroll, taxes, liens, personnel, project management, risk, and safety recordkeeping.
Open-book testing can help, but speed matters. Learn to identify the subject and select the correct manual instead of searching every book for every question.
Start with the official PSI examination outline. The five technical categories tell you exactly where to focus your study time.
Next, arrange your reference books by subject. Learn to connect common roofing questions with the manuals most likely to contain the answers.
Steep-Slope Roofing: Study shingles, tiles, slate, wood roofing, metal shingles, underlayment, attachments, roof decks, flashing, and ventilation.
Low-Slope Roofing: Review membrane systems, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, insulation, waterproofing, penetrations, and drainage.
Sheet Metal Components: Review roof edges, gutters, downspouts, coping, flashing, metal transitions, and other weather-protection details.
Estimating: Practice roof areas, pitch, material quantities, waste, roof shapes, takeoffs, and basic labor estimates.
Plan Reading: Study construction drawings, dimensions, sections, elevations, roof plans, and specifications.
Surface Preparation: Understand roof deck inspections, substrate conditions, cleaning, moisture, and project sequencing.
Safety: Review fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, PPE, equipment, electrical hazards, and OSHA construction rules.
Code Navigation: Practice locating roofing and building provisions in the 2021 International Building Code.
Business and Law: Review licensing, contracts, insurance, project planning, payroll, taxes, estimating, and financial management.
For organized reference navigation, see the Highlighted and Tabbed Roofing Book Package. For additional course access and application assistance, review the Ultimate Roofing Exam Prep Rental Package.
Roofing protects the entire building from water and weather. Contractors must understand not only the main roof covering but also how all the supporting components work together.
Roofing assembly illustration for open-book contractor exam study.
Follow these eight steps from selecting the correct classification through final contractor licensing.
Check whether your planned work is regulated by the General Contractors Board, the residential Home Builders Licensure Board, or another specialty authority.
Review the Board's classification instructions and confirm that the specialty aligns with your roofing experience and intended work.
Prepare work history, project references, company information, and financial documents required by the Board.
Use the applicable Prime Contractor or Subcontractor application and include required information and fees.
Wait for the Board's approval and instructions before scheduling the required examinations.
Prepare for the 60-question roofing trade examination and the separate Business and Law examination where required.
Complete the open-book examinations and meet the minimum passing standards.
Finish the Board's requirements, obtain the approved specialty classification and bid limit, and maintain the license under current renewal rules.
The official PSI trade examination divides its 60 questions into five categories. The percentages below correspond directly to the number of questions in each category.
Largest subject: Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including Built-Up Roofing and Waterproofing, accounts for 27 of the 60 questions.
Study priority: This category represents 45% of the examination, so both NRCA roofing manuals deserve frequent review.
Chart meaning: The percentages are calculated from the current official PSI subject counts, not estimated difficulty levels.
The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal trade examination is open book. The January 2026 PSI bulletin identifies the following five trade references.
| Reference | Official Edition | Study Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA Construction Standards | Latest available amendments or PSI-approved selections | Fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, PPE, tools, equipment, and roofing jobsite safety. |
| International Building Code | 2021 | Applicable roof assembly requirements, coverings, code definitions, materials, and building provisions. |
| Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson | 1995 | Roof measurements, material quantities, takeoffs, estimating, roofing methods, and installation fundamentals. |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems | 2025 | Steep-slope coverings, materials, attachments, roof decks, underlayment, flashing, and construction details. |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems | 2023 | Membrane systems, built-up roofing, waterproofing, insulation, drainage, penetrations, and low-slope roof details. |
| NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Alabama General | 3rd Edition | Reference for the separate Business and Law examination, including contractor licensing, contracts, business finances, taxes, and project management. |
Official code edition: PSI lists the 2021 International Building Code for this particular Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty exam.
NRCA manuals: The published reference list specifies the 2025 Steep Slope manual and the 2023 Membrane manual.
Later editions: PSI states that candidates may rely on later editions of non-code references as they become available. Code questions remain based on the listed code edition.
Exam-room rules: Approved reference materials may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. They must otherwise be unmarked and cannot contain loose or attached papers. Only permanent tabs are permitted.
The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination permits approved books, but it still requires preparation.
With 60 questions in 150 minutes, candidates have approximately two and a half minutes per question.
Knowing which reference contains the answer can save valuable time. A membrane roofing question belongs in a different manual than a fall-protection question.
Book navigation strategy: Practice matching every question to the correct reference before opening the book.
Roofing safety: Review OSHA throughout your preparation instead of leaving it until the final study session.
Timing: Practice answering 60 questions within the full 150-minute limit.
An Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty contractor may perform roofing and related sheet metal activities within the scope of the classification issued by the General Contractors Board.
Roofing projects may involve construction, replacement, repair, and installation of qualifying roofing systems and moisture-protection components.
The work can include steep-slope and low-slope roofs, depending on the approved classification and applicable requirements.
Steep-slope work may involve shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, and associated roof details.
Low-slope construction may include built-up systems, membrane roofs, insulation, waterproofing, flashing, and related drainage assemblies.
Sheet metal components may include flashing, gutters, roof edges, coping, and other details that support roofing performance.
Contractors must stay within their approved classification and bid limit. A Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty license is not an unrestricted General Contractor license.
Roofing on a residential home may also fall under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board rather than the General Contractors Board. The appropriate credential depends on the project and applicable law.
Roofing contractors should also coordinate with licensed specialty trades when a project involves electrical systems, mechanical equipment, plumbing, or other regulated work.
General contractor threshold: Alabama generally regulates covered general contracting undertakings of $100,000 or more, subject to legal exemptions and other licensing laws.
Residential roofing: Alabama HBLB has separate rules for residential roofing work. Check the correct licensing path for your project.
2026 law change: Certain general contractor licensing exemptions changed effective October 1, 2026. Do not assume a roofing or roof-repair job is exempt without checking the actual statutory requirements.
Read the Alabama General Contractors Licensing Law for current requirements.
Different contractor classifications and state boards govern different kinds of roofing and construction work.
| Credential | Main Purpose | Qualification | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor | Qualifying roofing and related sheet metal specialty work | General Contractors Board application, trade examination, and applicable business requirements | Specialty classification under General Contractors Board |
| Building Construction Contractor | Broader qualifying building construction projects | Separate classification and qualification requirements | Broader scope than a roofing-only specialty |
| HBLB Residential Roofer | Certain qualifying residential roofing projects | Home Builders Licensure Board roofing requirements | Different licensing authority and residential scope |
| Unlimited Home Builder | Broad qualifying residential home construction | HBLB Unlimited license requirements | Includes qualifying residential roofing within its licensed scope |
| Metal Building Erection Contractor | Qualifying metal building assembly and erection | Separate General Contractors Board specialty classification | Not interchangeable with a roofing specialty license |
| Specialty Mechanical Contractor | Regulated mechanical or HVAC work | Applicable separate specialty licensing | Roofing does not automatically authorize mechanical system work |
Prime Contractor applicants: The Board states that prime contractors must pass Business and Law. Verify your required examinations with the Board if you are applying as a subcontractor.
Application versus examination: Passing the PSI examination does not automatically issue the Alabama contractor license.
Use this six-week schedule to develop roofing knowledge, learn approved references, and prepare for the required PSI examinations.
The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination can be challenging because it tests several different roofing systems in a limited amount of time.
The examination contains 60 questions and allows 150 minutes, giving candidates an average of two and a half minutes per question.
The largest subject is Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including Built-Up Roofing and Waterproofing. This single category accounts for 45% of the trade examination.
A contractor who primarily installs asphalt shingles may need additional study in membrane roofing, modified bitumen, low-slope drainage, and waterproofing.
Someone who specializes in commercial membrane systems may need more practice with steep-slope materials, roof pitch, and shingle-related details.
Estimating and plan reading can also be difficult if a candidate has not practiced roof measurements, material takeoffs, or slope calculations.
Safety requires separate preparation. Roof workers deal with heights, ladder access, fall protection, and equipment hazards. Knowing OSHA's organization helps with open-book safety questions.
Another challenge is moving between five approved trade references. Each book has a different purpose. The correct book may contain the answer, but candidates need to know where to start looking.
Business and Law adds financial and legal subjects that may be less familiar to experienced roof installers. Contracts, taxes, insurance, licensing, payroll, and financial management deserve dedicated study time.
Consistent practice is more useful than simply reading every book from beginning to end. Identify a weak subject, review it, locate the related reference sections, and answer timed practice questions.
The goal is not to memorize an entire roofing library. It is to understand roofing well enough to recognize the right answer and use the books efficiently.
A roof needs proper flashing to keep water where it belongs. Your exam preparation needs proper organization to keep your study time from going down the drain.
PSI examination time: The trade exam is 150 minutes for 60 questions.
Reference check: PSI may inspect your books before admitting them into the test room. Permanent tabs and approved highlighting are permitted; unauthorized notes and temporary tabs are not.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Alabama roofing and sheet metal preparation products covering safety, codes, roofing estimating, steep-slope systems, membrane systems, Business and Law, and reference navigation.
Additional books: Contractor Exam Preps also sells the NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, 2025 and Roofing Construction and Estimating individually.
Business reference: See the Alabama NASCLA General Business and Law Reference, 3rd Edition.
Package comparison: Confirm book editions, product availability, current pricing, course duration, rental terms, deposits, and application-service details directly on each product page.
This Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal credential-style illustration features a roof assembly, roof covering, flashing, and drainage details in the same navy, gold, and aqua brand colors.
It represents contractor training and examination preparation, not a state-issued license or official credential.
• Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty classification
• Alabama General Contractors Board licensing
• PSI open-book contractor examination
• 60 multiple-choice trade questions
• 150-minute examination time
• 70% passing standard
• Separate Business and Law examination
• Steep-slope roofing systems
• Low-slope and membrane roofing
• Built-up roofing and waterproofing
• Sheet metal flashing and roof edges
• Drainage and roofing components
• Estimating and plan reading
• OSHA construction safety
• 2021 International Building Code
Prepare with the correct roofing references and a study plan that matches PSI's official subject outline.
Alabama Roofing Contractor Licensing
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees the Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty classification.
Yes. The Board recognizes Roofing and Sheet Metal within its Building Construction specialty classification structure under moisture protection.
No. Residential roofing may fall under the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. The Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty described here is administered by the General Contractors Board.
The state's General Contractors Board generally regulates covered contracting work costing $100,000 or more, subject to exemptions and other licensing requirements.
No. Work must remain within the classification and bid limit approved by the Board. Other activities may require separate authorizations.
PSI Roofing and Sheet Metal Trade Examination
PSI administers the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor trade examination.
The current trade examination contains 60 questions.
The examination allows 150 minutes, or two hours and thirty minutes.
The passing standard is 70%, which means at least 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.
Yes. Candidates may use the references approved in the current PSI bulletin, subject to testing-center rules.
Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including Built-Up Roofing and Waterproofing, contains 27 questions. It represents 45% of the trade examination.
The published PSI outline assigns 10 questions to Estimating and Plan Reading.
The PSI outline includes six Safety questions. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is an important study reference.
Business and Law Examination
Yes. The Alabama General Contractors Board requires prime contractor applicants to complete the Business and Law examination.
The PSI Business and Law examination contains 50 questions and allows 120 minutes.
The passing standard is 70%.
The current official reference is NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Alabama General, 3rd Edition.
The examination covers licensing, estimating, liens, financial management, payroll, taxes, personnel, project management, contracts, business organization, risk, and safety recordkeeping.
Books and Roofing Exam References
The current January 2026 PSI bulletin lists the 2021 International Building Code for the Roofing and Sheet Metal specialty trade examination.
The official bulletin lists NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, 2025.
The published PSI reference is NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems, 2023.
Yes. PSI lists Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson, 1995.
Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed. Permanent tabs are permitted under the published rules.
No. PSI prohibits temporary tabs such as Post-it notes, along with unauthorized loose or attached papers and handwritten notes in approved books.
Applications and Contractor Exam Preps
Yes. The Alabama General Contractors Board determines eligibility for the required examinations. Follow the Board's application and authorization process.
The January 2026 PSI bulletin lists a $96 fee per examination for this classification. Verify the current charge when registering.
The Board currently lists a $300 Prime Contractor application fee and a $150 Subcontractor application fee.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps lists Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal highlighted and tabbed book packages, rental books, courses, and additional business preparation resources.
The advertised package includes OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2021 International Building Code, Roofing Construction and Estimating, and the NRCA Steep Slope and Membrane roofing manuals, prepared with highlighting and tabs.
Yes. The Books and Courses Rental Package includes the NASCLA Alabama General, 3rd Edition reference alongside the roofing trade books.
The listed roofing product packages request up to 15 business days for certain prepared book orders. Confirm current processing times before ordering.
No. Examination success is only part of licensing. The Board must complete its review and issue the license with the applicable classification and bid limit.
Watch this video from 1 Exam Prep about becoming a roofing contractor. It introduces roofing business and licensing considerations that can help candidates think about the career beyond the technical examination.
Video source: 1 Exam Prep's YouTube channel.
Important state distinction: This is a general roofing contractor career video that discusses Florida-related licensing. Florida requirements do not replace Alabama General Contractors Board or PSI rules.
Alabama-specific reminder: The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal trade exam contains 60 questions, allows 150 minutes, requires 70% to pass, and is open book.
Use Contractor Exam Preps for roofing books, rental packages, business references, and examination preparation. Use official state and PSI resources for licensing eligibility, the approved reference list, current fees, and testing rules.
Final reference check: Confirm the January 2026 PSI bulletin and any updates issued for your actual examination.
Licensing scope: Make sure the Roofing and Sheet Metal classification fits your work. Residential roofing may require review of separate HBLB rules.
Book purchasing: Check product contents, approved editions, order availability, course access, rental terms, and refundable deposits before buying.
Prepare for the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor trade examination with stronger knowledge of steep-slope roofing, low-slope systems, built-up roofing, membranes, waterproofing, flashing, drainage, roof components, estimating, plan reading, surface preparation, and OSHA safety.
Build the Business and Law knowledge needed for contractor licensing, including estimating, bidding, contracts, payroll, taxes, financial management, project management, risk, and licensing requirements.
Practice the 60-question, 150-minute PSI trade format. Learn to navigate the 2021 International Building Code, Roofing Construction and Estimating, NRCA roofing manuals, and OSHA reference efficiently.
Contractor Exam Preps offers Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal highlighted and tabbed books, roofing rentals, course packages, Business and Law references, and application preparation resources.
Find more contractor licensing preparation at ContractorExamPreps.com.
