Updated October 2026 | North Carolina S(Roofing) Contractor

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep

North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors • PSI Roofing Specialty • 60 Questions • 120 Minutes • 70% Passing • Open Book • 2018 NC Building Code • NRCA Roofing Manuals

Getting ready for the North Carolina Roofing Contractor license exam? This guide explains the official PSI examination, roofing specialty classification, licensing requirements, approved books, roofing calculations, business law, practice strategies, and related study materials from Contractor Exam Preps.

A properly installed roof protects everything underneath it.

When roofing materials, flashing, fasteners, or drainage systems fail, the results can get expensive quickly.

Water does not care how nice a building looks.

It only needs one weak spot to find its way inside!

Roofing contractors must understand installation methods, roof deck conditions, underlayment, membrane systems, metal roofing, safety, and weather protection.

They must also understand estimating, contracts, licensing, liens, and building-code requirements.

North Carolina recognizes roofing as a specialty classification within its general contractor licensing system.

The official designation is S(Roofing).

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates the classification.

PSI administers the examination.

What Is the North Carolina S(Roofing) Contractor License?

The S(Roofing) classification covers the installation and repair of roofs and decks on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures.

It includes work using materials that form a watertight and weather-resistant surface.

Examples include composition shingles, wood shakes, tile, metal roofing, single-ply membranes, built-up roofing, protective coatings, and waterproofing materials.

The scope also includes related roof accessories such as sheet-metal valleys, flashing, gutters, downspouts, and gravel stops.

It is a specialty classification within North Carolina's general contractor license system.

It is not a completely separate licensing board or an unrelated roofing certificate.

Who Regulates Roofing Contractors in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, commonly called NCLBGC, regulates roofing specialty contractor licensing.

The Board determines license eligibility, classifications, and limitations.

It reviews applications and approves individuals to take the required examination.

PSI administers the computer-based test.

After approval, the Board sends an examination eligibility letter.

The candidate then schedules testing with PSI.

How Many Questions Are on the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam?

The official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin updated November 19, 2025 lists 60 questions for the Roofing specialty examination.

Candidates have 120 minutes, or two hours.

The passing score is 70%.

For a 60-question exam, that equals 42 correct answers.

This is the published standard for the S(Roofing) examination.

Is the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Open Book?

Yes. The examination is open book.

However, candidates may use only the specific reference publications approved by PSI.

They must bring their own approved books.

PSI lists seven references permitted in the examination room.

These include North Carolina building codes, construction safety regulations, contractor business law, and three NRCA Roofing Manuals.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing.

Permanent tabs are allowed.

Temporary tabs, handwritten notes, and loose materials are not permitted.

Writing inside the books during the examination is prohibited.

North Carolina Roofing Exam Subject Breakdown

The current PSI examination includes eleven subject areas.

  • Safety: 5 questions.
  • Roofing - Substrate: 6 questions.
  • Roofing - Steep: 18 questions.
  • Roofing Repairs: 4 questions.
  • Roofing - Elastomeric: 6 questions.
  • Roofing - Built-Up Bituminous: 6 questions.
  • Business and Law: 7 questions.
  • Sheet Metal and Flashing: 3 questions.
  • Licensing: 2 questions.
  • Liens: 1 question.
  • General Building Code Requirements: 2 questions.

These categories total 60 questions.

Steep Roofing is the largest subject, with eighteen questions.

That represents 30% of the examination.

However, low-slope roofing, substrate preparation, business law, and safety are also important.

North Carolina Steep-Slope Roofing

Steep Roofing accounts for eighteen questions.

Study asphalt shingles, wood shingles, shakes, clay tile, concrete tile, slate, and approved steep-slope roof systems.

Review roof deck requirements, underlayment, fasteners, roof slopes, flashing, ventilation, and drainage.

Understand why different roofing materials require different installation details.

Study the roof structure and conditions before installing new materials.

The approved reference is the 2025 NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems.

Roofing Substrate Preparation

Roofing Substrate contains six questions.

Every roofing system depends on what lies underneath the visible surface.

Substrate preparation can involve roof decks, insulation, cover boards, existing materials, moisture conditions, and surface compatibility.

Study how damaged or unsuitable surfaces affect roofing performance.

Review when repairs or preparation are needed before installing a roof covering.

Understand how attachment systems interact with the substrate.

Elastomeric Roofing Systems

Elastomeric Roofing contains six questions.

Study flexible roofing membranes, roof coatings, system attachment, seams, terminations, insulation, and waterproofing.

Review the principles of low-slope systems.

Understand why correct application and continuity matter.

Study weather conditions and substrate requirements for applicable products.

Built-Up Bituminous Roofing

Built-Up Bituminous Roofing contains six questions.

Study built-up roofing materials, bituminous layers, surfacing, substrate preparation, insulation, flashing, and installation procedures.

Review how multiple layers work together to form a weather-resistant roof.

Understand basic repair and maintenance concerns.

The approved 2023 NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems supports low-slope and membrane roofing study.

Roofing Repairs

Roofing Repairs contains four questions.

Review common causes of leaks and roof deterioration.

Study how flashing failures, damaged coverings, poor drainage, and aged materials affect roof performance.

Understand basic methods of evaluating an existing roof before selecting an appropriate repair.

Review compatibility between old and new materials.

Remember that a repair must solve the problem, not merely hide the stain.

Sheet Metal and Flashing

Sheet Metal and Flashing contains three questions.

Study metal roof details, roof edges, valleys, wall intersections, penetrations, gutters, and downspouts.

Review appropriate flashing materials and installation methods.

Understand thermal movement in metal roofing.

Study the role of joints, clips, fasteners, and waterproof transitions.

The 2024 NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems is an approved reference.

Roofing Safety

Safety contains five questions.

Roofing work involves falls, ladders, scaffolding, electrical hazards, material handling, power tools, and weather exposure.

Study the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry.

Review fall protection, personal protective equipment, roof openings, safe access, and jobsite procedures.

Safety questions may appear on the exam, but safe work practices should be followed on every project.

Business and Law

Business and Law contains seven questions within the Roofing specialty examination.

Study contract administration, estimating, project management, insurance, worker responsibilities, and general contractor business practices.

Review the Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition.

Business and Law is part of the Roofing specialty examination blueprint.

Do not assume the separate general contractor Business and Law examination is automatically required in addition to S(Roofing). The Board determines any applicable examination requirements.

Licensing and Construction Liens

Licensing accounts for two questions.

Liens accounts for one question.

Study license classifications, license limitations, contractor responsibility, and basic construction lien concepts.

Understand why licensing and payment procedures matter to roofers.

North Carolina general contractor licensing rules determine when a license is necessary and how the license must be maintained.

General Building Code Requirements

This category contains two questions.

Review roofing provisions in the North Carolina State Building Code.

Study the role of permits, inspections, roof assemblies, materials, fire requirements, weather resistance, and construction documentation.

The current PSI Roofing examination lists the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code.

Although a newer code may be published or scheduled for adoption, the edition in the official PSI reference list controls examination-specific preparation.

Which Seven Books Are Allowed in the Roofing Exam?

The November 2025 PSI bulletin lists these seven references:

  1. North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with the latest available amendments.
  2. North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code, 2018.
  3. Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition.
  4. North Carolina State Building Code: Administrative Code and Policies, 2018.
  5. NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, 2025.
  6. NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, 2024.
  7. NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems, 2023.

These are the seven books included in the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package from Contractor Exam Preps.

Which Books Are Study-Only References?

PSI also identifies certain useful study references that are not allowed inside the examination room.

These include Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson and Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina.

Both can help students prepare.

However, they must remain outside the exam room under the current approved book list.

That distinction is important when selecting book packages.

When Is a North Carolina General Contractor License Required?

North Carolina generally requires a general contractor license for qualifying construction undertakings valued at $40,000 or more.

Roofing work is included when it falls within the applicable statutory definition and project threshold.

Permit requirements, safety rules, building code compliance, and other obligations may still apply below that amount.

The project threshold should never be used as a reason to divide one project into artificial smaller contracts to avoid licensing rules.

North Carolina Roofing License Limitations

North Carolina general contractor licenses also have project-value limitations.

  • Limited: Up to $750,000 for an individual project.
  • Intermediate: Up to $1,500,000 for an individual project.
  • Unlimited: No state license project-value cap.

The Board imposes financial qualification requirements based on the limitation selected.

Applicants may qualify through financial resources or an accepted surety-bond alternative.

Those bond alternatives should not be confused with an automatic roofing contractor bond for every license.

North Carolina Limited License Financial Requirement

For the Limited classification, applicants generally must show working capital of at least $17,000 or net worth of at least $80,000, subject to applicable rules.

A $175,000 surety bond may be used as an approved alternative to the financial requirement.

This limitation permits individual projects valued up to $750,000.

North Carolina Intermediate License Financial Requirement

For Intermediate licensing, the general requirement is at least $75,000 working capital.

The financial documentation requirements are more detailed than the Limited category.

An approved $500,000 surety bond may serve as an alternative.

This limitation permits individual projects up to $1.5 million.

North Carolina Unlimited License Financial Requirement

Unlimited license applicants generally must demonstrate at least $150,000 working capital under the applicable Board requirements.

An approved $1 million surety bond may serve as an alternative.

The Unlimited classification has no individual-project value cap imposed by the license limitation.

North Carolina Roofing License Renewal and Education

North Carolina general contractor licenses renew annually.

The Board's eight-hour annual continuing education requirement applies to the Building, Residential, and Unclassified categories as specified by state law.

A license held only in the S(Roofing) specialty classification is not included in that list.

Contractors who also hold Building, Residential, or Unclassified qualifications may have separate continuing education obligations.

Always check the current Board renewal instructions for the exact license classification.

How Much Does the North Carolina Roofing Exam Cost?

The current published PSI general contractor examination fee is $79.

That fee is for the examination attempt.

Board application fees, licensing fees, financial documents, and study materials are separate.

Applicants must receive Board authorization before scheduling the examination with PSI.

How Long Is PSI Examination Eligibility Valid?

The PSI bulletin states that the examination eligibility letter is valid for 120 days from issuance.

It authorizes one examination attempt.

Applicants who do not pass must follow the Board's process to receive updated authorization.

Do not wait until the final few days of eligibility before scheduling.

What Study Materials Does Contractor Exam Preps Offer?

Contractor Exam Preps offers a North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package containing the seven approved exam-room references.

The North Carolina PSI Roofing Contractor Online Course provides guided review, practice questions, videos, and book navigation.

The North Carolina Roofing Contractor Books and Course Rental Package combines highlighted and tabbed reference books with online course access.

The store also offers North Carolina Roofing Books Pre Printed Tabs for organizing the seven reference books.

These products support study and reference navigation, but no preparation package can guarantee a passing score.

How to Prepare for the North Carolina Roofing Exam

Start with the official PSI outline.

Study all eleven subjects, beginning with Steep Roofing.

Review substrate conditions, elastomeric roofing, built-up bituminous roofing, and repair methods.

Learn the function of flashing, gutters, waterproofing, and roof accessories.

Practice roofing calculations and roof area estimates.

Study OSHA safety and North Carolina building-code provisions.

Review Business and Law, licensing, and liens.

Use only approved reference books during simulated open-book tests.

Practice completing 60 questions in 120 minutes.

Finally, confirm your Board approval, book editions, and PSI test appointment.

A roofing contractor exam should be approached like a roofing job: inspect the requirements, prepare your materials, follow the plan, and finish carefully!

NORTH CAROLINA S(ROOFING) • PSI • 60 QUESTIONS • 120 MINUTES • 70% PASSING • OPEN BOOK • SEVEN APPROVED REFERENCES • STEEP AND LOW-SLOPE ROOFING
60

Questions on the North Carolina Roofing Specialty Exam

120

Minutes Allowed for the PSI Roofing Examination

70%

Passing Score, Equal to 42 Correct Answers

7

Approved Reference Books Allowed Inside the Exam

Important North Carolina Roofing Exam Update: The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin updated November 19, 2025 lists the S(Roofing) examination as 60 questions, 120 minutes, and 70% passing. The eleven examination subjects total 60 questions. Steep Roofing is the largest at 18 questions. The examination is open book, with seven approved references: North Carolina construction safety standards, the 2018 North Carolina Building Code, the 10th Edition North Carolina General Contractors Business and Law Guide, the 2018 Administrative Code and Policies, and NRCA Roofing Manuals from 2025, 2024, and 2023. Roofing Construction and Estimating and the Board's Laws and Regulations publication are useful for preparation but are not allowed inside the Roofing exam room. The separate Board license application and financial requirements still apply after passing.

What Is a North Carolina S(Roofing) Specialty Contractor?

The S(Roofing) classification is part of the North Carolina general contractor licensing system.

It covers installing and repairing roof systems and roof decks that use materials designed to create a watertight, weather-resistant surface.

The scope includes residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing within the classification.

It covers roofing materials, roof coatings, waterproofing, related sheet metal, flashings, gutters, and downspouts.

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors issues the state contractor license after the applicant meets licensing requirements.

Official classification: S(Roofing).

Licensing authority: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Examination provider: PSI.

Trade examination: 60 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.

Scope: Roofing installation, repair, waterproofing, and related roofing components.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Licensing Requirements

Requirement Current Information What to Prepare
State North Carolina Follow the Board's licensing rules.
Classification S(Roofing) Confirm the specialty scope.
Licensing Board NCLBGC Apply through the Board.
PSI Exam Provider PSI Services Schedule after Board approval.
Official Bulletin November 19, 2025 Check for later updates.
Trade Questions 60 Study eleven subjects.
Time Allowed 120 Minutes Two-hour practice exams.
Passing 70% 42 correct answers.
Exam Format Open Book Bring seven approved references.
PSI Examination Fee $79 Pay for each attempt.
Eligibility Letter 120 Days Schedule promptly.
Roofing Steep 18 Questions Highest study priority.
Roofing Substrate 6 Questions Deck and preparation.
Elastomeric Roofing 6 Questions Flexible roofing systems.
Built-Up Bituminous 6 Questions Low-slope roofing systems.
Roofing Repairs 4 Questions Roof assessment and repair.
Safety 5 Questions Fall protection and OSHA.
Business and Law 7 Questions Integrated in Roofing exam.
Sheet Metal and Flashing 3 Questions Roof metal and waterproof joints.
Licensing 2 Questions Classification and Board rules.
Liens 1 Question Construction payment protections.
General Building Code 2 Questions Applicable code provisions.
Construction Threshold $40,000 Know licensing applicability.
Limited License Limit $750,000 Per Project Verify financial qualification.
Intermediate Limit $1,500,000 Per Project Verify working capital.
Unlimited Limit No Project-Value Cap Meet highest financial qualification.
Limited Working Capital $17,000 Or qualifying net worth.
Limited Net Worth Alternative $80,000 Subject to Board rules.
Intermediate Working Capital $75,000 Required financial documentation.
Unlimited Working Capital $150,000 Required financial documentation.
Limited Bond Alternative $175,000 When using bond instead of financial showing.
Intermediate Bond Alternative $500,000 Subject to Board acceptance.
Unlimited Bond Alternative $1,000,000 Subject to Board acceptance.
License Renewal Annual Follow Board deadlines.
Specialty-Only Continuing Education Not in Current 8-Hour Class List Check if holding additional classifications.
2018 Building Code Approved Bring complete reference.
2018 Administrative Code Approved Bring complete reference.
NC Contractors Guide 10th Edition Business and Law.
NRCA Steep-Slope 2025 Approved roofing manual.
NRCA Metal Panel and SPF 2024 Approved roofing manual.
NRCA Membrane 2023 Approved roofing manual.
Roofing Construction and Estimating Study Only Not allowed during exam.
NC Laws and Regulations Book Study Only Not allowed during exam.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Snapshot

Exam Detail Category Information
Examination Trade S(Roofing)
Authority License NCLBGC
Testing Provider Exam PSI
Bulletin Updated Exam November 19, 2025
Questions Exam 60
Duration Exam 120 Minutes
Passing Scoring 70%
Correct to Pass Scoring 42
Open Book Exam Yes
Approved Books References Seven
Safety Blueprint 5 Questions
Roofing Substrate Blueprint 6 Questions
Steep Roofing Blueprint 18 Questions
Roof Repairs Blueprint 4 Questions
Elastomeric Roofing Blueprint 6 Questions
Built-Up Bituminous Blueprint 6 Questions
Business and Law Blueprint 7 Questions
Sheet Metal and Flashing Blueprint 3 Questions
Licensing Blueprint 2 Questions
Liens Blueprint 1 Question
General Code Blueprint 2 Questions
NC Building Code Books 2018
NC Administrative Code Books 2018
NC Contractor's Guide Books 10th Edition
NRCA Steep Slope Books 2025
NRCA Metal Panel and SPF Books 2024
NRCA Membrane Books 2023
NC Construction Safety Books Latest Available Amendments
Exam Fee Fees $79
Eligibility Application 120 Days
Arrival Test Day 30 Minutes Early Recommended

Exam: 60 questions.

Time: 120 minutes.

Passing: 70%.

Subject leader: Steep Roofing, 18 questions.

Format: Open book with seven permitted references.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Official PSI Exam Topics

1. Safety: 5 Questions

Study fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, roofing work areas, fire prevention, and construction safety standards.

2. Roofing - Substrate: 6 Questions

Review roof decks, insulation, cover boards, existing surface conditions, moisture, compatibility, attachment, and preparation.

3. Roofing - Steep: 18 Questions

Study shingles, shakes, slate, tile, steep-slope installation, underlayment, fasteners, valleys, ridges, flashing, ventilation, and roofing details.

4. Roofing Repairs: 4 Questions

Review leak detection, deterioration, roof assessment, repair materials, waterproofing details, and restoration practices.

5. Roofing - Elastomeric: 6 Questions

Study flexible roof systems, coatings, membranes, application methods, compatibility, and low-slope installation.

6. Roofing - Built-Up Bituminous: 6 Questions

Review built-up roofing, bituminous materials, surfacing, layering, insulation, flashing, and waterproofing.

7. Business and Law: 7 Questions

Study contractor business operations, contracts, estimating, risk management, insurance, and project administration.

8. Sheet Metal and Flashing: 3 Questions

Review metal panels, roof edges, valleys, penetrations, metal movement, gutter systems, and flashing.

9. Licensing: 2 Questions

Study North Carolina license classifications, limitations, applications, qualifier responsibilities, and state contractor rules.

10. Liens: 1 Question

Review payment rights, lien concepts, and construction documentation.

11. General Building Code Requirements: 2 Questions

Study the 2018 North Carolina Building Code and applicable roof construction and administration provisions.

Total: 60 questions.

Largest category: Roofing - Steep, 18 questions.

Business and Law: Seven questions integrated into the specialty examination.

Passing: 42 correct answers.

Blog Topic
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep
Official Classification
S(Roofing)
State
North Carolina
Licensing Authority
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
Examination Provider
PSI Services
Bulletin Updated
November 19, 2025
Official Trade Exam
Roofing Specialty
Exam Questions
60
Time Limit
120 Minutes
Passing Requirement
70%
Minimum Correct Answers
42
Exam Format
Open Book
Permitted References
Seven
PSI Exam Fee
$79
Eligibility Period
120 Days
Exam Categories
Eleven
Safety
5 Questions
Roofing Substrate
6 Questions
Steep Roofing
18 Questions
Roofing Repairs
4 Questions
Elastomeric Roofing
6 Questions
Built-Up Bituminous
6 Questions
Business and Law
7 Questions
Sheet Metal and Flashing
3 Questions
Licensing
2 Questions
Liens
1 Question
General Building Code
2 Questions
Roofing Work Scope
Roof and Deck Installation and Repair
Residential Roofing
Within Specialty Scope
Commercial Roofing
Within Specialty Scope
Industrial Roofing
Within Specialty Scope
Institutional Roofing
Within Specialty Scope
Composition Shingles
Steep-Slope Roofing
Wood Shingles
Steep-Slope Roofing
Wood Shakes
Steep-Slope Roofing
Clay Tile
Steep-Slope Roofing
Cement Tile
Roof Covering
Slate Roofing
Steep-Slope Review
Metal Roofing
Roof Panels and Flashing
Single-Ply Roofing
Membrane Roofing
Built-Up Roofing
Bituminous Systems
Elastomeric Coatings
Flexible Roof Systems
SPF Roofing
Spray Polyurethane Foam
Reflective Coatings
Roof Protection
Roof Decks
Substrate Preparation
Cover Boards
Roof Assembly Components
Roof Insulation
Roof Assembly Components
Vapor Control
Moisture Management
Roof Underlayment
Weather Protection
Roof Fasteners
Attachment Systems
Roof Clips
Metal Roofing
Standing Seams
Metal Panel Systems
Roof Flashing
Joints and Penetrations
Sheet Metal Valleys
Water Drainage
Gravel Stops
Roof Edge Components
Gutters
Roof Drainage
Downspouts
Roof Drainage
Penetration Flashing
Waterproof Details
Roof Valleys
Drainage and Detailing
Roof Ridges
Steep-Slope Roofing
Roof Ventilation
Assembly Ventilation
Roof Pitch
Slope and Geometry
Roofing Square
100 Square Feet
Roofing Estimate
Materials, Waste, and Labor
Roof Inspection
Condition Assessment
Roof Leak Repair
Repair Methods
Roof Replacement
Reroofing and Preparation
OSHA Safety
NC Construction Safety Standards
Fall Protection
Roofing Jobsite Safety
Ladder Safety
Roof Access
Scaffold Safety
Work Platforms
Roof Openings
Fall and Opening Protection
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
NC Construction Safety Book
Latest Available Amendments
NC State Building Code
2018
NC State Administrative Code
2018
NC Contractor's Guide
10th Edition
NRCA Steep-Slope
2025
NRCA Metal Panel and SPF
2024
NRCA Membrane Roofing
2023
Roofing Construction and Estimating
Study Only, Not Exam Room
NC Laws and Regulations
Study Only, Not Exam Room
Permanent Tabs
Allowed, Without Written Notes
Removable Tabs
Not Allowed
Handwritten Notes
Not Allowed in References
Additional Loose Papers
Not Allowed
Calculator
Silent and Nonprogrammable
License Threshold
$40,000 Qualifying Undertaking
Limited License
Projects Up to $750,000
Intermediate License
Projects Up to $1,500,000
Unlimited License
No Project Value Cap
Limited Working Capital
$17,000 or $80,000 Net Worth
Intermediate Working Capital
$75,000
Unlimited Working Capital
$150,000
License Renewal
Annual
Specialty CE
Not in Standard 8-Hour Requirement List
NC Roofing Book Package
NC Roofing Online Course
NC Roofing Book Rental
NC Roofing Book Tabs

How to Study for the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam

Begin with the current PSI content outline.

Gather the seven approved references.

Organize the books by the subjects they cover.

Study Steep Roofing first because it contains eighteen questions.

Review asphalt shingles, tile, shakes, flashing, underlayment, and roof ventilation.

Continue with roofing substrates, elastomeric systems, and built-up bituminous roofing.

Study roof repair methods and sheet metal details.

Review the North Carolina construction safety standards.

Practice Business and Law, licensing, liens, and general code questions.

Complete timed practice exams using the actual 60-question, 120-minute format.

For online instruction, review the North Carolina PSI Roofing Contractor Online Course.

For books and course access together, explore the North Carolina Roofing Books and Courses Rental Package.

Study the blueprint: Eleven exam categories.

Prioritize: Steep Roofing, with eighteen questions.

Prepare: Seven approved reference books.

Practice: 60 questions in 120 minutes.

Remember: Roofing Construction and Estimating is study-only for this exam.

North Carolina Roofing System and Waterproofing Diagram

The S(Roofing) examination covers how roofing materials, substrates, flashing, underlayment, and drainage components work together.

ROOF ASSEMBLY AND WATERPROOFING RIDGE ROOF COVERING UNDERLAYMENT ROOF SUBSTRATE GUTTER EAVE COVERING • UNDERLAYMENT • DECK FLASHING • FASTENERS • DRAINAGE EDUCATIONAL ROOFING SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Simplified study diagram. Actual roof construction must follow code, approved plans, manufacturer installation requirements, and site-specific conditions.

  • Roof covering: Primary exterior protective layer.
  • Underlayment: Additional weather protection.
  • Substrate: Supports the roofing system.
  • Ridge: Upper intersection of roof surfaces.
  • Eave: Lower edge of a roof slope.
  • Flashing: Protects joints and penetrations.
  • Fasteners: Secure roofing materials.
  • Ventilation: Supports roof assembly performance where required.
  • Insulation: Part of many roofing assemblies.
  • Gutters: Collect runoff from roof edges.
  • Downspouts: Direct collected water.
  • Roof repairs: Restore protection where systems fail.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Licensing Roadmap

1

Confirm the S(Roofing) Classification

Review the Board's specialty roofing scope and determine whether it covers your intended construction work.

2

Choose Your License Limitation

Select Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited according to the size of the projects you intend to undertake.

3

Prepare the Business Application

Gather the entity information, qualifier details, financial documents, and other Board application materials.

4

Submit the Application to NCLBGC

Follow the Board's current application procedure and wait for examination eligibility approval.

5

Gather the Seven Approved References

Obtain the correct codebooks, NRCA Roofing Manuals, construction safety publication, and North Carolina Contractor's Guide.

6

Study All Eleven Roofing Exam Subjects

Focus on steep roofing, substrates, elastomeric systems, built-up roofing, safety, flashing, business, and licensing.

7

Pass the PSI Roofing Specialty Examination

Answer at least 42 of 60 questions correctly within 120 minutes.

8

Complete License Issuance and Renewal Requirements

Provide remaining documentation, meet the selected financial limitation, and follow the Board's annual renewal rules.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor PSI Exam Subject Weighting

The following percentages reflect the official 60-question S(Roofing) content outline.

Roofing - Steep18 Questions • 30%

Business and Law7 Questions • 11.7%

Roofing - Substrate6 Questions • 10%

Roofing - Elastomeric6 Questions • 10%

Roofing - Built-Up Bituminous6 Questions • 10%

Safety5 Questions • 8.3%

Roofing Repairs4 Questions • 6.7%

Sheet Metal and Flashing3 Questions • 5%

Licensing2 Questions • 3.3%

General Building Code Requirements2 Questions • 3.3%

Liens1 Question • 1.7%

Total: 60 questions.

Largest category: Steep Roofing, 18 questions.

Passing: 70%, equal to 42 correct answers.

Study priority: Roofing systems, business and law, substrates, and safety.

Percentages: Rounded to one decimal where needed.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Approved PSI Reference Books

Reference Book Approved Edition Exam-Day Status
North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry Latest Available Amendments Approved for exam room.
North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code 2018 Approved for exam room.
Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, North Carolina General Contractors Edition 10th Edition Approved for exam room.
North Carolina State Building Code: Administrative Code and Policies 2018 Approved for exam room.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems 2025 Approved for exam room.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems 2024 Approved for exam room.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems 2023 Approved for exam room.
Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson 1995 Title in PSI List Study only. Not allowed in exam room.
Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in North Carolina Board Publication Study only. Not allowed in exam room.

Seven books allowed: NC construction safety standards, NC Building Code, NC Contractor's Guide, NC Administrative Code, and three NRCA Roofing Manuals.

Two important study-only titles: Roofing Construction and Estimating and Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in North Carolina.

Tabs: Must be permanent and may not contain written notes.

Printed codes: Must follow PSI's completeness and binding rules.

How to Prepare for North Carolina's Open-Book Roofing Exam

The examination permits approved reference books, but time is limited.

With 60 questions in 120 minutes, candidates have an average of two minutes per question.

Practice identifying the right book before looking up a section.

Use the 2025 NRCA Steep-Slope Manual for steep-roof topics.

Use the 2024 NRCA Metal Panel and SPF Manual for metal and spray foam roof systems.

Use the 2023 NRCA Membrane Manual for low-slope membrane roofing.

Use the North Carolina Building Code for applicable building requirements.

Use the Contractor's Guide for business and law.

Use the construction safety publication for roofing safety.

Do These Things

  • Read the official PSI bulletin.
  • Bring the seven approved references.
  • Verify the code edition.
  • Review all three NRCA manuals.
  • Use permanent tabs.
  • Highlight permitted sections beforehand.
  • Practice steep roofing.
  • Review substrates and repairs.
  • Study elastomeric roofing.
  • Study built-up bituminous roofing.
  • Practice Business and Law questions.
  • Complete timed exam simulations.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Bringing unapproved references.
  • Bringing Roofing Construction and Estimating inside.
  • Bringing the Board's Laws and Regulations book inside.
  • Using temporary Post-it tabs.
  • Writing notes on tabs.
  • Bringing handwritten notes.
  • Attaching loose papers.
  • Using the wrong building code.
  • Ignoring metal and SPF roofing.
  • Skipping contractor business law.
  • Ignoring licensing and liens.
  • Assuming an open-book exam requires no study.

What Work Can a North Carolina S(Roofing) Contractor Perform?

North Carolina's S(Roofing) specialty covers installation and repair of roofing systems on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures.

Its scope includes materials used to form watertight and weather-resistant surfaces.

These can include composition shingles, wood shakes, cement or clay tiles, metal roofing, single-ply systems, built-up roofing, coatings, waterproofing, flashing, and related drainage components.

The work remains subject to the applicable license limitation, permits, construction laws, and building-code requirements.

Other work outside the roofing scope may require a different contractor classification.

Classification: S(Roofing).

Structures: Residential, commercial, industrial, institutional.

Materials: Steep-slope, membrane, metal, coatings, and waterproofing systems.

Related roofing components: Flashing, valleys, gutters, and downspouts.

Important: Follow the selected Limited, Intermediate, or Unlimited project-value limitation.

North Carolina Roofing Specialty Versus Other General Contractor Classifications

Classification or Limitation Scope Important Difference
S(Roofing) Roofing and related weather protection. Specialty roofing examination and scope.
Building Contractor Commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential building work. Broader scope includes roofing.
Residential Contractor Residential building work under applicable rules. Includes roofing within authorized residential construction.
Highway Contractor Highway, bridge, and associated infrastructure work. Different classification.
Public Utilities Contractor Specified utility construction. Different scope and examination.
Limited License Individual projects up to $750,000. Financial qualification applies.
Intermediate License Individual projects up to $1.5 million. Higher financial qualification.
Unlimited License No state project-value cap. Highest financial qualification.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Requirements at a Glance

Approved Reference Library

Seven Exam-Room Books • Correct Editions

  • NC construction safety.
  • 2018 NC Building Code.
  • 2018 NC Administrative Code.
  • NC Contractor's Guide 10th Edition.
  • NRCA Steep Slope 2025.
  • NRCA Metal Panel and SPF 2024.
  • NRCA Membrane Roofing 2023.
  • Complete bound references.
  • Permitted highlighting.
  • Permanent tabs.
  • No handwritten notes.
  • No loose papers.

Shop Roofing Reference Package

State License Application

Classification • Financial Limitation • Qualifier

  • NCLBGC application.
  • S(Roofing) classification.
  • Identify qualified examination candidate.
  • Choose license limitation.
  • Provide entity information.
  • Complete financial qualification.
  • Receive PSI authorization.
  • Pass the roofing exam.
  • Finish license issuance.
  • Maintain required documentation.
  • Renew annually.
  • Follow any applicable CE requirements.

Review State Licensing Categories

Six-Week North Carolina Roofing Contractor Study Plan

Week 1

Exam Rules, Safety, and Books

  • Read the PSI bulletin.
  • Review license requirements.
  • Organize seven books.
  • Study construction safety.
  • Review OSHA fall protection.
  • Practice finding code provisions.
  • Begin Business and Law.
Week 2

Steep-Slope Roofing

  • Study NRCA Steep Slope 2025.
  • Review asphalt shingles.
  • Study shakes and tile.
  • Review slate roofing.
  • Practice underlayment topics.
  • Study flashing and ventilation.
  • Review fastener requirements.
Week 3

Substrates and Repairs

  • Study roof decks.
  • Review moisture and damage.
  • Study insulation and cover boards.
  • Review substrate preparation.
  • Practice reroofing topics.
  • Study roof repair methods.
  • Review roofing components.
Week 4

Low-Slope, Metal, and SPF

  • Study NRCA Membrane 2023.
  • Review bituminous systems.
  • Study elastomeric systems.
  • Review NRCA Metal and SPF 2024.
  • Practice metal panel details.
  • Study seams and coatings.
  • Review roof drainage.
Week 5

Business, Licensing, and Building Code

  • Study NC Contractor's Guide.
  • Review contracts and estimating.
  • Study licensing limitations.
  • Review lien questions.
  • Practice NC Building Code lookups.
  • Study Administrative Code.
  • Review safety topics.
Week 6

Full Timed PSI Practice

  • Complete 60-question exams.
  • Use a 120-minute timer.
  • Practice quick reference lookup.
  • Review missed questions.
  • Check approved book editions.
  • Remove prohibited notes and tabs.
  • Confirm PSI appointment.

How Hard Is the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam?

The North Carolina S(Roofing) examination can be challenging because it combines practical roofing knowledge with technical references and contractor business requirements.

It includes 60 questions and allows 120 minutes.

That works out to an average of two minutes per question.

Steep Roofing is the largest subject, but it is only 30% of the exam.

The other 70% includes substrates, repairs, elastomeric systems, built-up roofing, safety, flashing, business law, licensing, liens, and building codes.

Experienced roofers may be very familiar with one type of installation but less experienced with another.

A shingle installer may need extra practice with built-up roofing and single-ply membranes.

A commercial membrane roofer may need to study steep roof coverings, valleys, and tile systems.

Even experienced contractors should study the Board's business and licensing rules.

The exam is open book, but fast navigation matters.

Practice with the correct seven references so you can recognize the topic and find the answer efficiently.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor PSI Exam-Day Checklist

Do These Things

  • Confirm Board exam eligibility.
  • Check PSI appointment details.
  • Arrive about 30 minutes early.
  • Bring valid government ID.
  • Bring approved construction safety book.
  • Bring 2018 NC Building Code.
  • Bring 2018 Administrative Code.
  • Bring NC Contractor's Guide 10th Edition.
  • Bring NRCA Steep Slope 2025.
  • Bring NRCA Metal Panel and SPF 2024.
  • Bring NRCA Membrane 2023.
  • Use only compliant permanent tabs.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Bringing partial or loose references.
  • Bringing Roofing Construction and Estimating.
  • Bringing NC Laws and Regulations study book.
  • Using temporary Post-it tabs.
  • Writing notes on reference tabs.
  • Writing in references during testing.
  • Using unapproved code editions.
  • Forgetting NRCA roofing manuals.
  • Skipping Business and Law study.
  • Ignoring licensing and liens.
  • Arriving late.
  • Assuming passing alone issues a license.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Study Books and Courses from Contractor Exam Preps

Contractor Exam Preps carries North Carolina-specific roofing exam preparation materials.

These include the approved reference book set, an online exam prep course, and a book rental package with highlighted and tabbed references.

North Carolina PSI Roofing Contractor Online Course

Practice Exams • Reference Navigation • Flexible Learning

  • North Carolina roofing exam preparation.
  • Online study modules.
  • Roofing trade knowledge.
  • Steep roofing.
  • Substrate preparation.
  • Membrane systems.
  • Metal roofing.
  • Flashing and waterproofing.
  • Roof drainage.
  • Safety preparation.
  • Practice questions.
  • Online instructional materials.

Best for: Candidates who want flexible online learning while practicing how to use approved roofing references.

Important: The store currently describes one year of course access. Confirm current access terms and whether books are sold separately.

View North Carolina PSI Roofing Online Course

North Carolina Roofing Books and Courses Rental Package

Highlighted References • Permanent Tabs • Six-Month Rental

  • Seven approved exam-room books.
  • Two additional study-only references.
  • Highlighted rental materials.
  • Permanent reference tabs.
  • NC Roofing online course.
  • Six-month course access.
  • Six-month book rental period.
  • Roofing systems review.
  • OSHA safety.
  • Business and licensing.
  • Roofing estimating.
  • Reference navigation practice.

Best for: Candidates wanting prepared roofing references plus structured online preparation without permanently purchasing every study book.

Important: Rental terms, refundable deposits, processing time, and displayed prices can change. Confirm current terms before checkout.

View Roofing Books and Courses Rental Package

Also available: North Carolina Roofing Books Pre Printed Tabs.

For larger service packages: North Carolina Roofing Exam, Licensing, and Business Setup Package.

Exam-room reminder: Only the seven approved references are permitted. The two additional study-only books remain outside the exam room.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Complete Book Set product image from Contractor Exam Preps, showing a roofer working on roof tiles and roofing exam preparation artwork

North Carolina Roofing Contractor study-product image from ContractorExamPreps.com.

The image represents the store's North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package, related to PSI S(Roofing) preparation and approved roofing reference materials.

It is a roofing exam prep product image, not a government-issued contractor license.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep Credential

North Carolina S(Roofing) • PSI • 60 Questions • 120 Minutes • Open Book • NRCA Roofing Manuals • Contractor Licensing

  • North Carolina Roofing Contractor
  • North Carolina S(Roofing) Classification
  • NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
  • PSI Roofing Specialty Examination
  • 60 Roofing Questions
  • 120-Minute Examination
  • 70% Passing Score
  • 42 Correct Answers
  • Open-Book Test
  • Seven Approved References
  • Residential Roofing
  • Commercial Roofing
  • Industrial Roofing
  • Institutional Roofing
  • Steep Roofing
  • Low-Slope Roofing
  • Roof Substrate Preparation
  • Roof Deck Inspection
  • Roof Deck Repair
  • Roofing Underlayment
  • Roof Fasteners
  • Roof Insulation
  • Cover Boards
  • Roof Drainage
  • Asphalt Shingles
  • Composition Shingles
  • Wood Shingles
  • Wood Shakes
  • Clay Tile
  • Cement Tile
  • Slate Roofing
  • Metal Roofing
  • Standing Seam Roofing
  • Metal Panel Systems
  • Metal Clips and Fasteners
  • Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing
  • Roof Coatings
  • Elastomeric Roofing
  • Built-Up Bituminous Roofing
  • Single-Ply Membranes
  • Membrane Roofing Systems
  • Roof Waterproofing
  • Bituminous Waterproofing
  • Roofing Repairs
  • Roof Leak Detection
  • Roof Replacement
  • Reroofing
  • Roof Assessment
  • Sheet Metal Flashing
  • Valley Flashing
  • Chimney Flashing
  • Skylight Flashing
  • Roof Penetrations
  • Drip Edge
  • Gravel Stops
  • Roof Gutters
  • Roof Downspouts
  • Roof Ventilation
  • Roof Pitch
  • Roof Slope
  • Roof Calculations
  • Roof Area Estimating
  • Roofing Squares
  • Material Waste Factors
  • Roofing Material Quantities
  • Roofing Labor Estimates
  • North Carolina Construction Safety
  • OSHA Fall Protection
  • Roofing Ladder Safety
  • Scaffold Safety
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Roof Openings
  • Weather Safety
  • Construction Safety Standards
  • 2018 NC Building Code
  • 2018 NC Administrative Code
  • NC General Contractors Guide 10th Edition
  • NRCA Steep-Slope 2025
  • NRCA Metal Panel and SPF 2024
  • NRCA Membrane 2023
  • Contractor Business and Law
  • Contractor Licensing
  • Construction Liens
  • Roofing Contracts
  • Roofing Estimates
  • Construction Project Management
  • Contractor Insurance
  • Limited Contractor License
  • Intermediate Contractor License
  • Unlimited Contractor License
  • North Carolina License Financial Qualifications
  • North Carolina Contractor Renewal
  • Roofing Contractor Reference Books
  • North Carolina Roofing Book Package
  • North Carolina PSI Roofing Online Course
  • North Carolina Roofing Rental Package
  • North Carolina Roofing Permanent Tabs
  • Contractor Exam Preps

Explore the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package

Frequently Asked Questions

North Carolina Roofing Licensing

The official specialty designation is S(Roofing), regulated by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors issues licenses after applicants meet its requirements.

Yes. S(Roofing) is recognized as a specialty classification within the state's general contractor licensing structure.

The general contractor licensing threshold is generally a qualifying undertaking valued at $40,000 or more. Building-code and permit requirements can still apply below that amount.

Yes. The specialty scope includes roofing on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures, subject to the license and applicable laws.

No. The applicant must still satisfy Board application, qualifier, financial, and licensing requirements.

North Carolina PSI Roofing Exam Details

The official PSI Roofing specialty examination contains 60 questions.

PSI allows 120 minutes, or two hours.

The required score is 70%. That equals 42 correct answers out of 60.

Yes. PSI allows the seven specified reference books, subject to exam-room rules.

The current published PSI general contractor examination fee is $79 per attempt.

The PSI bulletin states that Board-issued eligibility is valid for 120 days and authorizes one examination attempt.

Roofing Trade Topics

Roofing - Steep is the largest, with eighteen questions.

Roofing - Substrate contains six questions.

Yes. Roofing - Elastomeric contains six questions.

Yes. Roofing - Built-Up Bituminous contains six questions.

Roofing Repairs contains four questions.

Yes. Sheet Metal and Flashing contains three questions.

Yes. Safety contains five questions, including relevant construction safety subjects.

Approved Reference Books

The PSI Roofing reference list specifies the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code.

The current PSI list specifies the 2025 NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems.

PSI lists the 2024 NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems.

PSI lists the 2023 NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems.

No. PSI identifies Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson as a study reference that is not permitted inside the Roofing specialty examination room.

No. The PSI Roofing reference list identifies that publication as a study-only reference, not an approved exam-room book.

Yes. Prior highlighting, underlining, and permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, handwritten notes, loose papers, and notes written on tabs are prohibited.

Business, Licensing, and Financial Requirements

Yes. Seven of the 60 Roofing specialty questions cover Business and Law. Licensing, liens, and general building-code requirements are also separate categories within this exam.

The official S(Roofing) examination already includes Business and Law subjects. Do not assume a second Business and Law exam is mandatory for this classification. Follow the Board's individual examination authorization.

The Limited license permits individual projects valued up to $750,000, excluding the specified land and ancillary costs under state law.

Intermediate licensing permits individual projects up to $1.5 million, subject to statutory valuation rules.

No. Unlimited licensing does not impose an individual project-value cap under the Board's license limitation structure.

Yes. The requirements vary by license limitation, and approved surety-bond alternatives are available under current Board rules.

The Board's standard eight-hour continuing education requirement is specified for Building, Residential, and Unclassified licenses. A roofing specialty-only license is not listed in that requirement. Check additional classifications and current renewal rules.

Contractor Exam Preps Products

Yes. The store lists a North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package with seven approved exam-room references.

Yes. Contractor Exam Preps offers the North Carolina PSI Roofing Contractor Online Course with study modules, practice questions, and reference-navigation guidance.

Yes. The store offers a North Carolina Roofing Books and Courses Rental Package. Confirm the current rental deposit, terms, return rules, and processing time before ordering.

Yes. The North Carolina Roofing Books Pre Printed Tabs product is designed for the seven approved reference books.

No. Study materials support preparation but cannot guarantee exam performance, Board authorization, financial qualification, or license issuance.

Watch: How to Pass the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam by 1ExamPrep

Watch this related 1ExamPrep video focused specifically on the North Carolina Roofing Contractor examination.

The video reviews roofing exam preparation, common technical subjects, approved study materials, and ways to organize your open-book reference library.

It is a useful companion to North Carolina S(Roofing) study materials.

Use the official PSI bulletin for current examination rules and approved editions.

Creator: 1ExamPrep.

Video title: How to Pass the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam.

Related exam: North Carolina S(Roofing).

Published: July 9, 2026.

Official exam: 60 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.

Topics: Roofing preparation, reference books, study methods, test-taking strategies, and common exam mistakes.

Watch the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Video on YouTube

Explore North Carolina Roofing Online Exam Prep

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Books and Official Licensing Resources

Use the North Carolina Licensing Board and PSI for official classification, examination, licensing, reference, and renewal requirements.

Use Contractor Exam Preps for roofing book packages, online courses, reference tabs, and preparation materials.

Official specialty: S(Roofing).

Trade exam: 60 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing.

Largest exam subject: Steep Roofing, 18 questions.

Seven approved books: NC safety, 2018 building and administrative codes, Contractor's Guide 10th Edition, and NRCA 2025, 2024, and 2023 roofing manuals.

Study products: Contractor Exam Preps book packages, online course, rentals, and permanent tabs.

Ready for North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep?

Preparing for the North Carolina Roofing Contractor examination is an important step for roofing professionals who want to qualify for specialty contractor licensing in the state.

Roofing contractors install and repair the systems that protect buildings from weather, wind, rain, moisture, and other outside conditions.

These systems may include asphalt shingles, wood shakes, tile, slate, metal panels, membranes, coatings, flashing, gutters, and waterproofing materials.

North Carolina regulates roofing through the Licensing Board for General Contractors.

The official roofing specialty classification is S(Roofing).

This classification covers roofing work on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures within the authorized scope.

The contractor must comply with the applicable license limitation, permits, safety rules, and building codes.

The Roofing specialty examination is administered by PSI.

The official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin updated November 19, 2025 lists 60 questions.

Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the test.

The passing requirement is 70%, equal to 42 correct answers.

The examination is open book.

However, only the seven approved reference books may be used during testing.

The exam covers eleven official subject categories.

Safety contains five questions.

Roofing Substrate contains six questions.

Steep Roofing contains eighteen questions.

Roofing Repairs contains four questions.

Elastomeric Roofing contains six questions.

Built-Up Bituminous Roofing contains six questions.

Business and Law contains seven questions.

Sheet Metal and Flashing contains three questions.

Licensing contains two questions.

Liens contains one question.

General Building Code Requirements contains two questions.

These subjects total 60 questions.

Steep Roofing is the largest category, representing 30% of the exam.

Students should focus on steep-slope roof systems, materials, underlayment, fastening, flashing, ventilation, ridges, valleys, and roof deck conditions.

The 2025 NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems is an approved reference.

However, other roofing systems are also important.

Elastomeric Roofing and Built-Up Bituminous Roofing together account for twelve questions.

Students should review low-slope roof membranes, bituminous materials, installation practices, roofing layers, insulation, attachment, waterproofing, and repair.

The approved 2023 NRCA Membrane Roofing Manual supports these subjects.

Metal roofing and spray polyurethane foam are also relevant preparation topics.

The approved 2024 NRCA Metal Panel and SPF Roofing Manual provides guidance for these systems.

Roofing Substrate is another important category.

Students should understand existing roof deck conditions, substrate preparation, insulation, cover boards, damage assessment, attachment, and material compatibility.

Good roofing systems depend on a suitable surface.

Roofing Repairs includes diagnosing damaged or leaking roofs and selecting appropriate repair approaches.

Sheet Metal and Flashing includes roof penetrations, valleys, edges, joints, metal components, gutters, and downspouts.

Flashing is important because water can enter through poorly protected transitions even when the roof covering itself appears intact.

Safety is another essential subject.

Roofing work includes hazards associated with height, ladders, scaffolds, weather, overhead work, tools, and construction equipment.

The official North Carolina construction safety reference helps candidates prepare for these questions.

Contractors should understand fall protection and safe roofing work practices.

Business and Law is part of the Roofing specialty exam.

It contains seven questions.

Licensing and Liens are separate categories within the same examination.

Students should therefore review contracts, estimating, insurance, construction management, project administration, payment responsibilities, and North Carolina licensing rules.

The Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition, is an approved exam-room reference.

The current approved roofing reference list also includes the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code and the 2018 Administrative Code and Policies.

These books help candidates review construction requirements and administrative procedures.

The seven permitted references may be highlighted, underlined, and indexed before testing.

Permanent tabs are permitted.

Temporary tabs, handwritten notes, loose papers, and writing during the examination are prohibited.

Two useful study references are not permitted in the examination room.

These are Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson and Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in the State of North Carolina.

Candidates should study these references outside the testing center and use only the approved seven books during the exam.

North Carolina also has licensing requirements beyond examination passage.

The general contractor license requirement generally applies to qualifying projects valued at $40,000 or more.

Applicants must select a license classification and limitation.

The Limited license allows individual projects up to $750,000.

The Intermediate license allows individual projects up to $1.5 million.

The Unlimited license has no individual-project value cap.

Each limitation has financial qualification requirements.

Applicants may satisfy these through the required financial documentation or acceptable surety-bond alternatives.

Contractor licenses renew annually.

The Board's standard eight-hour continuing education requirement applies to Building, Residential, and Unclassified license categories.

A specialty-only S(Roofing) license is not listed in that eight-hour requirement.

Contractors with additional classifications should review their specific continuing education obligations.

The current published PSI Roofing examination fee is $79.

Board applications and license fees are separate.

Applicants must receive Board examination authorization before scheduling.

The eligibility letter is valid for 120 days under the current bulletin.

Contractor Exam Preps offers several North Carolina Roofing study resources.

The North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package contains the seven approved exam-room references.

The North Carolina PSI Roofing Contractor Online Course provides flexible study modules, practice questions, and reference-navigation guidance.

The Roofing Books and Courses Rental Package combines highlighted and tabbed references with online learning.

North Carolina Roofing Books Pre Printed Tabs are also available.

These resources can support preparation, but students should still verify current book editions and examination rules.

A six-week study schedule provides a useful structure.

Start with the PSI bulletin, safety, and reference books.

Move into steep roofing, then substrates and repairs.

Study elastomeric, built-up, metal, and SPF roofing.

Review Business and Law, licensing, and building codes.

Finish with timed 60-question practice examinations.

With appropriate roofing experience, the correct books, organized practice, and a clear understanding of North Carolina's licensing requirements, candidates can approach the S(Roofing) examination with greater confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina's official roofing specialty contractor classification is S(Roofing), regulated by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
  • The PSI Roofing examination contains 60 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires a 70% passing score, equal to 42 correct answers.
  • Steep Roofing is the largest subject with eighteen questions. The exam also covers substrates, repairs, elastomeric and bituminous systems, safety, business law, flashing, licensing, liens, and code requirements.
  • The examination is open book and permits seven specific references. Roofing Construction and Estimating and the Board's Laws and Regulations book are study-only references, not exam-room references.
  • Contractor Exam Preps offers North Carolina Roofing book sets, an online course, book rentals, and permanent tabs. Licensing also requires Board approval and compliance with the selected financial and project-value limitation.

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep Summary

North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep helps roofing professionals prepare for the state's S(Roofing) specialty contractor examination and understand the licensing process.

The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors regulates roofing specialty licensing.

The official classification is S(Roofing).

This classification covers installing and repairing roofing systems on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures.

It includes roofs and roof decks protected by watertight and weather-resistant materials.

Roofing materials may include asphalt shingles, wood shakes, tile, metal panels, membranes, built-up roofing, coatings, and waterproofing products.

Flashing, valleys, gutters, downspouts, and other roof-related components are also included within the permitted scope.

PSI administers the North Carolina Roofing specialty examination.

The current published bulletin is updated November 19, 2025.

The exam contains 60 questions.

Candidates have 120 minutes.

The passing requirement is 70%, equal to 42 correct answers.

The test is open book.

Candidates must bring the approved reference books themselves.

The examination contains eleven subject areas.

Safety contains five questions.

Roofing Substrate contains six questions.

Steep Roofing contains eighteen questions.

Roofing Repairs contains four questions.

Elastomeric Roofing contains six questions.

Built-Up Bituminous Roofing contains six questions.

Business and Law contains seven questions.

Sheet Metal and Flashing contains three questions.

Licensing contains two questions.

Liens contains one question.

General Building Code Requirements contains two questions.

The eleven subjects total 60 questions.

Steep Roofing is the largest subject.

Students should study asphalt shingles, shakes, slate, tile, roof underlayment, fasteners, flashing, roof deck requirements, and ventilation.

The approved 2025 NRCA Steep Slope Roofing Manual is useful for this subject.

Roofing Substrate includes roof decks, cover boards, insulation, existing surface conditions, moisture, and compatibility.

Roofing Repairs includes diagnosing leaks, inspecting damaged areas, and selecting suitable repair methods.

Elastomeric Roofing includes flexible roofing materials and related waterproofing concepts.

Built-Up Bituminous Roofing includes bituminous layers, insulation, surfacing, flashing, and low-slope installation practices.

The 2023 NRCA Membrane Roofing Manual supports low-slope system preparation.

Metal roofing is another important study area.

The 2024 NRCA Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems Manual is approved for the exam.

It covers metal panel roofing, spray polyurethane foam, installation details, coating systems, and related subjects.

Sheet Metal and Flashing includes metal edges, valleys, gutters, downspouts, penetrations, and waterproofing details.

Safety is also tested.

Roofers should understand fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, roof openings, protective equipment, and construction safety regulations.

The North Carolina construction safety standards are an approved examination reference.

Business and Law includes contracts, estimating, project management, insurance, and general contractor business responsibilities.

Licensing covers classifications, limitations, and Board requirements.

Liens covers basic payment and construction lien concepts.

General Building Code Requirements covers code administration and relevant construction provisions.

The official PSI reference list identifies seven books allowed inside the Roofing examination.

The first is North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry, with the latest available amendments.

The second is the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code.

The third is the Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition.

The fourth is the 2018 North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies.

The fifth is the 2025 NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems.

The sixth is the 2024 NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems.

The seventh is the 2023 NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems.

Candidates should obtain the correct editions and learn how to locate important information.

Approved references may be highlighted or underlined before the exam.

Permanent tabs may also be used.

Temporary tabs, handwritten notes, loose papers, and writing in references during testing are prohibited.

Two additional study books are not allowed inside the examination room.

These are Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson and Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in North Carolina.

They can help candidates study outside the testing center.

North Carolina generally requires a general contractor license for qualifying construction undertakings valued at $40,000 or more.

Applicants must select the appropriate classification and license limitation.

The Limited license permits individual projects up to $750,000.

The Intermediate license permits individual projects up to $1.5 million.

The Unlimited license has no state individual-project value cap.

Applicants must satisfy the financial qualification rules for their selected limitation.

The Board allows certain approved surety-bond alternatives.

Contractor licenses renew annually.

The usual eight-hour continuing education requirement is for Building, Residential, and Unclassified license classifications.

A standalone roofing specialty classification is not part of that specified group.

The current published PSI examination fee is $79.

Applicants must obtain examination authorization from the Board.

The PSI eligibility letter is valid for 120 days.

Contractor Exam Preps offers several products to support preparation.

The North Carolina Roofing Contractor Book Package contains the seven approved references.

The North Carolina PSI Roofing Contractor Online Course offers study modules, practice questions, and book-navigation preparation.

The Roofing Contractor Books and Courses Rental Package provides highlighted and tabbed books and online learning.

The store also sells North Carolina Roofing Books Pre Printed Tabs.

These products can help students organize their preparation.

However, candidates are responsible for checking their reference books and following current PSI rules.

A six-week study schedule can make the material easier to manage.

Begin with licensing rules, the official bulletin, construction safety, and the book list.

Then focus on steep roofing, substrates, repairs, membrane systems, metal roofing, and SPF systems.

Continue with flashing, drainage, estimating, and contractor business requirements.

Complete timed practice examinations during the final week.

Regular study, roofing experience, familiarity with approved references, and an understanding of North Carolina's licensing process can help candidates approach the S(Roofing) examination with confidence.

Explore North Carolina roofing examination books, online courses, permanent tabs, rental packages, and related contractor study resources at ContractorExamPreps.com.