DPOR • Roofing (ROC) Specialty • PSI • 50 Questions • 120 Minutes • 36 Correct to Pass • Open Book
Ready to prepare for the Virginia Roofing Contractor exam? This guide combines licensing rules, the PSI ROC technical outline, reference books, and study resources from Contractor Exam Preps. Whether you install shingles or repair low-slope membranes, the right exam plan starts with knowing exactly which license and references you need.
Virginia Roofing Contractor Exam Prep teaches the technical knowledge and licensing steps needed for the Roofing (ROC) specialty through the Virginia Board for Contractors. You study roof systems, materials, installation, estimating, and safety while learning the requirements that apply to a contractor business. This guide brings together the current PSI Roofing Contracting outline, relevant Virginia licensing rules, and products from Contractor Exam Preps. It does not confuse a roofing company license with a personal certificate. Virginia issues contractor licenses to eligible businesses and sole proprietors, with qualified people listed on the application.
The Roofing (ROC) specialty covers installing, repairing, removing, and improving roofing materials that make roofs and decks watertight and weather-resistant. It also covers related roofing components installed with a roofing project, dampproofing or waterproofing, and roof insulation systems above the roof deck. The specialty can apply to residential and commercial roofs within the business license's monetary class. Roofers still must comply with building codes, permits, inspections, and requirements for other regulated work. When another classification is needed, a roofing specialty alone does not magically cover it.
Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, commonly called DPOR, works through its Board for Contractors to license contracting firms. The Board reviews the business license class, selected specialty, qualified individual, responsible management, and supporting documents. PSI administers the examination process. A good application begins with the DPOR instructions and the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Product descriptions and older blog posts can be helpful study aids, but they are not a substitute for the official rules governing your actual application.
Yes. Virginia's Roofing Contracting technical exam is identified as ROC. It is the trade qualification examination for the Roofing specialty when the qualified individual needs to meet that requirement. Passing the ROC exam does not independently authorize a roofing company to bid on projects. The business also needs the appropriate Class A, B, or C contractor license and must satisfy pre-license education and other qualifications. Class A and Class B have separate business exam requirements. The correct plan depends on the company structure and intended contract sizes.
PSI's Roofing Contracting outline updated July 28, 2025 lists 50 questions, a 120-minute examination period, and 36 correct answers required to pass. It labels that minimum as 71 percent. Rather than relying only on a percentage, remember the official passing number: 36 of 50. Examinations and bulletins can change, so verify the most recent ROC outline before scheduling. Two hours can pass surprisingly fast when the exam requires you to choose between several thick books.
The largest portion of the ROC exam is Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including Built-Up Roofing and Waterproofing, at 18 questions. Roofing Components contributes another 10, followed by Repairs and Reroofing at seven. Estimating and Plan Reading, Surface Preparation and Planning, and Safety each have five questions. Together these six categories total 50. That tells you exactly where to spend your study time. Roofing details dominate the test, but ignoring estimating or safety can still cost enough points to fail.
Yes, PSI describes Virginia contractor specialty examinations as open book. You bring the allowed references yourself. The listed conditions prohibit loose pages, unbound references, study guides, and hand-written notes in the books. Permanent tabs and pre-existing highlighting or underlining are allowed within the rules; removable flags are not. The open-book label does not mean every product sold as exam prep can come inside. Always check the current PSI outline, especially book editions and how tabs must be attached.
The PSI roofing outline identifies construction safety under 29 CFR Part 1926, the International Building Code and International Residential Code, Roofing Construction & Estimating, the NRCA Steep Slope Roofing Manual, and the NRCA Membrane Roofing Manual. The specific edition is a crucial detail. The July 2025 PSI outline still names 2015/2018 IBC and IRC code editions, while Contractor Exam Preps product bundles list the 2021 editions. Before buying your test-day code books, compare the edition printed in your current PSI bulletin. For noncode books, watch the NRCA manual dates as well.
PSI's July 2025 roofing outline states that after October 1, 2025, only the 2025 edition of the NRCA Steep Slope Roof Systems manual and the 2023 edition of the NRCA Membrane Roofing Systems manual are permitted. These books cover the roof assemblies most likely to appear in detailed installation questions. Learning the section order and where to find flashing details, low-slope membranes, and roof components can save minutes. Do not assume an older manual remains acceptable because you used it in a previous code cycle.
Virginia determines contractor class using project and annual work volume. Under the 2026 Code of Virginia, Class C generally applies to projects over $1,000 and under $30,000, within the annual volume limit. Class B covers projects from $30,000 to under $150,000, or an annual volume from $250,000 to under $1 million. Class A includes projects of $150,000 or more, or at least $1 million of work during a twelve-month period. The class and ROC specialty must both be correct, so a Class C business cannot use its roofing specialty to take an unlimited-size job.
The Qualified Individual, or QI, must meet the experience requirement for the requested contractor class. Virginia's application lists one year for Class C, three years for Class B, and five years for Class A. The QI also must be a responsible-management member or a bona fide full-time employee working at least 30 hours weekly with the firm. A contractor specialty that requires examination preapproval also calls for experience verification. That paperwork should identify real roofing duties, employers, and dates, not a rough guess made the night before filing.
Every new Virginia contractor license applicant generally must complete eight hours of approved pre-license business education. It covers subjects such as contractor rules and business responsibilities rather than roofing installation techniques. For Class A and B, the course is completed by responsible management or the designated employee; for Class C, a responsible-management member must complete it. It is separate from the ROC technical exam and from the additional Class A/B business exams. If someone tells you one short course replaces the trade exam, ask them to show the current DPOR rule.
Yes, the business-exam track is separate from the roofing trade examination. For Class A and B contractor license applications, the designated employee is responsible for the applicable business examination requirements. The qualified individual addresses the ROC specialty requirement. In a small company, the same qualified person may be involved in several roles if the application rules permit it, but those roles remain legally distinct. Verify the current PSI business bulletin for exact exam portions and reference editions.
You should recognize asphalt shingles, metal roof panels, tiles, modified bitumen, built-up systems, and common membrane technologies. Know what the roof deck does, where underlayment belongs, why water-resistant details matter, and when slope affects material selection. Questions may ask about storage, fastening, lap direction, edge details, and manufacturer instructions. The goal is not to memorize every brand name. It is to understand which roofing assembly belongs in a given setting and how its layers work together.
Flashing helps direct water away from joints, walls, pipes, chimneys, valleys, and other places where roof surfaces change direction. Waterproofing systems protect low-slope roofs, decks, and critical transitions. A small flashing mistake can let water into a building long after the shingles look perfect. Practice identifying step flashing, counterflashing, drip edge, penetration seals, and membrane seams. Questions about roof leakage may test which component failed or the proper order of installing a detail.
Steep-slope roofing subjects include underlayments, roof-covering materials, flashing, roof ventilation, fastening patterns, sheathing, roof layout, and installation sequence. Study how water sheds, what happens at valleys and eaves, and why correct slope limitations are important. Understand why snow, wind, weather exposure, and manufacturer instructions can affect the installation. A roof that merely looks neat from the sidewalk is not necessarily ready for a code inspection.
Low-slope topics include built-up roofing, single-ply membrane concepts, modified bitumen, attachment, roof insulation, seams, drainage, penetrations, and waterproofing. This is the part of roofing that can turn one poorly sealed detail into a large indoor water feature. Read the NRCA membrane manual, work through labeled drawings, and practice determining which layer belongs where. Learn the relationships among slope, drainage, insulation, substrate, and flashing.
Yes. The ROC outline includes five questions about estimating and plan reading. Practice recognizing dimensions on plans, calculating roof area, distinguishing horizontal measurements from sloped roof surfaces, and estimating materials. Understand common waste allowances, roof geometry, accessory quantities, and how a labor estimate changes for complex shapes or penetrations. You may not have to solve a giant bid proposal, but you should not have to guess how much roofing material a simple plan requires.
Safety earns five questions on the ROC outline and matters far beyond the exam. Study fall hazards, ladders, scaffolds, walking-working surfaces, lifting, protective equipment, heat and weather exposure, and hazard communication. Roofing crews often work above ground and near exposed edges, so practical site planning is essential. Use the OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 reference named by PSI, follow current regulations, and never assume a shortcut is safe because a crew has used it before.
Repairs and reroofing account for seven exam questions. Review roof inspections, leak tracing, deck suitability, old roofing removal, flashing replacement, patching, disposal, moisture problems, and how to protect a building during a tear-off. Reroofing is more than putting new shingles over a mystery. The existing assembly, local code, deck condition, and manufacturer requirements all matter. Learn when a repair is appropriate and when the roof needs more extensive corrective work.
Begin by checking the current PSI roofing outline and identifying your business license path. Study each of the six exam categories over five weeks, giving extra time to roofing systems and components. Spend the final week practicing 50-question exams under a two-hour timer and navigating your allowed references. Set a specific daily goal: one topic, one set of practice questions, and one review of missed answers. Your future self will thank you for being organized.
Contractor Exam Preps carries Virginia Roofing Contracting reference-book packages, highlighted and tabbed books, permanent tab sets, an online exam prep course, rental packages, and broader licensing support bundles. The exact contents and availability vary by product. Consider a book package if you need the roof manuals, an online course if you want timed practice, or a rental bundle if you prefer not to buy every reference outright. Compare the included code editions with the PSI outline before ordering.
Confirm the right PSI Roofing Contracting exam, the 50-question format, photo identification, testing address, approved books, and the permanent-tab rule. Ensure any books that must be updated or rebound comply with the latest bulletin. Remember that your ROC pass report is only one part of a Virginia contractor application. The business still has to satisfy the licensing class, qualified-individual requirement, pre-license course, and, when applicable, the separate Class A/B business exams.
Important Virginia Roofing Update for 2026: The published PSI ROC outline dated July 28, 2025 lists 50 questions, 120 minutes and 36 correct answers needed to pass, across six roofing subjects. The 2026 Virginia contractor license class thresholds are Class C below $30,000, Class B from $30,000 to below $150,000, and Class A $150,000 or more for a single project (annual limits also apply). All new contractor businesses need pre-license education. The PSI outline lists 2015/2018 building-code editions, while several store book packages list 2021. Check your live PSI reference list before purchasing test-day code books.
Virginia's Roofing (ROC) specialty is a contractor classification for work that installs, repairs, removes or improves the roof and deck surfaces that keep a structure weather-resistant. It includes common roofing materials, components installed as part of the roofing project, dampproofing or waterproofing, and roof insulation above the deck. The business must hold the correct Class A, B or C license. A qualified individual demonstrates experience and, where required, technical examination competency.
The Virginia Board for Contractors licenses businesses and sole proprietors. A roofer's trade experience may help qualify the business, but that experience does not issue a business license automatically. Learn the difference before selecting your exam package.
Licensing regulator: Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors.
Technical qualification: Roofing Contracting (ROC), PSI-administered.
Exam: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 36 correct to pass.
Business class: Class A, B, or C based on the monetary scale of work.
Virginia licenses the company and evaluates the roofing Qualified Individual. These details bring exam preparation, business classification, and study materials into one easy-to-scan reference.
| Requirement | Published Information | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| State | Virginia | Board for Contractors through DPOR. |
| Specialty abbreviation | ROC | Roofing contracting. |
| License holder | Business or sole proprietor | Not an independent roofing certificate. |
| Exam provider | PSI | Qualified Individual may need state approval before scheduling. |
| ROC trade exam questions | 50 | Six-category PSI outline, updated July 2025. |
| Time limit | 120 minutes | Two hours. |
| Passing rule | 36 correct of 50 | PSI labels the standard as 71%. |
| Open-book status | Yes | Approved references and strict tab/marking rules. |
| Question topic 1 | Estimating & Plan Reading, 5 | 10% of the outline. |
| Question topic 2 | Surface Preparation & Planning, 5 | 10% of the outline. |
| Question topic 3 | Steep/Low-Slope Roofing, BUR & Waterproofing, 18 | 36% of the outline. |
| Question topic 4 | Roofing Components, 10 | 20% of the outline. |
| Question topic 5 | Safety, 5 | 10% of the outline. |
| Question topic 6 | Repairs & Reroofing, 7 | 14% of the outline. |
| State pre-license education | 8 hours | Required for new Virginia contractor applicants. |
| Class C project threshold | Over $1,000 and under $30,000 | Also check yearly volume under $250,000. |
| Class B project threshold | $30,000 to under $150,000 | Or $250,000 to under $1 million annual volume. |
| Class A project threshold | $150,000 or more | Or $1 million or more annual volume. |
| Class C QI experience | 1 year | Experience within roofing specialty. |
| Class B QI experience | 3 years | Experience within roofing specialty. |
| Class A QI experience | 5 years | Experience within roofing specialty. |
| Qualified Individual employment | Full-time, at least 30 hours, or responsible management | Must meet the application conditions. |
| QI exam requirement | ROC specialty | Verify eligibility and approved experience verification. |
| Class A/B business examination | Separate | Designated Employee / responsible management under rules. |
| Contractor business exam provider | PSI | Separate from roofing technical examination. |
| Roofing OSHA reference | 29 CFR 1926 | Construction safety. |
| Roofing estimating reference | Roofing Construction & Estimating | Recognize roofs, quantities, and estimates. |
| IBC code reference | 2015/2018 on available PSI ROC outline | Store sells 2021. Confirm PSI before exam. |
| IRC code reference | 2015/2018 on available PSI ROC outline | Store sells 2021. Confirm PSI before exam. |
| NRCA steep-slope manual | 2025 edition | PSI says only 2025 after Oct. 1, 2025. |
| NRCA membrane manual | 2023 edition | PSI says only 2023 after Oct. 1, 2025. |
| Exam-room study guides | Not permitted | Bring permitted reference books, not prep workbooks. |
| Tab rules | Permanent tabs only | No removable index flags. |
| Book marking rules | Highlight/underline allowed | No handwritten notes. |
| Photo ID | Required | Match the name on the PSI registration. |
| Company application | Board for Contractors | Class, specialty, QI, responsible management. |
| Official license guidance | DPOR Board for Contractors | Always review current state instructions. |
| Official roofing examination | PSI Roofing Contracting Outline | Check updates before scheduling. |
| Roofing exam prep | Virginia Roofing Online Course | Practice questions, study and exam navigation. |
| Roofing reference set | Virginia Roofing Book Package | Compare editions with PSI before buying. |
| Advanced store option | Highlighted and Tabbed Roofing Books | Permitted marking subject to PSI rules. |
This snapshot keeps the ROC technical examination separate from the company licensing and Class A/B business examination steps.
| Detail | Category | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Virginia contractor firm | Roofing (ROC) specialty on a Class A, B, or C license |
| Responsible authority | Board for Contractors | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation |
| Test provider | Technical qualification | PSI |
| Technical test | Roofing Contracting (ROC) | 50 questions |
| Trade test time | ROC | 120 minutes |
| Trade test passing | ROC | 36 correct of 50 |
| Open book | ROC | Yes, with approved physical reference books |
| Published roofing subjects | ROC | Six |
| Largest category | Roofing systems and waterproofing | 18 questions |
| Next category | Roofing components | 10 questions |
| Repairs / reroofing | ROC | Seven questions |
| Estimating and plan reading | ROC | Five questions |
| Surface planning | ROC | Five questions |
| Safety | ROC | Five questions |
| Reference books | PSI | OSHA, IBC, IRC, Roofing Construction & Estimating, NRCA manuals |
| Code-edition caution | IBC / IRC | PSI available outline names 2015/2018; some store bundles list 2021 |
| Steep-slope manual | NRCA | 2025 required after October 1, 2025, per PSI outline |
| Membrane manual | NRCA | 2023 required after October 1, 2025, per PSI outline |
| Business class | Class C | Smaller contract volume with limits |
| Business class | Class B | Midrange project / annual volume |
| Business class | Class A | Largest projects / volume |
| Business education | All new applicants | Eight hours |
| Qualified Individual experience | By class | C: 1 year; B: 3 years; A: 5 years |
| Business exam | Class A/B | Separate from ROC technical test |
| Test-day books | Rules | No study guides or handwritten notes |
| Indexing | Rules | Permanent tabs only |
| PSI scheduling | Testing | PSI Virginia contractor registration |
| Current requirements | Authority | DPOR contractor page |
Published ROC examination: 50 questions in two hours.
Minimum correct answers: 36.
Six trade topics: Roofing systems dominate at 18 questions.
Important: Recheck the current PSI code-book reference list before the examination.
PSI divides the Roofing Contracting technical test into six areas. All six should be practiced, but the 18-question systems category deserves extra time.
Read dimensions and roof drawings, determine measured roof area, distinguish plan area from sloped surface area, prepare quantity estimates, and recognize roof penetrations and waste factors.
During your review, match the topic to the appropriate roofing manual, building-code section, OSHA rule, or estimating reference. Write down where the answer is found and test yourself again under a clock.
Review substrate inspection, tear-off planning, roof-deck conditions, drainage, vapor control, staging, weather conditions, and material compatibility before installation.
During your review, match the topic to the appropriate roofing manual, building-code section, OSHA rule, or estimating reference. Write down where the answer is found and test yourself again under a clock.
Master asphalt shingles, underlayments, roof slopes, modified bitumen, built-up roofing, single-ply membrane concepts, flashing, seams, insulation, and watertight installation sequences.
During your review, match the topic to the appropriate roofing manual, building-code section, OSHA rule, or estimating reference. Write down where the answer is found and test yourself again under a clock.
Study decks, fasteners, edges, drip edge, valleys, vents, flashings, accessories, roof insulation, drainage assemblies, penetrations, and transitions between materials.
During your review, match the topic to the appropriate roofing manual, building-code section, OSHA rule, or estimating reference. Write down where the answer is found and test yourself again under a clock.
Understand 29 CFR 1926 construction safety, fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, lifting, personal protective equipment, housekeeping, and recognizing weather hazards.
During your review, match the topic to the appropriate roofing manual, building-code section, OSHA rule, or estimating reference. Write down where the answer is found and test yourself again under a clock.
Diagnose leaks, evaluate old roof systems, repair flashing and roof membranes, plan re-roofing, check existing decks, sequence tear-offs, and protect the occupied building.
During your review, match the topic to the appropriate roofing manual, building-code section, OSHA rule, or estimating reference. Write down where the answer is found and test yourself again under a clock.
Total: 50 questions across six categories.
Highest weighting: Steep/low-slope systems and waterproofing at 18, or 36% of the trade test.
Next priority: Roofing components, 10; repairs and reroofing, seven.
A strong study routine mixes roof-system knowledge, reference navigation, practice problems and licensing preparation. The process is easier when you focus on one clearly defined task each day.
Read the current DPOR contractor instructions and PSI Roofing Contracting outline. Choose your business class and confirm who will serve as your Qualified Individual.
Obtain the exact permitted reference editions before you spend hours tabbing books. The PSI list and some retail bundles currently describe different IBC/IRC editions.
Create a six-topic checklist using the published count: 5, 5, 18, 10, 5 and 7. This keeps study time proportional to what the examination measures.
Spend extra sessions on both steep-slope and low-slope roofing. Review assemblies, roof preparation, membranes, BUR, waterproofing, flashing and insulation.
Study roof components and details. Identify valley systems, roof edges, penetrations, fasteners, drainage and the proper relationship between layers.
Practice measuring and estimating. Work roof areas, slopes, quantity takeoffs, material waste and plan-reading questions.
Review OSHA construction rules with attention to roof-edge protection, ladder setup, scaffolds, lifting and personal protective equipment.
Review reroofing and repairs. Study leak diagnosis, tear-off sequence, deck condition, wet materials and maintaining building protection during work.
Practice identifying the correct reference book before searching for an answer. Learning where a subject is covered saves more time than memorizing random page numbers.
Use the Virginia Roofing Online Exam Prep Course or targeted practice questions if you need structured review. Correct every missed answer rather than only recording the score.
Complete several 50-question practice sets with a 120-minute timer. Your goal should be comfortably beyond the 36-correct minimum.
Before testing, inspect photo ID, permitted books, permanent tabs and the PSI appointment. Keep DPOR business-application documents separate and organized.
Start: Verify the ROC examination and company license class.
Middle: Drill the 18-question roofing systems area and the 10-question components area.
Finish: Practice the 50-question test with a two-hour timer and permitted books.
This simplified diagram shows how the exam's principal subjects connect. It follows your template's original technical-illustration placement.
Conceptual roofing exam study diagram only, not an installation specification.
Estimate your project and annual contract volumes and select Class A, B or C. The ROC specialty determines scope while the class determines monetary limits.
Identify the person meeting experience prerequisites. For Class C, B and A the application lists one, three and five years of appropriate experience.
Finish the Board-approved eight-hour course with the correct responsible-management member or designated employee.
Review the roofing Qualified Individual examination and experience verification requirements. Follow the current Board approval process.
Check the current PSI roofing outline for the building-code editions, NRCA manuals, OSHA rules, tab restrictions and allowed physical books.
Study for the PSI ROC trade examination. Class A/B business applicants also complete the applicable business examination requirements.
Supply the company application, Qualified Individual information, management records, financial proof if needed, fees and other requested documents.
Wait for DPOR issuance and verify your firm's license class and ROC specialty before taking work that requires a contractor license.
The six topics shown in PSI's Roofing Contracting outline total 50 questions. These bars show each subject's share of the 50-question exam.
Largest section: Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including BUR and Waterproofing: 18 of 50 questions (36%).
Next: Roofing Components: 10 of 50 (20%).
Other important topics: Repairs and Reroofing, Estimating, Surface Planning and Safety.
PSI's published trade outline is the authority for exam-room references. Retail packages on ContractorExamPreps.com may list newer building-code editions, so confirm your particular test's approved books before you order.
| Book or Reference | Edition or Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Code of Federal Regulations: 29 CFR Part 1926 | Current OSHA construction standards | Fall protection, ladders, scaffolding, hazards, PPE and site safety. |
| International Building Code (IBC) | PSI 2025 outline lists 2015/2018; store packages list 2021 | Verify the controlling exam-code edition before purchasing or taking a newer volume. |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | PSI 2025 outline lists 2015/2018; store packages list 2021 | Residential roof covering, slopes, assemblies, flashings, ventilation and re-roofing. |
| Roofing Construction & Estimating | Daniel Atcheson | Roof measurements, quantities, costs, project planning and installation methods. |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems | 2025 | Updated steep-slope assemblies, flashing, drainage and repair concepts. |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems | 2023 | Membranes, low-slope details, lap treatment, waterproofing and installation. |
| NASCLA Contractor's Guide to Business, Law & Project Management | Virginia edition; check current PSI business bulletin | Preparation for separate Class A/B business testing, not the ROC technical exam. |
| Virginia USBC and contractor law references | Edition in current PSI business bulletin | Business/regulatory exam references and contractor compliance. |
| Virginia Roofing Online Exam Prep Course | Contractor Exam Preps | Printable question sets, practice tests and reference-navigation instruction. |
| Virginia Roofing Reference Book Package | Contractor Exam Preps | Store-curated roofing reference books; verify editions against PSI. |
Important edition difference: The PSI roofing outline updated July 2025 lists 2015/2018 IBC and IRC editions, whereas current store packages feature 2021 IBC and IRC. A store listing is not an exam authorization.
NRCA updates: PSI says the 2025 Steep Slope and 2023 Membrane Manuals are the permitted editions after October 1, 2025.
Exam room: PSI bans study guides and handwritten notes. Permanent tabs, compliant pre-highlighting and allowed bound references are handled under its written policy.
Open book is an advantage only if you can find a rule quickly. Practice the exact type of question and book navigation that the ROC examination uses. Study skills do not replace the reference restrictions.
A Virginia business licensed in the Roofing (ROC) specialty may undertake the type of roofing work described in the Board's roofing classification, subject to its Class A, B or C monetary limits and other applicable laws. That includes common roofing systems used to provide watertight or weather-resistant surfaces on roofs or decks. The scope also recognizes associated roof-system components, waterproofing and dampproofing, and installation of insulation systems above the deck.
The license does not automatically extend to unrelated structural construction, plumbing or electrical work. If a project involves another regulated specialty, confirm how the scope and subcontracting rules apply. Other Virginia classifications, including certain building and improvement classifications, can overlap with roofing work. Choose your business specialty based on the work you actually plan to contract for.
ROC specialty: Roof coverings, associated components and related waterproofing scope.
Business license: The firm must have the class needed for the project size.
Permits and inspections: Must comply with state and local requirements.
Other trades: A roofing specialty is not a universal contractor authorization.
A contractor license has two sides: the monetary class and the specialty. This table keeps the Roofing (ROC) technical path separate from broader building classifications and the Class A/B business test.
| Classification or Exam | Purpose | Important Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Contracting (ROC) | Roofing-specific specialty | 50-question PSI ROC technical examination; company license class also required. |
| Class C Contractor | Smaller projects | Over $1,000 but under $30,000 single project and annual volume under $250,000. |
| Class B Contractor | Midrange projects | $30,000 to under $150,000 single project or applicable annual threshold. |
| Class A Contractor | Largest projects | $150,000 or more single project or $1 million or more annual volume. |
| Residential Building (RBC) | Broader residential building scope | Different building classification and technical requirements. |
| Commercial Building (CBC) | Broader commercial building scope | Different contractor qualification and scope. |
| Home Improvement (HIC) | Residential alteration / improvement | Different specialty; roofing can overlap within authorized scope. |
| Commercial Improvement (CIC) | Commercial improvement projects | Separate trade specialty with applicable overlap. |
| Virginia Business Examination | Business / law qualifications | Separate exam track for Class A/B Designated Employees. |
| Eight-Hour Pre-License Course | Business education | Separate requirement for every new contractor applicant. |
Choose the ROC trade qualification and the business contractor class that fit your company. These are complementary steps, not three interchangeable exams.
50 Questions • 120 Minutes • 36 Correct
Best for: A Qualified Individual preparing for the ROC technical exam.
Project Value and Business Exams
Best for: Contractors planning midrange roofing projects.
Larger Projects and Business Exams
Best for: Businesses planning larger roofing projects.
The Virginia ROC examination tests whether a candidate can apply roof-system knowledge across several different types of work. The published score requirement is 36 correct out of 50 in two hours. That is achievable with preparation, but there is not enough time to learn an entire roof manual during the exam. A roofer who works mainly with asphalt shingles might need extra review of built-up and low-slope systems. Someone who specializes in low-slope membranes may need the opposite.
The biggest part of the exam is steep and low-slope roofing, BUR and waterproofing. Eighteen questions come from that one topic. Roofing components add another ten, which means roof assembly details account for more than half of the published examination. Learn how to recognize the roofing system a question describes, then locate the correct reference before selecting an answer.
Estimating, preparation, safety and repairs also matter. Roof measurements can require careful interpretation of drawings, while reroofing may involve existing deck problems and protecting occupants. Safety questions draw on actual construction regulations, not just common sense. Build confidence through repetition and focus on understanding why an answer is correct.
The open-book format helps when references are properly arranged. Familiarity with the NRCA manuals, Roofing Construction & Estimating, and your currently approved code editions is more important than how many tabs you own. Practice locating a specific requirement while the clock is running, not only when you have unlimited time.
Do not forget the company-license requirements. Even a passing technical result does not replace the Qualified Individual experience, the eight-hour course, contractor business documents, or the applicable Class A/B business examination. A complete plan treats the exam and license application as parts of one process.
The final preparation is simple: check what the examiner allows, bring what is required, and leave prohibited study materials at home. A clear plan makes test day far more manageable.
ContractorExamPreps.com offers Virginia roofing technical references, prepared books, permanent tabs, online study and rentals. Product descriptions may include 2021 IBC and IRC editions while the PSI roofing outline currently available lists older code editions. Match every test-day book to PSI before ordering.
Roofing Trade Reference Set
Best for: Candidates building a physical reference library.
Prepared Reference Books
Best for: Readers wanting prepared books for faster lookup practice.
Digital Practice and Instruction
Best for: Students wanting a guided course and realistic testing practice.
Additional option: Virginia Roofing Book Rental Package combines rented roofing books with course resources. Check deposit and return conditions on the product page.
Navigation aid: Virginia Roofing Permanent Pre-Printed Tabs is a separate tab set; it does not include the books.
Broader support: Virginia Roofing All-Inclusive One Package includes business launch and licensing support options.
DPOR • ROOFING ROC • PSI • CLASS A, B OR C • 50 QUESTIONS • OPEN BOOK
Virginia Roofing Licensing
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors licenses contractor businesses.
ROC means Roofing Contracting, the specialty covering specified roof and deck surfaces and associated waterproofing work.
No. Virginia licenses the contracting business. It also requires a qualified individual who meets the roofing specialty rules.
Yes, choose the proper class when the work requires a contractor license. The roofing ROC designation sets the specialty.
The 2026 statutory threshold is generally over $1,000 and under $30,000 for one project, with an annual volume limit.
Class B generally includes projects from $30,000 to under $150,000, or annual volume from $250,000 to under $1 million.
Class A applies to a project of $150,000 or more or at least $1 million of contracting volume in a twelve-month period.
The application lists one year for Class C, three years for Class B and five years for Class A, with experience in the specialty.
The Qualified Individual generally must be a responsible-management member or a genuine full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week.
No. The company must also complete the applicable DPOR application, pre-license education, documentation and other requirements.
Virginia PSI Roofing ROC Exam
PSI administers Virginia's Roofing Contracting (ROC) technical examination.
The PSI roofing outline updated July 28, 2025 lists 50 questions.
The current published ROC outline allows 120 minutes, or two hours.
The published PSI requirement is 36 correct answers out of 50. PSI labels the passing level as 71 percent.
Yes, but only compliant reference books and permitted markings are allowed.
Six categories make up the 50-question ROC trade outline.
Steep and low-slope roofing, including built-up roofing and waterproofing, has 18 questions.
Roofing Components contributes ten questions.
Repairs and Reroofing contributes seven questions.
Class A and Class B applicants have separate contractor business examination requirements. The ROC technical exam and business exams serve different purposes.
Roofing References and Safety
The available PSI roofing outline lists 2015/2018 IBC and IRC code editions. Some store packages list 2021. Confirm the latest PSI reference list before test day.
No. Store package editions are not a guarantee of exam-room permission. Follow the official PSI outline for your appointment.
PSI's July 2025 outline specifies the 2025 NRCA Steep Slope Roof Systems manual for use after October 1, 2025.
PSI specifies the 2023 NRCA Membrane Roofing Systems manual after October 1, 2025.
Yes. Safety is five questions, and 29 CFR Part 1926 is named in the PSI reference list.
No. The PSI roofing outline explicitly says study guides are not permitted in the open-book exam.
The PSI outline permits highlighting and underlining before the examination, subject to the current reference rules.
No. PSI permits permanent tabs only, and specifically prohibits removable index flags.
No. PSI does not permit handwritten notes in test references or writing in books during the exam.
The ROC scope includes a variety of roof assemblies. The largest test category includes steep and low-slope systems, BUR and waterproofing.
Studying and Contractor Exam Preps
Yes. The store offers a Virginia Roofing Contracting reference-book package and a highlighted and tabbed version.
Yes. Contractor Exam Preps lists a Virginia Roofing Contracting Online Exam Prep Course.
Yes. There are roofing book-rental products; review deposit, rental period and return conditions on the selected product page.
Yes. The store has a Virginia Roofing Contracting pre-printed tab set. Confirm that your use follows PSI rules.
Start with the official outline and reference list, then put extra time into roof systems and waterproofing, which represent 18 of 50 questions.
Yes. Estimating and Plan Reading makes up five exam questions.
Yes. Safety accounts for five of 50 questions, and OSHA construction rules apply to roofing work.
Use a 120-minute timer, practice locating the right reference, and review every mistake rather than only your score.
No. Study materials can improve preparation, but a pass and license issuance depend on your performance and satisfaction of state requirements.
Use the Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors website and the latest PSI Roofing Contracting examination bulletin.
This 1ExamPrep Virginia contractor exam video explains the application path, study planning, and techniques for finding answers in open-book references. It applies broadly to Virginia contractor exams, including specialty candidates. For Roofing (ROC), use the published roofing examination outline and book rules alongside the video.
Use official state and exam sources to confirm your application and test-day reference editions. These product links lead to roofing-specific Contractor Exam Preps resources for study, practice and book navigation.
Preparing for the Virginia Roofing Contractor exam is much easier when you understand what the state actually asks you to prove. The Roofing (ROC) specialty is not a general-purpose contractor license and it is not a personal trade card. It is the roofing specialty attached to a business or sole proprietor license issued through Virginia's Board for Contractors. The business class controls the dollar value of the projects you may contract for. The Roofing specialty controls the type of work your company is qualified to do. Those two decisions belong together.
The published PSI technical examination has 50 questions with a two-hour time limit. A candidate needs 36 correct answers to pass. There is no mystery about the general study priorities. Eighteen questions address steep and low-slope systems, including built-up roofing and waterproofing. Ten more cover roofing components. Repairs and reroofing bring seven questions, and estimating, preparation and safety provide five each. That makes roof assemblies, flashing, and waterproofing the natural center of a good study plan, while still leaving room for safety and estimating.
A realistic schedule starts with reference books and the correct exam bulletin. Learn how to use the NRCA steep-slope and membrane manuals, Roofing Construction and Estimating, OSHA construction regulations and applicable code books. Do not overlook the edition problem. The available PSI roofing outline lists earlier IBC and IRC code editions than several newer retail bundles from Contractor Exam Preps. The store products may be helpful study aids, but the official PSI outline determines what belongs in the exam room. Always verify that list before buying materials or adding tabs.
Open-book testing does not remove the need to study. It changes the skill you need. First recognize the type of question, then choose the likely book, locate the applicable section, and check the details. Permanent tabs and allowed highlighting can save time, but they cannot replace knowing your subject. Do several full practice examinations with a two-hour timer. Review mistakes until you can explain the right answer in your own words. That kind of practice does more for confidence than randomly flipping through six books the night before the exam.
Remember the business-side requirements. Virginia asks for a Qualified Individual who meets the experience rules for the selected class. The state also requires approved eight-hour pre-license business education for new contractor applicants. Class A and Class B businesses have additional business examination requirements. Passing Roofing (ROC) alone does not make a business fully licensed. Put experience forms, education completion, exams, financial documentation if applicable, and application steps on the same checklist.
Contractor Exam Preps offers several options for organizing your work, from roofing reference books and highlighted packages to online practice and book rentals. Choose tools that fit your weak spots and budget, and verify the included editions against current testing rules. Whether you are planning small repairs or large commercial roof replacements, the same basic process applies: understand the license, prepare for the six test topics, practice under the clock, and finish the proper DPOR application. A successful roof keeps water outside. A successful licensing plan keeps avoidable surprises outside too.
The Virginia Roofing Contractor license allows an eligible company to offer roofing work in the Roofing (ROC) specialty, subject to its Class A, B, or C license. Virginia's Board for Contractors, under DPOR, issues this authorization. The Roofing specialty covers installation, repair, removal and improvement of roof surfaces that protect buildings from weather. It can also cover related waterproofing, roof components and certain insulation work installed above the roof deck. A license must match both the type and value of the planned contracts.
Before applying, decide which business license class your work will require. Class C covers smaller projects, generally over $1,000 and below $30,000. Class B covers midrange project sizes, from $30,000 to under $150,000, and Class A covers projects starting at $150,000. Annual work totals can move a business into a higher class even when individual projects are smaller. The state requires a Qualified Individual with the roofing experience linked to the chosen class: one year for C, three for B or five for A. The company must also meet management and other licensing requirements.
New Virginia contractor applicants need eight hours of pre-license business education. Class A and Class B applications also involve separate business examination requirements. These obligations are different from the Roofing (ROC) trade examination. The technical test is given through PSI and covers the knowledge a roofing Qualified Individual needs. The published test contains 50 questions and allows 120 minutes. PSI states that 36 correct answers are needed to pass, so careful preparation is valuable.
The official exam outline has six categories. Estimating and Plan Reading has five questions, as does Surface Preparation and Planning. Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including BUR and Waterproofing, has 18. Roofing Components has ten, Safety has five, and Repairs and Reroofing has seven. Candidates should devote additional time to roof systems and components without ignoring the other topics. Practice with drawings, material selection questions, waterproofing details, roof inspection situations and OSHA safety scenarios.
PSI describes the roofing exam as open book, which means approved physical references can help you answer questions. You must bring the proper books yourself. Study guides, handwritten notes and removable tabs are not permitted. Some highlighting and permanent tabs are allowed under the official rules. Confirm the exact IBC and IRC code editions in the current PSI bulletin because store bundles and older PSI reference lists do not always show the same edition. PSI's listed NRCA manuals include 2025 Steep Slope and 2023 Membrane editions after October 2025.
A six-week study routine can begin with the correct reference books and licensing paperwork. Continue with estimates and planning, then study steep-slope installations, low-slope membranes, repairs, components and safety. Complete several full practice tests under a two-hour timer. Contractor Exam Preps offers reference-book sets, highlighted and tabbed books, an online roofing course, rental packages and preprinted permanent tabs. Check the contents and availability before buying. The final goal is to pass the proper ROC exam and complete the Virginia business licensing process before performing regulated roofing contracts.
