Illinois Roofing License Exam Dates — 2026 Full Schedule
The Illinois roofing license exam is offered 6 times per year — roughly every other month. Whether you're going for the Limited/Residential license or the Unlimited license, both exams are held on the same dates at the same locations. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 schedule, registration deadlines, and how to sign up.
2026 Exam Schedule at a Glance
| Exam Date | Registration Deadline | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | Hillside & Springfield, IL |
| March 18, 2026 | February 18, 2026 | Hillside & Springfield, IL |
| May 20, 2026 | April 22, 2026 | Hillside & Springfield, IL |
| July 22, 2026 ← Next exam | June 24, 2026 (passed) | Hillside & Springfield, IL |
| September 16, 2026 ← Next open registration | August 19, 2026 | Hillside & Springfield, IL |
| November 4, 2026 | October 7, 2026 | Hillside & Springfield, IL |
If you missed the July 22 deadline, your next opportunity is September 16, 2026. You have until August 19 to register — that gives you about 2 months from now to prepare. Plenty of time if you start today.
Ready for the September 16 Exam?
You have 60 days. Our study guides cover everything on the exam — code, materials, business law, OSHA, and practice questions. Written by roofing pros.
Get Your Study Guide →How to Register for the Exam
The Illinois roofing license exam is administered by Continental Testing Services (CTS) under contract with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You register and pay the exam fee directly through CTS — not IDFPR.
Step-by-Step Registration
- Create an account at continentaltesting.net
- Select your exam type — Limited/Residential or Unlimited Roofing Contractor
- Choose your exam date and location (Hillside or Springfield)
- Pay the exam fee directly through CTS (fee is non-refundable)
- Receive your Admission Notice — this is your ticket to the exam. Print it and bring it with you.
You should register at least 40 days before your preferred exam date. If you're mailing any application materials to IDFPR, allow an extra week for processing.
Where the Exam Is Held
The Illinois roofing license exam is offered at two locations:
- Hillside, IL — Chicago metro area, western suburbs
- Springfield, IL — Central Illinois, state capital
Continental Testing Services will provide the specific venue address in your Admission Notice after you register. Do not show up without your Admission Notice — you will be turned away.
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
If you miss the registration deadline for one exam, you simply register for the next available date. There's no penalty for skipping a cycle — but there's also no refund of the exam fee if you registered and then don't show up.
With exams every ~2 months, you're never more than 8 weeks away from the next opportunity. The key is to register early and use the gap between deadline and exam date to study.
How Much Time Do You Have to Study?
The registration deadline is typically 28–45 days before the exam. That's your window to prepare. Here's how that looks for each remaining 2026 date:
| Exam | Register By | Study Window |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 16, 2026 | Aug 19, 2026 | 28 days |
| Nov 4, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | 28 days |
Realistically, most people need 3–6 weeks of focused study to pass the Illinois roofing exam on the first try. The exam covers five topic areas: Illinois code, materials and methods, business law, OSHA/safety, and roofing math. A structured study guide that breaks this down by topic is worth its weight in gold.
What to Bring on Exam Day
- Printed Admission Notice — mandatory, no exceptions
- Government-issued photo ID — driver's license or passport
- Non-programmable calculator — for roofing math questions
- #2 pencils — the exam is paper-based (scantron)
- Arrive 30 minutes early — late arrivals may not be admitted
What the Exam Actually Tests
The Illinois roofing contractor exam is 105 multiple-choice questions across five domains:
- Illinois Building Code for Roofing (25%)
- Materials, Methods & Installation (25%)
- Business Law & Licensing (20%)
- OSHA & Jobsite Safety (20%)
- Roofing Math & Estimating (10%)
Both Limited and Unlimited exams cover the same domains, but the Unlimited exam goes deeper on commercial/industrial roofing systems and code requirements.
What If You Fail?
You can retake the exam at the next scheduled date. There's no waiting period or limit on attempts — but you do have to pay the exam fee again each time. Most people who fail do so because they underestimated the code section or didn't study the business law domain. A focused study guide that covers all five domains dramatically improves your odds of passing on the first try.
Pass on Your First Try
Our PDF study guides cover all five exam domains — Illinois code, materials, business law, OSHA, and practice questions. Built by roofing pros. Instant download.
See Exam Guides →Frequently Asked Questions
How often is the Illinois roofing license exam offered?
Six times per year — roughly every other month. In 2026, the dates are Jan 28, Mar 18, May 20, Jul 22, Sep 16, and Nov 4.
Where is the exam held?
At Continental Testing Services locations in Hillside, IL (Chicago area) and Springfield, IL. You choose your preferred location when you register.
How much does the exam cost?
The exam fee is paid directly to Continental Testing Services at the time of registration. Check continentaltesting.net for current pricing. The fee is non-refundable.
Can I take the exam online?
No. The Illinois roofing license exam is administered in person only at CTS testing centers. There is no online or remote testing option.
Do Limited and Unlimited exams happen on the same dates?
Yes. Both license types are tested on the same day at the same locations.
How long do I have to wait for results?
Results are typically available within 2–4 weeks. CTS notifies you by mail. Once you pass, you submit your license application to IDFPR with the $125 application fee.