November 4 Illinois Roofing Exam: Registration Closed, Prep Continues

Published September 21, 2026 · Updated October 9, 2026

The final currently listed Illinois roofing contractor exam of 2026 is scheduled for November 4. Registration closed October 7, 2026. If you are already registered, November 4 remains your study target.

Continental Testing Services lists the exam in Hillside and Springfield with a $248 examination fee. If you missed registration, the next opportunity is January 27, 2027, with a December 30, 2026 deadline.

For a November preparation routine, use our updated exam checklist and study plan. For later sittings, see upcoming dates and registration deadlines.

November 4 exam details

• Registration closed: October 7, 2026
• Examination date: November 4, 2026
• Locations: Hillside and Springfield
• Examination fee: $248
• Testing provider: Continental Testing Services

Dates, locations, and fees can change. Confirm the listing on the official CTS Illinois 105 Roofing Contractors page before submitting your application.

Choose the right Illinois roofing exam

CTS lists three versions of the roofing contractor examination. Selecting the right one matters because Illinois separates limited residential work from unlimited residential, commercial, and industrial work.

Residential

The Residential exam is the route to the limited roofing license. It is designed for candidates whose qualifying-party role will cover residential roofing work.

Residential, Commercial and Industrial

This combined exam is the route for candidates pursuing the unlimited scope. It covers residential material plus commercial and industrial roofing systems.

Commercial/Industrial upgrade

CTS says you must pass the Residential exam before taking the standalone Commercial/Industrial exam. This option is for someone upgrading from the limited path, not a first-time candidate trying to skip residential.

If you are unsure which scope fits your business, read our Residential vs. Unlimited Illinois roofing license comparison before applying.

How to register for a later exam

1. Go to the official CTS roofing contractor page. Avoid third-party registration sites.
2. Confirm the schedule. January 27, 2027 is the next registration opportunity, with a December 30, 2026 deadline. Confirm your date, testing location, and fee.
3. Select Apply Online. Use your own email address and enter your identifying information carefully.
4. Choose the correct application and exam type. First-time candidates and retake candidates use different selections.
5. Pay the fee and save the confirmation. CTS states that testing fees are nonrefundable.

The IDFPR Roofing Contractor page links to the qualifying-party examination and licensing forms. If you are reapplying after a failed attempt, CTS instructs candidates to wait for their Official Result Letter before reapplying.

What to bring on exam day

The official CTS study guide tells candidates to bring two sharpened No. 2 black-lead pencils. You may also bring a non-programmable, non-printing, solar- or battery-powered pocket calculator.

The guide says computers, other electronics, markers, and other writing tools are not permitted. It does not tell candidates to bring reference books into the testing room. Study from the official reference list before exam day; do not plan on searching those books during the test.

A six-week study plan to adapt to your exam date

This six-week outline was published in September. November candidates now have less time: use the shorter plan linked above and prioritize weak areas. January candidates can use this outline to build a steady routine; preparation needs vary.

1. Week 1: Baseline and exam map. Learn the test structure, take a diagnostic set, and identify your weakest areas.
2. Week 2: Safety and employee protection. Focus on fall protection, ladders, PPE, electrical safety, and OSHA rules.
3. Week 3: Roofing preparation and steep-slope systems. Review decks, underlayments, flashing, shingles, ventilation, and installation details.
4. Week 4: Low-slope and non-residential systems. Match your depth to the exam version you selected.
5. Week 5: Illinois rules and business practices. Study the Roofing Industry Licensing Act, contracts, insurance, and qualifying-party responsibilities.
6. Week 6: Timed review. Work missed questions, memorize key numbers, and practice answering under time pressure.

Field experience is valuable, but it is not a substitute for exam preparation. The test asks for the best answer supported by its reference materials—not necessarily the shortcut you have seen used on a jobsite.

Choose your next step

Already registered for November? Focus on your remaining preparation. If not, plan for January and submit your application before the December 30 deadline.

Do these three things today:

1. Decide whether you need the Residential or Unlimited path.
2. Confirm your November registration, or apply through CTS for a later exam.
3. Build a study plan around your exam date and weakest subjects.

Confirm current dates and requirements with CTS and IDFPR before applying. Illinois Licensing Academy is independent and is not affiliated with IDFPR or Continental Testing Services.