ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N examination is designed for roofing professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of residential and commercial roof systems, roofing materials, flashing, fasteners, roof drainage, scuppers, reroofing, weather protection, code administration, and safe roofing practices.

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N exam prep collection includes a books and courses rental package, professionally highlighted and tabbed references, flexible online exam preparation, and a standard exam book package.

This guide explains the available G14-N study options, examination details, included references, major roofing topics, code-navigation methods, and practical preparation strategies.

Available G14-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $1,190.00 sale price, reduced from $1,490.00
• ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $895.00 sale price, reduced from $1,095.00
• ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Exam Book Package: $595.00 sale price, reduced from $695.00

The rental package combines temporary book access with online training. The highlighted and tabbed package supports faster reference navigation. The online course is suitable for candidates who already own the correct books, while the exam book package supports independent preparation.

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines temporary access to the assigned references with structured online exam preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $1,190.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,490.00.

This option may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need the books and online course together
• Do not currently own the approved references
• Want an organized roofing study plan
• Need help navigating three separate code books
• Want practice with roofing calculations and code questions
• Prefer combining lessons, books, and exam-style practice

Candidates should review the current product listing for the rental period, course-access period, shipping details, deposit requirements, return instructions, and exact package contents.

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized code references for candidates who want to begin studying without preparing every book themselves.

The package is listed at a sale price of $895.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,095.00.

The highlighted and tabbed references may help candidates locate:

• Code administration and definitions
• Residential and commercial roof assemblies
• Roof covering requirements
• Shingle, membrane, and built-up roofing provisions
• Roofing fasteners and accessory materials
• Flashing and weather-protection requirements
• Roof drains, gutters, leaders, and scuppers
• Reroofing and roof repair provisions

Prepared books can improve navigation, but candidates must still understand how to interpret and apply the requirements they locate.

Online Exam Prep

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Online Exam Prep course provides flexible, self-paced preparation for candidates who already own the correct references or plan to purchase them separately.

The course is listed at a sale price of $295.00, reduced from the regular price of $395.00.

Online preparation may help candidates:

• Review roofing subjects in a logical order
• Understand how the three references work together
• Practice roof-area and drainage calculations
• Improve code-book navigation
• Review residential and commercial roofing requirements
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around an active construction schedule

Exam Book Package

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Exam Book Package provides the printed references associated with the examination for independent study.

The package is listed at a sale price of $595.00, reduced from the regular price of $695.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Prefer independent book-based preparation
• Want to own the exam references
• Already understand many roofing concepts
• Want to create a personalized highlighting and tab system
• Already have separate training or practice questions
• Need the code books for continued professional use

What Is the ICC G14-N Examination?

The G14-N examination is the ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a roofing contractor or roofing subcontractor licensing, registration, or qualification process.

The examination includes 60 multiple-choice questions with a two-hour and 30-minute time limit.

The examination is open book, subject to current ICC rules for approved references, permanent tabs, highlighting, notes, and book condition.

Passing G14-N does not automatically issue a roofing contractor license. Candidates must also satisfy the experience, application, insurance, bonding, business-registration, and financial requirements established by the applicable licensing authority.

G14-N Exam References

The current exam package identifies three primary references:

• International Building Code, 2018 Edition
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2018 Edition
• International Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition

The International Building Code supports preparation involving commercial and multifamily roofing, roof assemblies, fire classifications, reroofing, rooftop structures, insulation, weather protection, permits, and inspections.

The International Residential Code supports preparation involving asphalt shingles, roof decks, underlayment, ice barriers, flashing, residential roof coverings, ventilation, and reroofing.

The International Plumbing Code supports preparation involving roof drains, storm drainage, gutters, leaders, conductors, secondary drainage, overflow systems, and scuppers.

Candidates should verify the approved editions before registering because examination references can change.

Confirm Local Roofing License Requirements

Before purchasing materials or scheduling the examination, candidates should verify:

• Whether the licensing authority accepts G14-N
• The exact roofing contractor classification
• The required code editions
• The current approved reference list
• The examination format and passing requirement
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and notes
• Required roofing experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Business-registration requirements
• Permit and inspection requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a Roofing Contractor or Subcontractor Do?

A roofing contractor or subcontractor installs, repairs, replaces, and maintains roof systems within the scope permitted by the applicable license.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Inspecting existing roof conditions
• Reviewing plans and specifications
• Measuring roof areas and slopes
• Estimating materials and labor
• Removing existing roof coverings
• Repairing damaged roof decks
• Installing underlayment and insulation
• Installing steep-slope and low-slope roof coverings
• Installing flashings and roof accessories
• Installing roof drains, gutters, and scuppers
• Coordinating rooftop equipment and penetrations
• Managing permits and inspections
• Following fall-protection requirements
• Maintaining project documentation

G14-N Content Areas

G14-N preparation should focus on the following broad examination areas:

• Administration and General Requirements: code administration, definitions, job planning, permits, inspections, and general roofing requirements
• Types of Roofing Material and Application: shingle roofing, built-up roofing, hot mopping, membranes, metal roofing, and other roof coverings
• Fasteners, Flashings, Drainage, and Scuppers: attachment methods, flashing, accessory materials, gutters, roof drains, overflow drainage, and scuppers
• Reroofing: roof removal, additional roof layers, repairs, existing roof structures, and roof-ceiling assemblies

Administration and General Requirements

Roofing contractors should understand how the building code is administered and how roofing projects move through permitting and inspection.

Study subjects may include:

• Permit requirements
• Construction documents
• Required inspections
• Approved materials
• Alternative materials and methods
• Code definitions
• Unsafe conditions
• Stop-work orders
• Protection of adjoining property
• Final approval
• Contractor responsibilities

Job Planning and Setup

A roofing project should begin with a clear assessment of the building, roof system, weather exposure, access, safety conditions, and project scope.

Planning considerations may include:

• Building use and code classification
• Roof dimensions and slope
• Existing roof materials
• Number of existing roof layers
• Roof deck condition
• Drainage and flashing conditions
• Rooftop equipment and penetrations
• Material delivery and storage
• Weather planning
• Fall protection
• Debris removal
• Protection of occupants and property

Roof Measurements and Estimating

Roofing contractors must calculate roof areas, linear measurements, drainage areas, and material quantities accurately.

Common measurements include:

• Roof-plane dimensions
• Building footprint
• Roof slope
• Eave and rake lengths
• Ridge, hip, and valley lengths
• Parapet dimensions
• Flashing lengths
• Roof-drainage areas
• Gutter and conductor lengths

One roofing square represents 100 square feet of roof surface. Candidates should distinguish horizontal building dimensions from actual sloped roof dimensions.

Roof Slope and Geometry

Roof slope affects material selection, underlayment, drainage, fastening, weather protection, and installation procedures.

Candidates should practice:

• Interpreting slope notation
• Calculating rectangular roof planes
• Calculating triangular and trapezoidal areas
• Applying slope factors
• Calculating hips and valleys
• Dividing irregular roofs into smaller shapes
• Determining drainage areas

Roof Decks and Substrates

The roof deck or substrate must provide a suitable surface for the selected roofing system.

Inspection considerations may include:

• Deck material and thickness
• Structural capacity
• Panel span ratings
• Fastening
• Rot, decay, or water damage
• Delamination
• Surface irregularities
• Moisture conditions
• Existing insulation
• Compatibility with adhesives or membranes
• Required slope

Damaged or unsuitable materials should be repaired before the new roof system is installed.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingle preparation may include roof slope, underlayment, ice barriers, starter strips, fasteners, flashing, valleys, hips, ridges, and reroofing.

Important study subjects include:

• Permitted roof slopes
• Underlayment applications
• Drip edge
• Starter courses
• Nail type and placement
• Shingle exposure and headlap
• Wind resistance
• Valley methods
• Step flashing
• Hip and ridge installation
• Manufacturer instructions

Low-Slope Roof Systems

G14-N covers more than shingle roofing. Candidates should also review low-slope roofing materials and application methods.

Possible systems include:

• Built-up roofing
• Hot-mopped asphalt systems
• Modified bitumen roofing
• Single-ply membranes
• Thermoplastic membranes
• Thermoset membranes
• Spray-applied systems
• Liquid-applied coatings
• Protected membrane systems

Candidates should understand substrate preparation, membrane attachment, laps, seams, flashing, drainage, insulation, and manufacturer requirements.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roof systems commonly use multiple layers of reinforcing felts or fabrics combined with bitumen and a protective surface.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof slope limitations
• Base sheets
• Ply sheets
• Asphalt or coal-tar materials
• Hot-mopping procedures
• Fastening and adhesion
• Aggregate surfacing
• Flood coats
• Flashing plies
• Roof penetrations
• Drainage
• Fire classification

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen systems use factory-manufactured sheets reinforced and modified for improved performance.

Application methods may include:

• Hot asphalt application
• Cold adhesive application
• Heat-welded application
• Self-adhering sheets
• Mechanical attachment

Candidates should review membrane laps, seams, flashing, substrate preparation, surfacing, fire safety, and product-specific installation requirements.

Single-Ply Roofing Membranes

Single-ply roof systems may be mechanically attached, adhered, or ballasted, depending on the product and approved assembly.

Study subjects may include:

• Membrane type
• Substrate compatibility
• Insulation boards
• Fastening patterns
• Adhesives
• Seam preparation
• Heat-welded or bonded seams
• Perimeter and corner attachment
• Penetration flashing
• Termination bars
• Drainage
• Manufacturer instructions

Metal Roof Coverings

Metal roofing systems may include panels, shingles, tiles, or other approved products.

Important subjects may include:

• Metal type and corrosion resistance
• Minimum roof slope
• Underlayment
• Panel attachment
• Clips and fasteners
• Standing seams
• End and side laps
• Thermal movement
• Flashing
• Roof penetrations
• Wind resistance
• Compatibility between metals

Roofing Underlayment

Underlayment provides secondary weather protection beneath many roof coverings.

Preparation may include:

• Asphalt-saturated felt
• Synthetic underlayment
• Self-adhering membranes
• High-temperature underlayment
• Horizontal and end laps
• Fastening
• Low-slope applications
• Ice barriers
• Valley protection
• Integration with flashing

Roofing Fasteners

Fasteners must be suitable for the roof covering, deck, environmental exposure, wind conditions, and approved roof assembly.

Study subjects may include:

• Nails
• Screws
• Staples where permitted
• Plates and washers
• Mechanical anchors
• Corrosion resistance
• Fastener length
• Deck penetration
• Fastener quantity
• Fastening patterns
• Perimeter and corner zones
• Manufacturer requirements

Flashing and Accessory Materials

Flashing directs water away from roof transitions, edges, penetrations, walls, and rooftop equipment.

Important flashing locations include:

• Roof-to-wall intersections
• Parapets
• Chimneys
• Valleys
• Plumbing vents
• Skylights
• Roof curbs
• Drains and scuppers
• Expansion joints
• Eaves and rakes
• Changes in roof slope

Flashing should be integrated with the roof covering and weather-resistive layers so water is directed away from the building interior.

Roof Drainage

Roof drainage must remove rainfall without allowing excessive ponding, overflow, or uncontrolled discharge.

Study areas may include:

• Roof slope toward drains
• Roof drain locations
• Drain strainers
• Gutters
• Leaders and conductors
• Horizontal storm piping
• Drainage-area calculations
• Rainfall rates
• Secondary drainage
• Overflow drains
• Scuppers
• Discharge locations

The International Plumbing Code is an important G14-N reference because roofing questions may involve storm drainage sizing and overflow protection.

Primary and Secondary Roof Drainage

Primary drainage removes water during normal rainfall conditions. Secondary or emergency drainage provides a separate path when the primary system is blocked or overwhelmed.

Candidates should review:

• Independent overflow systems
• Secondary drain elevation
• Overflow scupper placement
• Required drainage capacity
• Parapet roof conditions
• Visible discharge
• Structural ponding concerns
• Drainage-area division

Scuppers

Scuppers are openings through parapets or roof edges that allow water to leave a roof surface.

Study subjects may include:

• Primary scuppers
• Overflow scuppers
• Scupper dimensions
• Elevation above the roof surface
• Flashing
• Discharge paths
• Collection heads
• Downspouts
• Protection from blockage
• Coordination with parapet construction

Reroofing

Reroofing requires evaluation of existing materials, roof layers, structural conditions, moisture, flashing, drainage, and compatibility with the proposed roof system.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof removal
• Roof recover
• Existing layer limitations
• Water-soaked materials
• Damaged roof decks
• Structural deterioration
• Existing insulation
• Flashing replacement
• Drainage correction
• Fastener length
• Manufacturer limitations
• Conditions requiring tear-off

Roof Removal and Recover

A tear-off exposes the roof deck or substrate for inspection and repair. A roof recover installs a new system over an existing roof covering when permitted.

A roof recover should not be used to conceal:

• Water-soaked materials
• Damaged or deteriorated decking
• Unstable roof coverings
• Trapped moisture
• Inadequate drainage
• Excessive existing layers
• Structural deficiencies
• Incompatible roofing materials

Roof Insulation

Roof insulation may affect energy performance, roof slope, drainage, attachment, condensation control, and membrane compatibility.

Study considerations may include:

• Insulation type
• Thermal resistance
• Board thickness
• Tapered insulation
• Mechanical attachment
• Adhesive attachment
• Cover boards
• Vapor retarders
• Moisture conditions
• Compatibility with roofing materials
• Energy-code requirements

Rooftop Structures and Equipment

Roofing contractors must coordinate roofing work around mechanical equipment, curbs, penthouses, skylights, vents, pipes, solar equipment, and other rooftop features.

Important considerations include:

• Equipment curbs
• Flashing heights
• Service clearances
• Roof access
• Drainage around equipment
• Pipe supports
• Penetration seals
• Wind resistance
• Fire classification
• Protection from foot traffic

Fire Classification and Weather Protection

Roof coverings may be classified according to their resistance to external fire exposure.

Candidates should review:

• Class A roof coverings
• Class B roof coverings
• Class C roof coverings
• Approved roof assemblies
• Required classifications
• Roof deck and underlayment relationships
• Fire-retardant materials
• Weather exposure
• Wind resistance
• Product listings

The classification may apply to the complete roof assembly rather than only the visible roofing material.

Material Storage and Handling

Roofing materials should be stored and handled to prevent moisture damage, distortion, contamination, and structural overloading.

Good practices may include:

• Protecting materials from rain and moisture
• Following stacking limitations
• Distributing loads across the roof
• Keeping membrane rolls upright where required
• Controlling adhesive and asphalt temperatures
• Protecting insulation boards
• Avoiding damage to sheet-metal materials
• Following manufacturer storage requirements

Roofing Safety

Roofing work exposes employees to falls, hot materials, ladders, tools, weather, lifting hazards, and active construction conditions.

Important safety subjects include:

• Personal fall arrest systems
• Guardrails and safety nets
• Warning lines where permitted
• Roof anchors and lifelines
• Ladder safety
• Material hoisting
• Hot asphalt safety
• Torch-applied roofing safety
• Fire extinguishers and fire watch
• Heat-stress prevention
• Restricted access zones
• Protection of occupants and property

Code-Book Navigation

An open-book examination still requires fast and accurate reference navigation.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify the primary roofing keyword
• Determine whether the subject is residential, commercial, or drainage-related
• Select the IRC, IBC, or IPC
• Use the index or table of contents
• Locate the complete section or table
• Review definitions, notes, figures, and exceptions
• Confirm that the provision applies to the stated roof system

Candidates should practice deciding which of the three books applies before searching for the exact answer.

Organizing the G14-N References

A practical tab system may include:

• IBC administration
• IBC roof assemblies
• IBC reroofing
• IBC rooftop structures
• IRC asphalt shingles
• IRC underlayment and ice barriers
• IRC flashing and ventilation
• IRC reroofing
• IPC storm drainage
• IPC roof drains
• IPC secondary drainage
• IPC gutters and conductors
• IPC scuppers

Candidates should verify current ICC rules before adding tabs, highlighting, notes, or other book modifications.

Recommended Study Plan

• Review exam rules and reference-book organization
• Study administration and roofing definitions
• Practice roof-area and slope calculations
• Review shingle roofing requirements
• Study low-slope membranes and built-up roofing
• Review fasteners and attachment methods
• Study flashing and weather protection
• Practice roof-drainage calculations
• Review roof drains, gutters, and scuppers
• Study reroofing and repair requirements
• Review roofing safety
• Complete timed reference-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which G14-N Package Should You Choose?

• Choose the Books & Courses Rental Package for temporary access to all references and structured online preparation.
• Choose the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package for professionally organized books designed to support faster navigation.
• Choose Online Exam Prep when you already own the correct references and want guided study.
• Choose the Exam Book Package for independent preparation and permanent book ownership.

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating licensing authorities to evaluate roofing materials, installation, drainage, flashing, reroofing, administration, and safety knowledge.

Q. How much does the Books & Courses Rental Package cost?

A. The sale price is $1,190.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,490.00.

Q. How much does the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $895.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,095.00.

Q. How much does Online Exam Prep cost?

A. The sale price is $295.00, reduced from the regular price of $395.00.

Q. How much does the Exam Book Package cost?

A. The sale price is $595.00, reduced from the regular price of $695.00.

Q. What books are included in the G14-N Exam Book Package?

A. The package includes the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, and 2018 International Plumbing Code.

Q. How many questions are on the G14-N exam?

A. The examination includes 60 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. Candidates have two hours and 30 minutes to complete the examination.

Q. Is the G14-N examination open book?

A. Yes. Candidates may use approved references subject to current ICC testing rules.

Q. Why is the International Plumbing Code included?

A. The plumbing code contains requirements for roof drains, storm drainage, secondary drainage, gutters, conductors, and scuppers.

Q. What roofing materials should I study?

A. Study asphalt shingles, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, single-ply membranes, metal roofing, and other materials identified in the current content outline.

Q. Should I study both residential and commercial roofing?

A. Yes. The exam uses both the International Residential Code and International Building Code.

Q. Should I practice roof-drainage calculations?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice drainage areas, roof drains, gutters, leaders, conductors, overflow drainage, and scuppers.

Q. Should I study reroofing?

A. Yes. Review tear-off, roof recover, existing layer limitations, moisture damage, structural repairs, insulation, and flashing replacement.

Q. Does passing G14-N automatically issue a roofing contractor license?

A. No. The applicable licensing authority controls experience, applications, insurance, bonding, fees, registration, and final approval.

Q. Where can I purchase the G14-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N examination requires candidates to combine practical roofing knowledge with efficient navigation of residential, commercial, and plumbing code references.

Important preparation subjects include code administration, job planning, steep-slope and low-slope roofing materials, fasteners, flashing, roof drainage, scuppers, weather protection, insulation, reroofing, and safety.

1 Exam Prep offers a Books & Courses Rental Package, Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package, Online Exam Prep, and Exam Book Package for different preparation needs and budgets.

Shop ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - G14-N Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

• G14-N is the ICC National Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor examination.
• The Books & Courses Rental Package sale price is $1,190.00.
• The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package sale price is $895.00.
• The Online Exam Prep sale price is $295.00.
• The Exam Book Package sale price is $595.00.
• The examination includes 60 questions and a two-hour 30-minute limit.
• The examination is open book under current testing rules.
• The references are the 2018 IBC, IRC, and IPC.
• The exam covers residential and commercial roofing.
• Important subjects include roofing materials, fasteners, flashing, drainage, scuppers, and reroofing.
• Passing the examination does not automatically issue a roofing license.
• Candidates should verify current exam and jurisdictional requirements before registering.