ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N examination is designed for roofing professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of asphalt shingles, roof decks, underlayment, flashing, fasteners, ventilation, reroofing, estimating, weather protection, and safe roofing practices.

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N exam prep collection includes four study options for different experience levels, learning styles, and budgets.

Available G15-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $940.00 sale price, reduced from $1,240.00
• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $645.00 sale price, reduced from $845.00
• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N Exam Book Package: $445.00 sale price, reduced from $545.00

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

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines temporary access to the assigned code books with structured online training.

The package is listed at a sale price of $940.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,240.00.

This option may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need books and online preparation together
• Do not currently own the approved references
• Want an organized roofing study plan
• Need help with roof calculations
• Want to practice book navigation while completing lessons

Review the current product listing for rental terms, deposits, shipping details, access periods, and return instructions.

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized references for candidates who want to begin preparing without highlighting and tabbing every section themselves.

The package is listed at a sale price of $645.00, reduced from the regular price of $845.00.

The prepared books may help candidates locate:

• Roof assembly requirements
• Asphalt shingle provisions
• Roof slope limitations
• Underlayment and ice barriers
• Flashing requirements
• Roof deck provisions
• Ventilation requirements
• Reroofing rules

Online Exam Prep

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N Online Exam Prep course provides flexible, self-paced training 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
• Practice roof measurements and calculations
• Improve code-book navigation
• Identify weak study areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around an active roofing schedule

Exam Book Package

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N Exam Book Package provides printed references for traditional independent preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $445.00, reduced from the regular price of $545.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Prefer book-based study
• Want to own the references
• Already understand many roofing concepts
• Want to create a personalized tab system
• Need the books for continued professional use

Candidates should confirm the current approved book titles and editions before ordering.

What Is the ICC G15-N Examination?

The G15-N examination is associated with the ICC Contractor and Trades testing program. Participating licensing authorities may use it as part of their shingle roofing contractor qualification process.

The examination may evaluate a candidate’s ability to:

• Interpret roofing code provisions
• Calculate roof areas and material quantities
• Evaluate roof slope requirements
• Select underlayment applications
• Apply flashing requirements
• Determine fastening methods
• Evaluate roof ventilation
• Review reroofing conditions
• Recognize unsafe roofing practices

Passing the examination does not automatically issue a contractor license. Candidates must also satisfy the requirements of the applicable licensing authority.

Reference Books

Current G15-N preparation information commonly associates the examination with building and residential code references from the applicable code cycle.

The references may include:

• International Building Code
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings

Candidates should verify the exact editions listed in the current exam bulletin and product description before purchasing materials.

Confirm Local Licensing Requirements

Before purchasing materials or scheduling the examination, verify:

• Whether the licensing authority accepts G15-N
• The required code editions
• The complete approved reference list
• The examination format and testing time
• The passing-score requirement
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and notes
• Required roofing experience
• Application and exam fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Permit and renewal requirements

Common G15-N Study Areas

• Roofing terminology
• Roof measurements and estimating
• Roof slope and geometry
• Roof deck requirements
• Asphalt shingles
• Underlayment and ice barriers
• Drip edge and starter strips
• Fasteners and fastening patterns
• Flashing and valleys
• Roof penetrations
• Attic ventilation
• Wind and fire performance
• Reroofing and repairs
• Jobsite safety

Roof Measurements and Roofing Squares

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

One roofing square represents 100 square feet of roof surface.

A practical estimating process includes:

• Calculate the area of each roof plane
• Add all roof-plane areas
• Convert square feet to roofing squares
• Add an appropriate waste allowance
• Calculate starter, ridge, flashing, and underlayment separately
• Confirm bundle coverage for the selected product

Roof Slope and Geometry

Roof slope is commonly expressed as the vertical rise for each 12 inches of horizontal run.

Roof slope can affect:

• Whether asphalt shingles are permitted
• The required underlayment method
• Water-shedding performance
• Flashing details
• Material handling
• Fall-protection procedures
• Roof-area calculations

Candidates should practice calculating rectangular, triangular, and irregular roof planes and distinguishing horizontal plan dimensions from actual sloped dimensions.

Roof Deck Requirements

The roof deck provides the supporting surface for underlayment, shingles, flashing, and rooftop components.

Inspection considerations include:

• Deck material and thickness
• Panel span rating
• Panel orientation and spacing
• Fastening
• Rot, decay, or water damage
• Delamination
• Unsupported edges
• Nail-holding ability
• Suitability for the selected roof covering

Damaged or unsuitable decking should be repaired before the new roofing system is installed.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are manufactured in different styles, profiles, and performance classifications.

Common products include:

• Three-tab shingles
• Architectural shingles
• Laminated shingles
• Designer shingles
• Impact-resistant shingles
• High-wind shingles
• Algae-resistant shingles

Installation requirements may vary by product, roof slope, wind exposure, fire classification, and manufacturer instructions.

Underlayment and Ice Barriers

Underlayment provides secondary weather protection beneath the roof covering.

Study subjects may include:

• Asphalt-saturated felt
• Synthetic underlayment
• Self-adhering membranes
• Horizontal and end laps
• Fastener type and spacing
• Low-slope applications
• Ice-barrier locations
• Valley underlayment
• Integration with flashing and drip edge

Candidates should identify the roof slope and climate conditions before selecting an underlayment method.

Drip Edge and Starter Strips

Drip edge protects roof edges and helps direct water away from the roof deck and fascia. Starter strips provide sealing and support beneath the first shingle course.

Review:

• Eave and rake installation
• Relationship between drip edge and underlayment
• Lap direction
• Fastener spacing
• Starter-strip position
• Sealant-strip location
• Overhang and joint staggering
• High-wind edge requirements

Roofing Fasteners

Fasteners must secure shingles without damaging the roof covering or creating leakage paths.

Study subjects include:

• Fastener material and corrosion resistance
• Nail length and deck penetration
• Fastener quantity
• Nailing zones
• High-wind fastening patterns
• Overdriven and underdriven nails
• Angled nails
• Exposed fasteners
• Manufacturer instructions

Shingle Layout

Shingle courses should be aligned, staggered, and installed with the correct exposure and headlap.

Preparation may include:

• Horizontal and vertical layout lines
• Course exposure
• Joint staggering
• Starter courses
• Rack and diagonal installation methods
• Hip and ridge shingles
• Color blending
• Cutting at rakes and valleys

Roof Flashing

Flashing directs water away from roof transitions, penetrations, and intersections.

Important flashing subjects include:

• Step flashing
• Counterflashing
• Kick-out flashing
• Chimney flashing
• Valley flashing
• Plumbing vent boots
• Skylight flashing
• Crickets and saddles
• Roof-to-wall intersections

Flashing should be integrated with shingles and underlayment so water remains on the exterior surface of the roofing system.

Roof Valleys

Valleys collect water from adjoining roof planes and require careful installation.

Common valley methods include:

• Open valleys
• Closed-cut valleys
• Woven valleys
• Metal-lined valleys
• Self-adhering valley membranes

Candidates should review underlayment, flashing width, shingle cutting, fastener placement, and manufacturer limitations for each method.

Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation helps manage heat and moisture within enclosed roof spaces.

Common ventilation components include:

• Soffit vents
• Ridge vents
• Roof vents
• Gable vents
• Static vents
• Powered ventilators
• Insulation baffles

Ventilation calculations may require candidates to determine attic area, required net free ventilating area, and the balance between intake and exhaust openings.

Reroofing

Reroofing requires evaluation of the existing roof covering, roof deck, flashing, moisture conditions, structural capacity, and number of existing roof layers.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof removal
• Roof recover
• Layer limitations
• Damaged or deteriorated materials
• Wet roofing materials
• Deck inspection
• Flashing replacement
• Fastener length
• Manufacturer restrictions
• Conditions requiring tear-off

Roof Repairs and Leak Investigation

Roof repairs should correct the source of the problem instead of only covering visible symptoms.

Common repair areas include:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Exposed fasteners
• Failed flashing
• Deteriorated pipe boots
• Leaking valleys
• Damaged ridge caps
• Deck damage
• Improper previous repairs

Interior water staining may not be directly below the exterior roof defect because water can travel along decking, framing, and penetrations.

Wind and Weather Conditions

Roofing installation methods may need to change because of wind, heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice.

Review:

• High-wind fastening patterns
• Shingle wind ratings
• Hand sealing
• Cold-weather shingle handling
• Self-adhering membrane temperature limits
• Hot-weather scuffing
• Temporary dry-in methods
• Weather planning
• Protection of exposed roof decks

Jobsite Safety

Roofing work exposes employees to fall hazards, ladders, tools, heat, debris, and material-handling risks.

Important safety subjects include:

• Personal fall arrest systems
• Guardrails and safety nets
• Roof anchors
• Ladder setup and inspection
• Pneumatic nailer safety
• Material hoisting
• Heat-stress prevention
• Restricted access zones
• Daily housekeeping
• Protection of occupants and property

Code-Book Navigation

A reference-based examination still requires fast and accurate book navigation.

A practical method includes:

• Read the entire question
• Identify the roofing keyword
• Determine whether the question concerns residential or general building construction
• Select the correct reference
• Use the index or table of contents
• Read the complete section
• Check definitions, tables, notes, and exceptions
• Confirm that the rule applies to the stated roof system

Recommended Study Plan

• Review roofing terminology
• Practice roof-area and material calculations
• Study roof slope and deck requirements
• Review asphalt shingle installation
• Study underlayment and ice barriers
• Review fasteners, starter strips, and drip edge
• Study flashing and valley details
• Practice ventilation calculations
• Review reroofing requirements
• Complete timed practice questions
• Review missed answers in the approved books

Which G15-N Package Should You Choose?

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

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating licensing authorities to evaluate asphalt shingle roofing, estimating, installation, ventilation, flashing, reroofing, and safety knowledge.

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

A. The sale price is $940.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,240.00.

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

A. The sale price is $645.00, reduced from the regular price of $845.00.

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 $445.00, reduced from the regular price of $545.00.

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study roof measurements, slopes, decks, shingles, underlayment, fasteners, flashing, valleys, ventilation, reroofing, estimating, and safety.

Q. What is one roofing square?

A. One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface.

Q. Should I practice ventilation calculations?

A. Yes. Candidates should understand attic area, net free ventilating area, and intake and exhaust balance.

Q. Is the G15-N examination open book?

A. ICC trade examinations are commonly reference-based, but candidates should verify the current testing method and approved-book policy.

Q. Does passing G15-N automatically issue a roofing license?

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

Q. Where can I purchase the G15-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - G15-N examination requires practical roofing experience, accurate estimating, knowledge of asphalt shingle systems, strong reference navigation, and safe jobsite practices.

1 Exam Prep offers four preparation options: the Books & Courses Rental Package, Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package, Online Exam Prep, and Exam Book Package.

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