ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N examination is designed for roofing professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of residential and commercial roof systems, roof coverings, reroofing, weather protection, fire classification, roof drainage, insulation, rooftop structures, inspections, permits, and code-compliant installation practices.

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N exam prep collection includes a books and courses rental package, professionally highlighted and tabbed references, flexible online exam preparation, and a complete exam book package.

This guide explains the available F14-N preparation options, examination format, listed references, major roofing topics, calculation areas, code-navigation methods, and practical study strategies.

Available F14-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $1,190.00 sale price, reduced from $1,590.00
• ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $895.00 sale price, reduced from $1,095.00
• ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N Exam Book Package: $595.00 sale price, reduced from $695.00

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

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines access to the listed code references with organized online exam preparation.

The package is listed at a sale price of $1,190.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,590.00.

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need all three exam references and online preparation
• Do not currently own the listed code books
• Want an organized roofing contractor study plan
• Need help distinguishing residential, commercial, and drainage requirements
• Want practice with roofing calculations and code questions
• Prefer combining lessons, books, and exam-style practice

Candidates should review the current product listing for rental periods, course access, shipping information, deposit requirements, and book-return instructions.

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized references for candidates who want to begin studying without preparing every important section themselves.

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

The prepared references may help candidates locate:

• Code administration and permit requirements
• Residential and commercial roof-covering provisions
• Weather-protection requirements
• Fire-classification provisions
• Reroofing requirements
• Roof insulation and rooftop structure provisions
• Roof drainage, scupper, and conductor requirements
• Inspection, violation, and stop-work provisions

Highlights and tabs can support faster navigation, but candidates must still understand how to interpret definitions, tables, footnotes, exceptions, and related code sections.

Online Exam Prep

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-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 structured order
• Learn when to use each of the three references
• Improve open-book navigation speed
• Practice roof-area and drainage calculations
• Review reroofing and roof-covering requirements
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around an active roofing schedule

The course is most effective when candidates actively use all three listed references while completing lessons and practice questions.

Exam Book Package

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N Exam Book Package provides the printed code references associated with the examination for independent preparation.

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 study
• Want to own all three references
• Already understand many roofing subjects
• Want to create a personalized highlighting and tab system
• Already have separate instruction or practice questions
• Need the books for continued professional use

What Is the ICC F14-N Examination?

The F14-N examination is the ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a roofing contractor, roofing subcontractor, specialty contractor, registration, or qualification process.

The current examination information lists:

• 60 multiple-choice questions
• Three-hour testing limit
• 70% passing requirement
• Open-book format

The examination requires candidates to identify the type of building or roofing issue, choose the correct reference, locate the applicable section or table, and apply the code language to the conditions described.

Passing F14-N does not automatically issue a roofing license. Experience, insurance, applications, business registration, fees, and final approval are controlled by the applicable licensing authority.

F14-N Exam References

The current F14-N examination information identifies three primary references:

• International Building Code, 2015 Edition
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2015 Edition
• International Plumbing Code, 2015 Edition

The International Building Code supports preparation involving commercial roof assemblies, fire classification, weather protection, roof insulation, rooftop structures, reroofing, permits, inspections, violations, and general construction requirements.

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

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

Candidates should verify that the 2015 code cycle matches the exact examination selected during registration.

How the Three References Work Together

• Use the International Building Code for commercial buildings, general roof assemblies, fire classifications, rooftop structures, roof insulation, and broader administrative requirements.
• Use the International Residential Code for qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, including detailed steep-slope roof-covering provisions.
• Use the International Plumbing Code for storm drainage, roof drains, leaders, conductors, overflow drainage, and scuppers.

Choosing the correct reference before beginning a search can save valuable examination time.

Confirm Local Roofing Requirements

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

• Whether the licensing authority accepts F14-N
• The permitted scope of roofing work
• The required code editions
• The current listed references
• The examination question count and time limit
• The required passing score
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and handwritten notes
• Required roofing or supervisory experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Business-registration requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a Roofing Contractor or Subcontractor Do?

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

Common responsibilities may include:

• Reviewing roof plans and specifications
• Inspecting existing roof systems
• Measuring roof areas and slopes
• Estimating roofing materials and labor
• Removing existing roof coverings
• Repairing or replacing damaged roof decks
• Installing underlayment and insulation
• Installing steep-slope and low-slope roof coverings
• Installing flashing and roof penetrations
• Coordinating roof drainage
• Managing permits and inspections
• Following fall-protection and jobsite safety requirements

Major F14-N Study Areas

• General administration
• Permits and construction documents
• Inspections and structural tests
• Violations and stop-work orders
• Weather protection
• Roof-covering fire classification
• Residential and commercial roof coverings
• Roof decks and substrates
• Underlayment and flashing
• Reroofing
• Roof insulation
• Rooftop structures and equipment
• Roof drainage
• Secondary drainage and scuppers
• Roof calculations and estimating
• Roofing safety

General Administration

Roofing contractors should understand how projects move through permitting, inspection, correction, and final approval.

Study subjects may include:

• Permit requirements
• Construction documents
• Required inspections
• Approved materials and methods
• Alternative materials
• Manufacturer installation instructions
• Code official authority
• Unsafe conditions
• Permit-holder responsibilities
• Protection of adjoining property

Permits and Construction Documents

Roofing projects may require permits and supporting documents before work begins.

Candidates should review:

• When permits are required
• Work that may be exempt from permits
• Permit applications
• Construction documents
• Product information
• Structural details
• Roof plans
• Drainage plans
• Permit expiration
• Changes to approved work

Local amendments may create additional permit requirements for reroofing, structural repairs, and storm-damage work.

Inspections and Structural Tests

Roofing work may require inspections before materials or structural conditions are concealed.

Inspection points may include:

• Existing roof conditions
• Roof deck repairs
• Sheathing attachment
• Underlayment
• Roof insulation
• Flashing
• Roof drainage
• Fasteners and attachment
• Roof-covering installation
• Final weather protection

Work requiring inspection should remain visible until approval is received.

Violations and Stop-Work Orders

Roofing work that violates the code, approved plans, or permit conditions may result in enforcement action.

Candidates should understand:

• Notices of violation
• Correction orders
• Stop-work orders
• Unsafe structures
• Work performed without a permit
• Failure to obtain required inspections
• Removal of concealed work
• Responsibility for corrective work
• Resumption of stopped work

Weather Protection

Roof assemblies must protect buildings against rain, snow, ice, wind-driven water, and normal environmental exposure.

Weather-protection subjects may include:

• Roof slope
• Roof coverings
• Underlayment
• Ice barriers
• Flashing
• Valleys
• Drip edges
• Roof penetrations
• Parapets and walls
• Roof drainage
• Temporary dry-in procedures

Roof-Covering Fire Classification

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

Candidates should review:

• Class A roof assemblies
• Class B roof assemblies
• Class C roof assemblies
• Required classifications
• Listed roof assemblies
• Nonclassified coverings
• Product labels
• Roof-deck relationships
• Underlayment requirements
• Jurisdictional amendments

The fire classification may apply to the complete roof assembly rather than only the visible roof-covering material.

Roof Coverings

F14-N preparation may include a broad range of residential and commercial roof-covering systems.

Possible systems include:

• Asphalt shingles
• Clay and concrete tile
• Metal roof panels
• Metal shingles
• Wood shingles and shakes
• Slate shingles
• Built-up roofing
• Modified bitumen roofing
• Thermoset single-ply roofing
• Thermoplastic single-ply roofing
• Spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing

Candidates should know how roof slope, deck type, fire classification, wind resistance, drainage, and manufacturer instructions affect installation.

Roof Slope

Roof slope affects the permitted roof covering, underlayment application, drainage performance, fastening, and installation method.

Candidates should practice:

• Reading slope notation
• Calculating rise and run
• Identifying low-slope limitations
• Applying slope factors
• Calculating actual roof area
• Selecting suitable roof coverings
• Applying special underlayment requirements
• Identifying positive drainage conditions

Roof Decks and Substrates

The roof deck must provide a sound, compatible, and properly attached base for the roof system.

Inspection considerations may include:

• Deck material
• Panel thickness
• Span rating
• Fastener spacing
• Edge support
• Rot and decay
• Water damage
• Corrosion
• Delamination
• Surface irregularities
• Compatibility with the roof covering

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

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles must be approved for the roof slope, wind conditions, fire classification, and installation method.

Study subjects may include:

• Minimum roof slope
• Underlayment
• Ice barriers
• Starter courses
• Shingle exposure
• Fastener quantity and location
• Drip edges
• Valleys
• Flashing
• Hip and ridge shingles
• High-wind installation

Tile Roofing

Clay and concrete roof tiles require suitable deck support, underlayment, attachment, flashing, and weather protection.

Candidates should review:

• Minimum roof slope
• Tile underlayment
• Fastening methods
• Wind resistance
• Battens
• Headlap
• Valleys and flashing
• Hip and ridge installation
• Tile weight and structural support
• Replacement of broken tiles

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing systems may include structural panels, architectural panels, standing-seam systems, exposed-fastener panels, and metal shingles.

Study considerations may include:

• Panel materials
• Corrosion resistance
• Minimum slope
• Underlayment
• Panel attachment
• Clip systems
• Thermal movement
• Seams and laps
• Flashing
• Roof penetrations
• Compatibility between metals

Low-Slope Roof Systems

Low-slope systems require careful attention to drainage, insulation, seams, flashing, penetrations, and manufacturer installation requirements.

Study subjects may include:

• Built-up roofing
• Modified bitumen
• Thermoset membranes
• Thermoplastic membranes
• Roof coatings
• Ballasted systems
• Mechanically attached systems
• Adhered systems
• Seam construction
• Edge securement
• Drainage and ponding water

Underlayment

Underlayment provides secondary weather protection beneath many roof coverings.

Preparation may include:

• Asphalt-saturated felt
• Synthetic underlayment
• Self-adhering membranes
• Horizontal laps
• End laps
• Fastening requirements
• Low-slope applications
• Integration with flashing
• Valley protection
• Temporary exposure limitations

Flashing

Flashing directs water away from roof transitions, walls, penetrations, edges, and changes in roof geometry.

Important locations include:

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

Flashing should be integrated with the roof covering and underlayment so water is directed toward the exterior.

Roof Penetrations

Roof penetrations must be flashed and sealed without relying only on exposed sealant.

Common penetrations include:

• Plumbing vents
• Mechanical exhausts
• Skylights
• Chimneys
• Roof hatches
• Solar equipment supports
• Satellite mounts
• Mechanical curbs
• Electrical conduits

Candidates should review flashing compatibility, curb heights, clearances, fastening, counterflashing, and manufacturer instructions.

Reroofing

Reroofing requires evaluation of existing roof coverings, decking, insulation, moisture, flashing, drainage, and compatibility with the proposed system.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof removal
• Roof recover
• Existing layer limitations
• Water-soaked materials
• Damaged roof decks
• Deteriorated roof coverings
• Flashing replacement
• Fastener length and attachment
• Existing insulation
• Conditions requiring complete tear-off

Conditions Requiring Roof Removal

Complete or partial roof removal may be required when:

• The existing roof has too many layers
• Materials are water soaked
• The roof deck is damaged or deteriorated
• The existing roof is unsuitable for recover
• Materials are incompatible
• Structural conditions require inspection
• The existing system cannot provide a suitable substrate
• The code or manufacturer requires removal

Roof Insulation

Roof insulation can affect energy performance, drainage, membrane support, condensation control, and roof-system attachment.

Candidates should review:

• Insulation types
• Thermal resistance
• Tapered insulation
• Cover boards
• Vapor retarders
• Multiple insulation layers
• Fastening and adhesion
• Compatibility with roof membranes
• Protection from moisture
• Replacement of wet insulation

Rooftop Structures and Equipment

Rooftop equipment and structures must be coordinated with the roof assembly and structural system.

Study subjects may include:

• Equipment curbs
• Mechanical equipment
• Screen walls
• Penthouses
• Roof access structures
• Skylights
• Solar equipment
• Equipment clearances
• Flashing and counterflashing
• Drainage around rooftop equipment
• Structural support

Roof Drainage

Roof drainage systems remove rainwater from roof surfaces and direct it to an approved discharge point.

Study subjects may include:

• Roof drainage areas
• Rainfall rates
• Roof drains
• Gutters
• Leaders and conductors
• Horizontal storm piping
• Secondary drainage
• Overflow drains
• Scuppers
• Discharge locations
• Roof slope and positive drainage

Primary and Secondary Drainage

Primary drainage handles normal rainfall, while secondary drainage provides a separate path when the primary system becomes blocked or overloaded.

Candidates should understand:

• Primary roof drains
• Overflow roof drains
• Secondary drainage piping
• Emergency scuppers
• Required elevation differences
• Independent discharge
• Parapet roof conditions
• Visible discharge arrangements
• Structural risks from ponding water

Roof Drainage Calculations

Roof drainage sizing may depend on roof area, rainfall rate, pipe slope, gutter dimensions, conductor capacity, and the number of drainage points.

A practical calculation process includes:

• Calculate the contributing roof area
• Include vertical wall areas where required
• Identify the applicable rainfall rate
• Divide the roof among the drains or scuppers
• Select the correct drainage table
• Size roof drains and vertical conductors
• Size horizontal storm piping
• Evaluate secondary drainage capacity

Scuppers

Scuppers allow water to pass through parapet walls or roof edges.

Candidates should review:

• Primary scuppers
• Emergency overflow scuppers
• Required opening area
• Placement above the roof surface
• Flashing integration
• Discharge locations
• Protection from blockage
• Coordination with downspouts

Roofing Calculations

F14-N preparation may include basic construction and roofing calculations.

Common calculation subjects may include:

• Roof-plane area
• Roofing squares
• Slope factors
• Material quantities
• Underlayment quantities
• Insulation quantities
• Flashing lengths
• Roof drain areas
• Gutter and conductor sizing
• Scupper sizing
• Waste allowances
• Unit conversions

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

Plan Reading

Roofing candidates may need to interpret roof plans, sections, details, schedules, drainage diagrams, and written specifications.

Plan-reading subjects may include:

• Roof slopes
• Roof elevations
• Drain and scupper locations
• Parapet walls
• Roof penetrations
• Roof curbs
• Expansion joints
• Flashing details
• Insulation thickness
• Roof-covering schedules
• Structural details
• Plan notes and revisions

Material Storage and Handling

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

Good practices may include:

• Keeping materials dry
• Protecting insulation from moisture
• Following bundle-stacking limits
• Distributing loads across the roof
• Protecting membranes from punctures
• Keeping adhesives within temperature limits
• Protecting flashing materials
• Following manufacturer storage instructions
• Keeping materials away from ignition sources

Roofing Safety

Roofing work exposes employees to falls, ladders, tools, heat, weather, electrical lines, hazardous materials, and active construction conditions.

Important safety subjects include:

• Personal fall arrest systems
• Guardrails and safety nets
• Roof anchors and lifelines
• Ladder setup and access
• Scaffold safety
• Material hoisting
• Heat-stress prevention
• Cold- and wet-weather precautions
• Protection near overhead electrical lines
• Hot-work and torch-applied roofing precautions
• Housekeeping and debris control
• Protection of occupants and adjoining property

Open-Book Code Navigation

An open-book examination still requires fast and accurate reference navigation. Three large code books can consume valuable time when candidates do not know where to search.

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify whether the issue is residential, commercial, or drainage related
• Select the IRC, IBC, or IPC
• Identify the primary roofing keyword
• Use the index or table of contents
• Locate the complete section, table, or figure
• Review definitions, exceptions, and footnotes
• Confirm that the requirement applies to the stated roof system

Organizing the F14-N References

A practical tab system may include:

• IBC administration
• IBC inspections and violations
• IBC roof assemblies
• IBC fire classification
• IBC reroofing
• IBC rooftop structures
• IRC roof-ceiling construction
• IRC asphalt shingles
• IRC tile and metal roofing
• IRC underlayment and flashing
• IRC roof ventilation
• IRC reroofing
• IPC storm drainage
• IPC roof drains and conductors
• IPC secondary drainage and scuppers

Candidates should confirm current testing rules before adding tabs, highlighting, notes, or other book modifications.

Recommended F14-N Study Plan

• Confirm the current exam listing and reference editions
• Learn the purpose and organization of all three books
• Study permits, inspections, violations, and stop-work orders
• Review weather protection and fire classification
• Study residential and commercial roof coverings
• Review roof decks, underlayment, and flashing
• Study low-slope and steep-slope systems
• Review reroofing and roof-removal requirements
• Study roof insulation and rooftop structures
• Practice roof-area and material calculations
• Review roof drainage and overflow systems
• Practice roof drain, conductor, and scupper questions
• Review plans and roofing details
• Complete timed code-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which F14-N Package Should You Choose?

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

FAQ

Q. What is the ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate roofing code knowledge, roof-system installation, drainage, reroofing, calculations, and open-book reference navigation.

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

A. The sale price is $1,190.00, reduced from the regular price of $1,590.00.

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 used for F14-N?

A. The listed references are the 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Residential Code, and 2015 International Plumbing Code.

Q. How many questions are on the F14-N examination?

A. The current examination information lists 60 multiple-choice questions.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. Candidates currently have three hours to complete the examination.

Q. What score is required to pass?

A. The current examination information lists a 70% passing requirement.

Q. Is the F14-N examination open book?

A. Yes. Candidates may use permitted reference materials subject to current testing rules.

Q. Why is the International Plumbing Code included?

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

Q. Should I study residential and commercial roofing?

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

Q. Should I study reroofing?

A. Yes. Review roof removal, roof recover, existing layers, wet materials, damaged decking, flashing replacement, insulation, and conditions requiring tear-off.

Q. Should I practice roof-drainage calculations?

A. Yes. Practice roof areas, rainfall rates, roof drains, leaders, horizontal storm piping, secondary drainage, and scuppers.

Q. Should I study roof plans?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice roof slopes, drainage locations, penetrations, curbs, parapets, insulation, flashing details, and roof-covering schedules.

Q. Does passing F14-N automatically issue a roofing license?

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

Q. Where can I purchase the F14-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Standard Roofing Contractor/Subcontractor - F14-N examination requires candidates to combine practical roofing experience with efficient navigation of residential, commercial, and storm-drainage code references.

Important preparation subjects include administration, inspections, weather protection, fire classification, roof coverings, underlayment, flashing, reroofing, insulation, rooftop structures, roof drainage, calculations, plan reading, 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.

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Key Takeaways

• F14-N is the ICC National Standard 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 current examination lists 60 questions and a three-hour limit.
• The current passing requirement is 70%.
• The examination is open book under current testing rules.
• The listed references are the 2015 IBC, 2015 IRC, and 2015 IPC.
• Major subjects include roof coverings, reroofing, fire classification, insulation, rooftop structures, and roof drainage.
• Passing F14-N does not automatically issue a roofing contractor license.
• Candidates should verify current exam and jurisdictional requirements before registering.