ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N Exam Prep Guide

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N examination is designed for roofing professionals preparing to demonstrate their knowledge of asphalt shingle roof systems, roof decks, underlayment, flashing, fasteners, roof slopes, ventilation, weather protection, reroofing, fire classifications, inspections, and code-compliant installation practices.

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-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 F15-N study options, reference books, major roofing topics, code-navigation methods, calculations, and practical preparation strategies.

Available F15-N Exam Prep Packages

• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N - Books & Courses Rental Package: $940.00 sale price, reduced from $1,240.00
• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package: $645.00 sale price, reduced from $845.00
• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N - Online Exam Prep: $295.00 sale price, reduced from $395.00
• ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N Exam Book Package: $445.00 sale price, reduced from $545.00

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

Books & Courses Rental Package

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N Books & Courses Rental Package combines access to the assigned code books with structured online exam preparation.

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

This package may be appropriate for candidates who:

• Need the exam references and online course together
• Do not currently own the approved code books
• Want an organized shingle roofing study plan
• Need help navigating residential and commercial roofing provisions
• Want practice with roofing calculations and code questions
• Prefer combining lessons, books, and practice exercises

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

Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package provides professionally organized references for candidates who want to begin studying without marking every section themselves.

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

The prepared references may help candidates locate:

• Code administration and roofing definitions
• Roof assembly requirements
• Asphalt shingle provisions
• Underlayment and ice-barrier requirements
• Flashing and valley provisions
• Fastener and attachment requirements
• Roof ventilation provisions
• Reroofing requirements

Highlighted and tabbed books can improve navigation, but candidates must still understand how to interpret definitions, tables, exceptions, and installation requirements.

Online Exam Prep

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-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 shingle roofing topics in a logical order
• Practice code-book navigation
• Review material and roof-area calculations
• Study flashing, underlayment, and fastening rules
• Identify weak knowledge areas
• Complete exam-style practice questions
• Study around an active roofing schedule

The course is most effective when candidates use the approved references while completing lessons and practice questions.

Exam Book Package

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N Exam Book Package provides the printed references associated with the examination for 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 independent book-based preparation
• Want to own the exam references
• Already understand many shingle roofing subjects
• 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 F15-N Examination?

The F15-N examination is the ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor examination. Participating jurisdictions may use it as part of a roofing contractor, shingle roofing contractor, specialty contractor, or subcontractor qualification process.

The examination focuses on the ability to locate, interpret, and apply roofing code requirements under timed testing conditions.

Questions may require candidates to:

• Identify approved roof-covering materials
• Evaluate roof slopes and installation limitations
• Apply underlayment and ice-barrier requirements
• Determine proper flashing methods
• Review shingle fasteners and attachment
• Evaluate roof decks and substrates
• Apply reroofing requirements
• Review roof ventilation provisions
• Calculate roof areas and material quantities
• Recognize unsafe or noncompliant installations

Current package information describes the examination as open book. Candidates should confirm the latest question count, testing time, passing score, testing method, and approved materials before registering.

F15-N Exam References

The current F15-N package identifies two primary references:

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

The International Building Code supports preparation involving commercial roof assemblies, roofing materials, fire classification, rooftop structures, weather protection, structural considerations, and reroofing.

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

Candidates should confirm the approved editions before purchasing materials or scheduling the examination because code cycles and testing requirements can change.

How the Two References Work Together

• Use the International Building Code for commercial and general building requirements involving roof assemblies, materials, fire classification, structural conditions, and reroofing.
• Use the International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings and qualifying townhouses, including detailed asphalt shingle installation requirements.

Candidates should identify the building type before selecting the reference in which to search for an answer.

Confirm Local Roofing License Requirements

Passing F15-N does not automatically issue a roofing contractor license in every jurisdiction.

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

• Whether the licensing authority accepts F15-N
• The permitted scope of shingle roofing work
• The required code editions
• The current approved reference list
• The examination question count and time limit
• The required passing score
• Rules for tabs, highlighting, and handwritten notes
• Required roofing experience
• Application and examination fees
• Insurance and bonding requirements
• Business-registration requirements
• License renewal requirements

What Does a Shingle Roofing Contractor Do?

A shingle roofing contractor installs, alters, repairs, replaces, and maintains steep-slope shingle roof systems within the scope permitted by the applicable licensing authority.

Common responsibilities may include:

• Inspecting existing roof conditions
• Measuring roof dimensions and slopes
• Estimating materials and labor
• Removing existing roof coverings
• Repairing damaged roof decking
• Installing underlayment and ice barriers
• Installing asphalt shingles
• Installing flashing and drip edges
• Installing ridge, hip, and ventilation products
• Coordinating permits and inspections
• Following fall-protection requirements
• Protecting occupants, landscaping, and adjoining property

Common F15-N Study Areas

• Code administration and general roofing regulations
• Roof terminology
• Roof decks and substrates
• Roof slopes
• Asphalt shingle materials
• Underlayment
• Ice barriers
• Drip edges
• Roofing fasteners
• Valleys
• Flashing
• Hips and ridges
• Roof ventilation
• Fire classification
• Wind resistance
• Reroofing
• Roof calculations and estimating
• Roofing safety

Code Administration and General Requirements

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
• Alternative materials and methods
• Manufacturer installation instructions
• Unsafe conditions
• Stop-work orders
• Protection of adjoining property
• Responsibilities of the permit holder

Roofing Terminology

Understanding roofing terminology helps candidates identify what a question is asking and where to locate the answer.

Important terms may include:

• Roof assembly
• Roof covering
• Roof deck
• Underlayment
• Flashing
• Eave
• Rake
• Ridge
• Hip
• Valley
• Starter strip
• Headlap
• Exposure
• Roof slope
• Reroofing

Roof Measurements and Estimating

Shingle roofing contractors must calculate roof areas, linear measurements, material quantities, and waste allowances accurately.

Common measurements include:

• Roof-plane dimensions
• Building footprint
• Eave and rake lengths
• Ridge and hip lengths
• Valley lengths
• Flashing lengths
• Roof penetrations
• Starter-strip quantities
• Drip-edge quantities

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

Roof Slope

Roof slope affects the permitted roof covering, underlayment application, weather protection, fastening, and installation procedures.

Candidates should practice:

• Reading slope notation
• Identifying low-slope limitations
• Calculating rise and run
• Applying roof-slope factors
• Determining actual roof area
• Selecting suitable underlayment methods
• Recognizing when shingles are not permitted

Roof Geometry

Roofing calculations may involve rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, and irregular roof planes.

Candidates should be comfortable:

• Calculating rectangular roof areas
• Calculating triangular roof areas
• Dividing irregular roofs into smaller shapes
• Applying slope factors
• Calculating hips and valleys
• Adding waste allowances
• Converting square feet to roofing squares

Roof Decks and Substrates

The roof deck must provide a sound and suitable base for the shingle roof system.

Inspection considerations may include:

• Deck material
• Panel thickness
• Span rating
• Fastener spacing
• Panel edge support
• Rot or decay
• Water damage
• Delamination
• Surface irregularities
• Open or spaced sheathing
• Compatibility with the roof covering

Damaged, deteriorated, or unsuitable decking should be repaired before installing the new roof covering.

Asphalt Shingle Materials

Asphalt shingles must be approved for the intended application and installed according to the applicable code and manufacturer instructions.

Study subjects may include:

• Shingle types and classifications
• Product labeling
• Fire classification
• Wind resistance
• Exposure limitations
• Starter shingles
• Hip and ridge shingles
• Accessory products
• Storage and handling
• Manufacturer installation instructions

Underlayment

Underlayment provides secondary weather protection beneath asphalt shingles.

Preparation may include:

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

Candidates should identify the roof slope and product type before applying an underlayment requirement.

Ice Barriers

Ice barriers help protect roof areas where ice dams may cause water to back up beneath the shingles.

Study subjects may include:

• Locations where ice barriers are required
• Required coverage near eaves
• Approved materials
• Application over the roof deck
• Integration with underlayment
• Exceptions based on climate or jurisdiction
• Existing membrane conditions during reroofing

Candidates should review local amendments because ice-barrier requirements may depend on climate and jurisdiction.

Drip Edges

Drip edges help direct water away from roof decking, fascia, and underlying building components.

Candidates should review:

• Eave installation
• Rake installation
• Integration with underlayment
• Required laps
• Fastener spacing
• Corrosion resistance
• Compatibility with adjacent materials
• Continuity around roof edges

Roofing Fasteners

Fasteners must be suitable for the shingle product, roof deck, environmental exposure, and wind conditions.

Study subjects may include:

• Nail type and material
• Corrosion resistance
• Fastener length
• Deck penetration
• Number of fasteners per shingle
• Fastener location
• High-wind fastening patterns
• Overdriven fasteners
• Underdriven fasteners
• Manufacturer requirements

Incorrect fastener placement can reduce wind resistance and damage the shingle sealing strip.

Starter Courses

Starter shingles or approved starter materials protect the first shingle course and help resist wind uplift at the roof edge.

Candidates should review:

• Starter placement at eaves
• Starter placement at rakes
• Required overhang
• Fastener location
• Sealing-strip orientation
• Compatibility with field shingles
• High-wind installation

Shingle Exposure and Headlap

Proper shingle exposure and headlap help maintain weather resistance and prevent water entry.

Study considerations may include:

• Manufacturer-specified exposure
• Alignment of shingle courses
• Offset of vertical joints
• Headlap requirements
• Fastener placement
• Sealing-strip alignment
• Special requirements for low slopes
• Repairs and replacement shingles

Roof Valleys

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

Common valley methods may include:

• Open valleys
• Closed-cut valleys
• Woven valleys where permitted
• Metal valley flashing
• Self-adhering valley membranes
• Underlayment reinforcement
• Fastener restrictions
• Shingle cutting and sealing

Candidates should understand how the selected valley system integrates with underlayment and shingles.

Roof Flashing

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

Important flashing locations include:

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

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

Step Flashing

Step flashing is commonly used where a sloped shingle roof meets a vertical wall.

Study subjects may include:

• Individual flashing pieces
• Required overlap
• Integration with shingle courses
• Fastener placement
• Wall-covering integration
• Kick-out flashing
• Replacement during reroofing
• Protection from corrosion

Chimney Flashing

Chimneys may require base flashing, step flashing, counterflashing, and cricket or saddle construction.

Candidates should review:

• Upslope water diversion
• Cricket requirements
• Step flashing
• Counterflashing
• Apron flashing
• Side flashing
• Sealant limitations
• Integration with masonry joints
• Reroofing around existing chimneys

Roof Penetrations

Roof penetrations must be flashed and sealed so water is directed around the opening without relying only on exposed sealant.

Common penetrations include:

• Plumbing vents
• Exhaust vents
• Skylights
• Chimneys
• Solar equipment supports
• Satellite mounts
• Roof hatches
• Mechanical curbs

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

Hips and Ridges

Hip and ridge shingles protect the upper intersections of roof planes.

Study considerations may include:

• Approved hip and ridge products
• Shingle overlap
• Exposure
• Fastener length
• Fastener location
• Wind resistance
• Ridge-vent integration
• Starting direction based on prevailing weather

Roof Ventilation

Roof ventilation helps manage heat and moisture in enclosed attics and rafter spaces.

Study subjects may include:

• Required net free ventilating area
• Intake ventilation
• Exhaust ventilation
• Soffit vents
• Ridge vents
• Gable vents
• Roof vents
• Balanced ventilation
• Ventilation reductions where permitted
• Protection from weather and insects

Ventilation Calculations

Ventilation calculations may require candidates to determine attic area and required net free ventilating area.

A practical process includes:

• Calculate the attic or enclosed rafter area
• Identify the required ventilation ratio
• Determine whether a permitted reduction applies
• Calculate the total net free ventilating area
• Distribute intake and exhaust ventilation
• Verify the listed net free area of each vent product

Fire Classification

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
• Required classifications
• Listed roof assemblies
• Roof deck and underlayment relationships
• Product labeling
• Jurisdictional requirements

The classification may apply to the complete roof assembly rather than only the visible shingle product.

Wind Resistance

Shingle roofs must resist wind uplift based on product approval, fastening, roof location, and installation conditions.

Study subjects may include:

• Shingle wind classifications
• Product labeling
• High-wind fastening patterns
• Starter-strip attachment
• Rake and eave protection
• Sealing-strip activation
• Cold-weather sealing
• Manufacturer instructions
• Repair of unsealed shingles

Weather Protection

A complete shingle roof system must manage rain, wind-driven water, snow, ice, and normal weather exposure.

Weather-protection subjects may include:

• Roof slope
• Underlayment
• Ice barriers
• Drip edges
• Valley protection
• Flashing
• Shingle overlap
• Fastener placement
• Roof penetrations
• Temporary dry-in procedures

Reroofing

Reroofing requires evaluation of existing roof layers, decking, moisture, flashing, ventilation, and compatibility with the proposed roof covering.

Study subjects may include:

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

Roof Tear-Off

A tear-off exposes the roof deck for inspection and repair before installation of the new system.

Tear-off may be required when:

• The existing roof has too many layers
• The roof covering is water soaked
• The roof deck is damaged or deteriorated
• The existing roof is unsuitable for recover
• Materials are incompatible
• Structural conditions require inspection
• The code or manufacturer requires removal

Roof Recover

A roof recover installs new shingles over an existing roof covering when permitted.

Candidates should evaluate:

• Number of existing layers
• Condition of the existing shingles
• Deck and structural condition
• Existing flashing
• Fastener penetration
• Surface irregularities
• Moisture conditions
• Manufacturer limitations
• Local code restrictions

Material Storage and Handling

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

Good practices may include:

• Keeping shingles dry
• Protecting underlayment from weather
• Following bundle-stacking limits
• Distributing loads across the roof
• Protecting flashing materials
• Avoiding damage during hoisting
• Following manufacturer temperature limitations
• Keeping materials away from ignition sources

Roofing Inspections

Roofing work may be inspected before, during, and after installation.

Inspection points may include:

• Roof deck condition
• Sheathing attachment
• Underlayment
• Ice barriers
• Drip edges
• Valley protection
• Flashing
• Shingle fastening
• Roof ventilation
• Final weather protection

Candidates should understand which work must remain visible until inspected.

Roofing Safety

Shingle roofing work exposes employees to falls, ladders, tools, weather, lifting hazards, electrical lines, and active construction conditions.

Important safety subjects include:

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

Roofing Calculations

F15-N preparation may include basic roofing and material calculations.

Common calculation subjects may include:

• Roof-plane area
• Roofing squares
• Slope factors
• Shingle bundle quantities
• Underlayment quantities
• Starter-strip quantities
• Drip-edge lengths
• Hip and ridge quantities
• Valley lengths
• Ventilation area
• Waste allowances

Candidates should write each calculation step clearly and confirm that the final answer uses the requested units.

Code-Book Navigation

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

A practical lookup method includes:

• Read the complete question
• Identify whether the building is residential or commercial
• Select the International Residential Code or International Building Code
• Identify the primary roofing keyword
• Use the index or table of contents
• Locate the complete section, table, or figure
• Review definitions, exceptions, footnotes, and related sections
• Confirm that the requirement applies to the stated roof system

Organizing the F15-N References

A practical tab system may include:

• IBC administration
• IBC roof assemblies
• IBC reroofing
• IBC fire classification
• IRC building planning
• IRC roof-ceiling construction
• IRC asphalt shingles
• IRC underlayment
• IRC ice barriers
• IRC flashing
• IRC roof ventilation
• IRC reroofing
• Definitions
• Referenced standards

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

Recommended Study Plan

• Review the current exam bulletin and approved references
• Learn the organization of both code books
• Study roofing terminology and administration
• Practice roof-area and slope calculations
• Review roof decks and sheathing
• Study asphalt shingle materials and fasteners
• Review underlayment and ice barriers
• Study drip edges, valleys, and flashing
• Review hips, ridges, and roof ventilation
• Study fire classification and wind resistance
• Review reroofing and tear-off requirements
• Practice roofing material calculations
• Complete timed code-navigation exercises
• Review every missed practice question

Which F15-N Package Should You Choose?

• Choose the Books & Courses Rental Package for temporary access to both references and structured online preparation.
• Choose the Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package for professionally organized roofing 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 Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N exam?

A. It is an ICC Contractor and Trades examination used by participating jurisdictions to evaluate shingle roofing code knowledge, installation practices, calculations, reference navigation, and safety awareness.

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 books are used for F15-N?

A. Current package information identifies the 2015 International Building Code and 2015 International Residential Code.

Q. Is the F15-N examination open book?

A. Current package information describes the examination as open book. Candidates must follow the latest rules for approved references, tabs, highlighting, notes, and book condition.

Q. How many questions are on the F15-N examination?

A. Candidates should confirm the current question count in the ICC Exam Catalog or applicable examination bulletin before registering.

Q. How much time is allowed?

A. The current time limit should be verified through the ICC Exam Catalog or the applicable licensing authority.

Q. What subjects should I study?

A. Study roof decks, roof slope, asphalt shingles, underlayment, ice barriers, drip edges, fasteners, flashing, valleys, ventilation, reroofing, calculations, and roofing safety.

Q. Should I study both the IBC and IRC?

A. Yes. The International Building Code supports commercial and general building requirements, while the International Residential Code provides detailed residential shingle roofing provisions.

Q. Should I practice roof-area calculations?

A. Yes. Candidates should practice roof-plane areas, slope factors, roofing squares, waste allowances, and material quantities.

Q. Should I study flashing?

A. Yes. Review step flashing, chimney flashing, valleys, roof penetrations, drip edges, and roof-to-wall intersections.

Q. Should I study reroofing?

A. Yes. Candidates should review tear-off, roof recover, existing layer limitations, damaged decking, flashing replacement, and conditions requiring roof removal.

Q. Does passing F15-N automatically issue a roofing contractor license?

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

Q. Where can I purchase the F15-N packages?

A. The available options can be found in the ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N exam prep collection.

Conclusion

The ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor - F15-N examination requires candidates to combine practical roofing experience with efficient navigation of residential and commercial code references.

Important preparation subjects include roof decks, slopes, asphalt shingles, underlayment, ice barriers, fasteners, flashing, valleys, hips, ridges, ventilation, fire classification, wind resistance, reroofing, estimating, inspections, 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

• F15-N is the ICC National Shingle Roofing Contractor examination.
• The Books & Courses Rental Package sale price is $940.00.
• The Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package sale price is $645.00.
• The Online Exam Prep sale price is $295.00.
• The Exam Book Package sale price is $445.00.
• Current package references are the 2015 International Building Code and 2015 International Residential Code.
• Current package information describes the examination as open book.
• Major subjects include asphalt shingles, underlayment, flashing, fasteners, ventilation, and reroofing.
• Candidates should practice roof-area, slope, ventilation, and material calculations.
• Passing F15-N does not automatically issue a roofing contractor license.
• Candidates should verify current exam and jurisdictional requirements before registering.