Important North Carolina licensing fact: the specialty classification is officially S(Roofing). North Carolina requires a state general contractor license when a covered construction project is valued at $40,000 or more.
What Is the North Carolina S(Roofing) Contractor License?
S(Roofing) is the North Carolina specialty contractor classification for the installation, demolition and repair of roofs and decks that require a watertight and weather-resistant surface.
The classification covers roofing work on residential, commercial, industrial and institutional structures.
Covered roofing materials and systems include cedar, cement products, clay tile, composition shingles, metal coverings, wood shakes, single-ply roofing, built-up roofing, protective and reflective coatings, sheet-metal valleys, flashing, gravel stops, gutters, downspouts and bituminous waterproofing.
License classification: S(Roofing).
Licensing authority: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Exam provider: PSI.
License threshold: North Carolina generally requires a licensed general contractor for covered projects valued at $40,000 or more.
The North Carolina Roofing Contractor Online Exam Prep Course provides six months of structured study focused on roofing knowledge, contractor responsibilities and open-book reference navigation.
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Licensing Path
The company applies for the contractor license and identifies the individual who will serve as the qualifier for the S(Roofing) classification.
| Stage | Requirement | What to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Select Classification | S(Roofing) | Confirm that the specialty roofing scope matches the work your company intends to perform |
| Select License Limitation | Limited, Intermediate or Unlimited | Choose the project-value limitation that matches your business plans and financial qualification |
| Submit License Application | North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors | Business information, financial responsibility, background requirements and application information |
| Identify Qualifier | Individual satisfying the examination requirement | Qualifier information must be connected to the applicant license entity |
| Receive Exam Eligibility | Board approval before PSI scheduling | Use the eligibility notice when registering with PSI |
| Pass S(Roofing) Exam | 60 questions • 120 minutes • 70% | Current content outline, approved references and test-center rules |
| Complete License Issuance | Board review of all licensing requirements | Passing the exam alone does not automatically issue the license |
Research Authority and Verification Snapshot
Current PSI, North Carolina Licensing Board and 1 Exam Prep information was checked separately before building this contractor exam prep page.
| Verified Point | Authority | Current Result |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing classification | North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors | S(Roofing) specialty classification |
| Exam provider | NCLBGC + PSI | PSI administers the computerized North Carolina contractor examinations |
| S(Roofing) exam format | Current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin | 60 questions, 120 minutes, 70% passing and open book |
| Largest exam topic | Current PSI content outline | Roofing - Steep with 18 questions |
| Exam-room references | Current PSI bulletin | Seven approved references including NC code, business/law, safety and NRCA manuals |
| License threshold | NCLBGC / GS 87-1 | Covered projects valued at $40,000 or more require a state general contractor license |
| License limitations | NCLBGC | Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited |
| 1 Exam Prep resources | Direct 1 Exam Prep listings | Online course, live training, practice questions, book packages, tabbed books and licensing packages |
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Breakdown
The current North Carolina S(Roofing) examination contains 60 scored questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes and need 70 percent to pass.
The largest category is Roofing - Steep with 18 questions. Business and Law contains seven questions. Roofing - Substrate, Roofing - Elastomeric and Roofing - Built-Up Bituminous each contain six.
Safety contains five questions, Roofing Repairs contains four, Sheet Metal and Flashing contains three, Licensing contains two, General Building Code Requirements contains two, and Liens contains one.
That gives you an average of about two minutes per scored question. Open book sounds friendly until you realize seven reference books are staring back at you.
Classification
S(Roofing)
Licensing Authority
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
Testing Provider
PSI
Questions
60 scored questions
Time Allowed
120 minutes
Passing Score
70%
Format
Computer-administered and open book
Largest Topic
Roofing - Steep • 18 questions
Main Building Code
North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code 2018
Business Reference
Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - NC General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition
Roofing Manuals
NRCA Steep Slope 2025 • Metal Panel and SPF 2024 • Membrane Roofing 2023
Calculator
Silent, non-printing, non-programmable calculator permitted
How to Study for the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam
Build your study plan around the actual PSI content outline instead of giving every topic the same amount of time.
Start with steep-slope roofing. It contains 18 questions, which is 30 percent of the scored examination.
Do not ignore business topics. Business and Law, Licensing and Liens combine for 10 questions.
Practice with all seven exam-room references. Knowing the answer is good. Knowing which book contains the answer is better when the clock is running.
Study both technical and administrative topics. Roof systems alone are not enough because code, safety and contractor responsibilities are also tested.
Roofing Calculations and Reference Navigation
The North Carolina Roofing Contractor exam can include trade-knowledge questions involving measurements, roof geometry, quantities and practical roofing decisions.
Simplified North Carolina roofing study illustration for slope, area and material-estimating practice.
Use a repeatable method when working roofing questions. Identify the roof system, determine whether the question is technical, code, safety or business-related, and then move directly to the most useful reference.
- Steep Slope: shingles, tiles, underlayments, valleys, ventilation, flashing and installation details
- Substrates: roof decks, preparation, compatibility, attachment and surface conditions
- Membrane Roofing: built-up, modified bitumen, single-ply membranes, insulation and surfacing
- Metal and SPF: metal-panel systems, spray polyurethane foam, coatings and details
- Business: contracts, project management, licensing, liens and contractor responsibilities
- Safety: fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, PPE and construction-site hazards
Your North Carolina Roofing Contractor Licensing Roadmap
Move from selecting the S(Roofing) classification to application approval, PSI testing and final license issuance.
1
Choose the S(Roofing) classification
Confirm that the roofing specialty classification matches the construction work your business plans to bid and perform.
2
Select your license limitation
Choose Limited, Intermediate or Unlimited based on the project sizes you plan to undertake and the financial requirements you can satisfy.
3
Submit the North Carolina license application
Apply through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and provide the required business and financial information.
4
Identify your qualifier
The applicant must identify the individual who will satisfy the examination requirement for S(Roofing).
5
Receive examination eligibility
Once the application is in order, the Board provides the eligibility information needed to schedule with PSI.
6
Pass the S(Roofing) exam
Prepare for 60 scored questions, 120 minutes, approved open-book references and a 70 percent passing score.
7
Complete license issuance
Follow the Board's final instructions and make sure all financial, entity and licensing requirements are satisfied.
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Topic Weighting
These question counts follow the current PSI S(Roofing) outline. Bar lengths compare each category with the largest 18-question Steep Roofing section.
Safety
5 questions • 8.3%
Roofing - Substrate
6 questions • 10%
Roofing - Steep
18 questions • 30%
Roofing Repairs
4 questions • 6.7%
Roofing - Elastomeric
6 questions • 10%
Roofing - Built-Up Bituminous
6 questions • 10%
Business and Law
7 questions • 11.7%
Sheet Metal and Flashing
3 questions • 5%
Licensing
2 questions • 3.3%
Liens
1 question • 1.7%
General Building Code Requirements
2 questions • 3.3%
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam References
Seven references are currently identified for use inside the examination room. Two additional references are study-only and are not allowed inside the test center.
| Reference | Primary Study Use | Exam-Room Status |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry | Fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, PPE and construction safety | Allowed |
| North Carolina State Building Code: Building Code 2018 | Roof assemblies, materials, weather protection and general building requirements | Allowed |
| Contractor's Guide to Business, Law and Project Management - North Carolina General Contractors Edition, 10th Edition | Business, contracts, project management, licensing and liens | Allowed |
| North Carolina State Building Code: Administrative Code and Policies, 2018 | Permits, inspections, administration, responsibilities and enforcement | Allowed |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, 2025 | Shingles, tile, steep-slope assemblies, flashing and installation details | Allowed |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, 2024 | Metal roofing, spray polyurethane foam, coatings and related systems | Allowed |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems, 2023 | Built-up, modified bitumen, single-ply and low-slope membrane systems | Allowed |
| Roofing Construction & Estimating, 1995 | Roofing calculations, estimating, quantities and construction methods | Study only. Not allowed in the exam room |
| Laws and Regulations Applicable to General Contracting in North Carolina | Licensing law and contractor regulation | Study only. Not allowed in the exam room |
How to Prepare for the Open-Book North Carolina Roofing Exam
Build these exam-prep habits
- Study with the exact approved exam-room references
- Learn which NRCA manual covers each roofing system
- Practice using the North Carolina Building Code
- Practice using the Business, Law and Project Management guide
- Highlight and underline approved references before testing
- Use permanent tabs where permitted
- Complete timed 60-question practice sessions
Avoid these exam-prep mistakes
- Using removable Post-It-style tabs
- Writing handwritten notes in approved references
- Writing notes on permanent tabs
- Adding loose or attached papers to books
- Bringing partial references
- Trying to use study-only books inside the exam room
- Searching every book for every question
Reference rule: approved references may be highlighted, underlined and indexed before testing. Permanent tabs are allowed, but removable tabs, handwritten notes and additional loose papers are prohibited.
S(Roofing) vs Building and Residential Contractor Classifications
North Carolina's S(Roofing) classification is a specialty license focused specifically on roofing and waterproof roof systems.
The broader Building Contractor classification includes work that falls under S(Roofing), along with many other construction specialties.
The Residential Contractor classification also includes roofing when the work is part of residential construction covered by that classification.
S(Roofing): specialty classification focused on roof and deck systems that create watertight and weather-resistant surfaces.
Building Contractor: broader classification covering commercial, industrial, institutional and residential building construction, including S(Roofing) work.
Residential Contractor: covers qualifying residential construction and includes S(Roofing) work performed as part of those residential projects.
North Carolina Contractor License Limitations
The classification determines the type of work. The limitation determines the maximum size of a single project.
| Limitation | Project Limit | Financial Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Limited | Up to $750,000 for a single project | Current assets exceeding current liabilities by at least $17,000 or total net worth of at least $80,000, subject to current Board rules |
| Intermediate | Up to $1,500,000 for a single project | Current assets exceeding current liabilities by at least $75,000 under the current Board rules |
| Unlimited | No restriction on the value of a single project | Current assets exceeding current liabilities by at least $150,000 under the current Board rules |
Important: the S(Roofing) examination establishes the classification qualification. The Limited, Intermediate or Unlimited limitation is a separate part of the license and involves financial qualification.
North Carolina Roofing Contractor License Requirements
Applicant Requirements
North Carolina License Application
- Applicant must be at least 18 years old
- Meet Board character requirements
- Provide required financial responsibility
- Submit the applicable application
- Complete background requirements when required
S(Roofing) Qualifier
Examination Requirement
- Be identified by the license applicant
- Receive Board examination eligibility
- Prepare for the S(Roofing) classification
- Pass the 60-question PSI exam
- Meet the 70% passing standard
- Remain connected to the licensed entity as required
License Limitation
Project-Size Authority
- Limited: projects up to $750,000
- Intermediate: projects up to $1.5 million
- Unlimited: no single-project value restriction
- Meet current financial requirements
- Use permitted surety-bond alternatives where applicable
Six-Week North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep Plan
Spend the most time on steep roofing while rotating safety, substrates, membrane systems and contractor law throughout the schedule.
Week 1
Exam Setup, Safety and Books
- Review the current PSI bulletin
- Organize all seven approved references
- Study fall protection
- Review ladders and scaffolds
- Practice book navigation
Week 2
Roofing Substrates
- Roof decks
- Surface preparation
- Compatibility
- Underlayments
- Attachment requirements
Week 3
Steep-Slope Roofing
- Asphalt shingles
- Tile
- Wood shakes
- Valleys and flashing
- Ventilation and drainage
Week 4
Low-Slope, Membrane and Elastomeric
- Built-up roofing
- Modified bitumen
- Single-ply membranes
- SPF systems
- Protective coatings
Week 5
Business, Law and Licensing
- Contracts
- Project management
- North Carolina licensing
- Liens
- Administrative code
Week 6
Full PSI Simulation
- 60-question practice exam
- 120-minute timer
- Seven-book navigation drills
- Review missed questions
- Final exam-rule check
How Hard Is the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam?
The S(Roofing) exam can be challenging because it combines several roofing systems with safety, business law, licensing and building-code questions.
You have 120 minutes for 60 scored questions, which averages about two minutes per question.
Steep roofing gets the most attention, but a candidate who knows shingles perfectly and ignores contracts, licensing, liens and OSHA can still give away a surprising number of points.
The real trick with an open-book exam is not reading faster. It is knowing which book to open before the clock starts wondering what you are doing.
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Day Checklist
Do this
- Confirm your PSI appointment and eligibility
- Bring valid identification
- Bring all approved references you plan to use
- Make sure references are complete and properly bound
- Use only compliant permanent tabs
- Bring an approved non-programmable calculator if desired
- Maintain a roughly two-minute average pace
Do not do this
- Bring removable Post-It tabs
- Write notes in your references
- Write notes on your tabs
- Insert loose papers into books
- Bring partial references
- Bring study-only books expecting to use them
- Spend too long on one book lookup
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep Options
Online Exam Prep Course
Structured Self-Paced Roofing Prep
- Six months of course access
- Roofing-system review
- Safety and code preparation
- Business and licensing topics
- Reference-navigation guidance
- Open-book testing strategy
Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package
Prepared Reference Package
- Exam-room roofing references
- Professional highlighting
- Permanent subject tabs
- North Carolina codes
- NRCA roofing manuals
- Business, law and safety references
Live Virtual + Self Study Training
Instructor-Guided Preparation
- Live virtual training
- Self-study support
- Roofing-system review
- Reference navigation
- Technical and business topics
- Timed test preparation
You can also use North Carolina Roofing Contractor Online Practice Questions for repeated exam-style study, or browse the full North Carolina Roofing Contractor collection for book, rental and licensing package options.
North Carolina S(Roofing) Is a Specialty Contractor Classification
The North Carolina Roofing Contractor licensing path combines trade knowledge, business responsibilities, financial qualification and an open-book PSI examination.
• Official classification: S(Roofing)
• Current exam: 60 scored questions
• Time limit: 120 minutes
• Passing score: 70%
• Roofing - Steep contains 18 questions
• Seven current references are allowed inside the examination room
• Business and Law questions are included inside the S(Roofing) exam
• License limitations are Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited
Study the books before test day. An open-book exam is much easier when every reference already feels familiar.
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep FAQ
North Carolina S(Roofing) Exam
The current PSI S(Roofing) examination contains 60 scored questions. PSI may also include a limited number of experimental questions that do not count toward the score.
Candidates currently receive 120 minutes to complete the North Carolina S(Roofing) examination.
The current passing requirement is 70 percent.
Yes. The current PSI S(Roofing) examination is open book. Candidates must bring their own approved references.
PSI administers the computerized examination. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors determines eligibility.
Exam Subjects
Roofing - Steep is the largest current section with 18 questions, which represents 30 percent of the 60 scored questions.
Yes. The S(Roofing) outline contains seven Business and Law questions, plus separate Licensing and Liens questions.
Yes. Preparation should include built-up bituminous, membrane, elastomeric, metal-panel and spray polyurethane foam roofing systems.
Yes. Safety currently accounts for five questions, and the approved references include North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry.
Reference Books and Open-Book Rules
The current PSI list identifies seven exam-room references: North Carolina construction safety standards, the 2018 Building Code, the North Carolina General Contractors business/law guide, the 2018 Administrative Code and Policies, and three NRCA roofing manuals.
The current PSI list includes Steep Slope Roof Systems 2025, Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems 2024, and Membrane Roofing Systems 2023.
Yes. Approved references may be highlighted and underlined before the examination.
Yes. PSI allows permanent tabs that are not easily removable from the pages. No notes may be written on the tabs.
No. Removable Post-It-style flags and temporary tabs are not permitted.
No. PSI states that references may not be written in before or during the examination.
No. Roofing Construction and Estimating is listed as a useful study reference but is not currently allowed inside the S(Roofing) examination room.
North Carolina Licensing
North Carolina currently requires a licensed general contractor for covered construction projects valued at $40,000 or more.
S(Roofing) covers installation, demolition and repair of roofing and deck systems on residential, commercial, industrial and institutional structures when the materials form a watertight and weather-resistant surface.
Yes. The classification includes sheet-metal valleys, flashings, gravel stops, gutters, downspouts and related roofing waterproofing components.
North Carolina currently offers Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited general contractor license limitations. The limitation controls the value of a single project the licensee may undertake.
No. Passing the S(Roofing) examination satisfies the examination requirement for the qualifier. The Board must still determine that the applicant meets the other licensing requirements.
1 Exam Prep offers an online roofing course, live virtual plus self-study training, practice questions, book packages, books allowed into the exam, highlighted and tabbed packages, rental packages and an all-inclusive licensing and business setup option.
Watch: How to Pass the North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam
Watch this North Carolina-specific 1 Exam Prep roofing video for exam requirements, study strategy, reference-book guidance, common mistakes and time-management tips for the S(Roofing) licensing exam.
North Carolina exam prep note: this 1 Exam Prep video is specifically focused on the North Carolina Roofing Contractor examination. Use it for study planning and strategy, then confirm your final test-day reference editions and examination rules against the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep Resources
Use current North Carolina Licensing Board and PSI information together with focused 1 Exam Prep roofing study resources.
North Carolina Roofing Online Exam Prep Course
Live Virtual + Self Study Training
North Carolina Roofing Practice Questions
North Carolina Roofing Book Package
Books Allowed Into Exam Package
Highlighted & Tabbed Book Package
North Carolina Roofing Book Rental
Ultimate Roofing Exam Prep Rental
All-Inclusive Roofing Licensing Package
North Carolina Roofing Collection
North Carolina License Applicants
North Carolina Classifications and Limitations
Official PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
Contact 1 Exam Prep
Ready for North Carolina Roofing Contractor Exam Prep?
Build faster reference navigation, stronger steep-slope roofing knowledge, better low-slope and membrane understanding, confidence with safety and flashing, and a clear strategy for the 60-question North Carolina S(Roofing) examination.
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