Hawaii Roofing Contractor (C-42) Exam - Online Practice Questions

Prepare for the Hawaii Roofing Contractor (C-42) examination with online practice questions designed to reinforce plan reading, estimating, surface preparation, steep-slope roofing, low-slope roofing, built-up roofing, waterproofing, shingles, wood shakes, tile systems, roofing components, repairs, reroofing, and OSHA construction safety.

This online practice-question product includes 3 months access, giving candidates time to review roofing systems, strengthen estimating skills, identify weaker subjects, and build a consistent study routine before taking the official Hawaii C-42 contractor examination.

The Hawaii C-42 Roofing Contractor classification covers the installation of roofing over an acceptable surface to provide a weathertight covering. The classification includes metal roofing, composition and cementitious shingles, wood shingles and shakes, concrete and clay tile, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, single-ply systems, fluid-applied systems, spray urethane foam, asphalt, liquid asphalt, protective and reflective roofing, deck coatings, top coatings, and roof flashing installed in connection with roofing work.

The official Hawaii C-42 examination is administered by PSI Services LLC for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Applicants must receive approval from the Hawaii Contractors License Board before registering for the examination.

The current Hawaii Roofing Contractor examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes, or 2 hours, to complete the examination and must achieve a minimum passing score of 75%.

This examination is CLOSED book. The technical references associated with the examination are not permitted in the examination center. Candidates should use the books during preparation to develop a strong understanding of roofing materials, installation methods, estimating, surface preparation, repairs, waterproofing, components, and safety before moving into closed-book practice.

The study references associated with this product include the International Building Code, 2018, Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson, 1995, NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems, NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, and Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA).

Exam Details

The Hawaii Roofing Contractor C-42 examination contains 50 questions. Candidates receive 120 minutes to complete the test, and the minimum passing score is 75%.

The official examination content outline includes:

• Estimating and Plan Reading: 5 questions
• Surface Preparation and Planning: 5 questions
• Steep and Low Slope Roofing, Including BUR and Waterproofing: 13 questions
• Asphalt, Wood, and Hard Tile Shingles and Wood Shakes: 5 questions
• Roofing Components: 10 questions
• Repairs and Reroofing: 6 questions
• OSHA Safety: 6 questions

Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including BUR and Waterproofing is the largest section of the examination with 13 questions. Candidates should devote substantial preparation time to the differences among steep-slope and low-slope systems, membrane construction, waterproofing, installation methods, drainage, and system components.

Roofing Components is the second-largest category with 10 questions. This section can include flashing, underlayment, insulation, fasteners, roof edges, penetrations, drainage components, accessories, and other elements that allow the roof assembly to function as a complete system.

Repairs and Reroofing and OSHA Safety each account for 6 questions. Estimating and Plan Reading, Surface Preparation and Planning, and Asphalt, Wood, and Hard Tile Shingles and Wood Shakes each contribute 5 questions.

Closed Book Test

This examination is CLOSED book.

The International Building Code, roofing manuals, estimating reference, and OSHA materials listed with this product are study resources and are not allowed in the examination center.

Closed-book preparation requires candidates to understand roofing principles rather than depend on code or manual lookup during testing. Study should focus on system selection, installation sequence, materials, flashing, drainage, slope, repairs, estimating, and safety.

A useful study method is to review one roofing subject in the appropriate reference and then answer practice questions without immediately checking the book. After completing the question set, return to the reference to investigate missed concepts.

The examination allows 120 minutes for 50 questions, which provides an average of approximately 2 minutes and 24 seconds per question. Strong recall can preserve additional time for plan-reading and calculation questions.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm that C-42 matches your intended work. Hawaii identifies C-42 as the Roofing Contractor classification.
2. Complete the applicable Hawaii contractor license application. Applications are processed through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
3. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate experience that satisfies the Contractors License Board requirements for the roofing classification.
4. Receive Contractors License Board approval. Applicants must be approved before registering for the required examination.
5. Register with PSI after approval. Approved candidates receive information for scheduling the required examination or examinations.
6. Prepare for the C-42 trade examination. Review estimating, surface preparation, steep- and low-slope roofing, shingles, tile, roofing components, repairs, reroofing, and OSHA safety.
7. Pass the C-42 examination. The current test contains 50 questions, allows 120 minutes, and requires a 75% passing score.
8. Complete the applicable Business and Law examination. New Hawaii contractor applicants must also satisfy the Business and Law examination requirement when applicable.
9. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Applicants must satisfy all applicable Board requirements before a contractor license is issued.

State Requirements

Hawaii contractor licensing is regulated by the Contractors License Board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.

The C-42 Roofing Contractor classification authorizes installation of roofing over an acceptable surface to provide a weathertight covering using a wide variety of roofing materials and systems.

The scope includes metal roofing, composition and cementitious shingles, wood shingles and shakes, concrete and clay tile, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, single-ply systems, fluid-applied systems, spray urethane foam, asphalt, and liquid asphalt.

The classification also includes protective and reflective roofing, deck coatings, top coatings, and roof flashing when the flashing is installed in connection with roofing work.

Hawaii also recognizes roofing subclassifications, including C-42a Aluminum and Other Metal Shingles, C-42b Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes, C-42c Concrete and Clay Tile, C-42e Urethane Foam, and C-42g Roof Coatings.

Applicants must receive Contractors License Board approval before registering for the examination through PSI. Once approved, candidates must pass the required examination or examinations within the applicable six-month examination eligibility period.

Passing the C-42 trade examination alone does not issue a Hawaii contractor license. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable experience, Business and Law examination, application, financial, insurance, entity, and other licensing requirements.

Reference Books

• International Building Code, 2018
  Supports preparation involving roofing requirements, roof assemblies, fire classification, drainage, structural coordination, weather protection, materials, reroofing, and general building-code concepts.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  Supports study involving roof construction, plan reading, roof geometry, estimating, materials, installation techniques, repairs, flashing, and practical roofing calculations.
• NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems
  Supports preparation involving low-slope membrane roofing, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, single-ply systems, materials, flashing, drainage, insulation, and installation practices.
• NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems
  Supports preparation involving asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, tile, steep-slope assemblies, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, fastening, and related installation practices.
• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  Supports preparation involving fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, material handling, tools, electrical hazards, and other construction safety requirements relevant to roofing work.

Test Information and Study Materials

A strong Hawaii C-42 study plan should begin with Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including BUR and Waterproofing, the largest examination category.

Understand the basic differences between steep-slope and low-slope roof systems. Roof slope affects material selection, drainage, installation method, fastening, flashing, and weather protection.

For low-slope roofing, review built-up roofing, modified bitumen, single-ply membranes, fluid-applied systems, insulation, flashing, seams, terminations, drainage, and penetrations.

Built-up roofing should be studied as a multi-layer assembly involving bituminous materials and reinforcing layers. Candidates should understand the purpose of the different components and basic installation sequence.

Modified bitumen preparation should include membrane types, attachment methods, laps, flashing, substrate preparation, and how modified systems differ from traditional built-up roofing.

For single-ply roofing, review the general characteristics of common membrane systems, attachment methods, seams, flashing, penetrations, and termination details.

Waterproofing concepts should include continuity. A roof or waterproofing system can fail if transitions, penetrations, seams, or terminations interrupt the water-resistant layer.

Steep-slope roofing preparation should include asphalt shingles, wood shingles, wood shakes, concrete tile, clay tile, and other systems included within the C-42 scope.

Review underlayment, fastening, exposure, slope, flashing, valleys, ridges, hips, eaves, rakes, penetrations, and transitions.

Asphalt shingles should be studied for layout, starter courses, fastening, exposure, offset patterns, flashing, valleys, and replacement procedures.

Wood shingles and shakes require attention to spacing, exposure, fastening, underlayment-related practices, ventilation, and weathering considerations.

Concrete and clay tile roofing should include attachment, layout, underlayment, flashing, ridges, hips, valleys, and the handling of heavier roof-covering materials.

Roofing Components account for 10 questions. Candidates should understand how individual components contribute to the complete roof system.

Review flashing at walls, curbs, penetrations, chimneys, edges, valleys, and transitions. Flashing is essential for directing water away from vulnerable locations.

Study roof drainage, including slopes, drains, scuppers, gutters, and related components. Proper drainage reduces standing water and helps protect the roof assembly.

Insulation can affect energy performance, roof-system configuration, drainage slope, and compatibility with membrane systems. Candidates should recognize common roofing insulation concepts.

Fasteners and attachment deserve focused review. Roofing systems must remain secured under service conditions, and different roof materials use different fastening or adhesion methods.

Surface Preparation and Planning accounts for 5 questions. Roof installation should begin with evaluation of the surface that will receive the new system.

Review deck condition, cleanliness, moisture, irregularities, damaged materials, substrate compatibility, existing coverings, penetrations, and job sequencing.

A roofing contractor should identify unsuitable conditions before covering them. Installing a new roofing system over damaged or incompatible materials can create problems that are difficult to correct later.

Repairs and Reroofing account for 6 questions. Study inspection of existing roofs, leak investigation, damaged materials, tear-off, replacement, flashing repairs, substrate repair, and reroofing preparation.

Leak diagnosis requires understanding that the location where water appears inside a building may not be directly below the point where water entered the roof.

Review the differences between localized repair and broader reroofing work. Existing roof condition, substrate condition, moisture, and system compatibility can affect the appropriate repair strategy.

Estimating and Plan Reading accounts for 5 questions. Candidates should be comfortable reading roof plans, dimensions, slopes, details, and elevations.

Practice calculating roof areas and material quantities. Understand the roofing unit known as a square, which represents 100 square feet of roof area.

Roof slope can increase the actual surface area compared with the horizontal footprint. Candidates should be comfortable interpreting slope information and applying appropriate estimating concepts.

Estimating may also involve underlayment, flashing, membrane, insulation, fasteners, accessories, and waste. A complete roofing estimate includes more than the main roof covering.

OSHA Safety accounts for 6 questions and is a critical part of roofing work because employees frequently work at elevation and near roof edges.

Review fall protection, including the recognition of fall hazards and use of appropriate protective systems.

Ladders should be studied for selection, setup, access, positioning, and safe use. Roof access is a common source of construction hazards.

Scaffolds may be used for roofing access and edge work. Candidates should understand basic platform, access, loading, and fall-protection concepts.

Material handling is also important. Roofing materials can be heavy, bulky, sharp, hot, or difficult to control in windy conditions.

Hot-applied roofing systems can introduce burn and fire hazards. Contractors should understand the importance of safe heating, handling, placement, and housekeeping practices.

Roofing work may also involve power tools, electrical equipment, cutting equipment, adhesives, coatings, and solvents. Appropriate personal protective equipment and hazard controls are essential.

Use the NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems to reinforce low-slope roofing concepts and the NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems for steep-slope materials and installation.

Use Roofing Construction and Estimating to strengthen plan-reading, measurement, material-estimating, and practical roofing knowledge.

Use the International Building Code, 2018 to reinforce broader roofing and building-code concepts, including roof assemblies, reroofing, drainage, weather protection, and related requirements.

Because the official test is closed book, gradually reduce dependence on references as preparation progresses. Review a subject, answer practice questions from memory, then use the references afterward to correct mistakes.

Track missed questions by category. If low-slope systems are difficult, focus on membranes, BUR, waterproofing, and flashing. If components are weaker, review drainage, underlayment, insulation, fasteners, and penetrations.

As examination day approaches, use mixed-topic practice that moves quickly between steep-slope roofing, low-slope systems, components, repairs, estimating, preparation, and OSHA safety.

The included 3 months access provides time to move from individual-topic study into targeted practice, weak-area correction, mixed-question review, and closed-book exam preparation.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Hawaii Roofing Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, estimating practice, and confidence-building study structure.

The online practice questions help candidates actively apply roofing knowledge rather than relying only on passive reading. Practice can reinforce steep- and low-slope systems, membranes, shingles, tile, waterproofing, roofing components, repairs, reroofing, estimating, and OSHA safety.

Because the official Hawaii C-42 examination is closed book, repeated practice can help strengthen recall and improve the ability to recognize roofing principles without relying on references during every question.

The listed study books can be used to investigate missed questions, reinforce installation concepts, and strengthen knowledge of systems that require additional review.

Estimating-oriented practice can help candidates become more comfortable calculating roof areas, material quantities, and other practical roofing measurements.

With 3 months access included, candidates can establish a consistent study schedule, revisit difficult topics, strengthen trade knowledge, and transition gradually into mixed-topic closed-book preparation.

The goal is to help candidates approach the Hawaii C-42 Roofing Contractor examination with stronger roofing knowledge, better estimating skills, improved safety awareness, and a structured study process without guaranteeing a passing score or Hawaii contractor license.

How many questions are on the Hawaii C-42 Roofing Contractor exam?

The current examination contains 50 questions.

How much time is allowed for the Hawaii C-42 exam?

Candidates receive 120 minutes, or 2 hours, to complete the examination.

What score is required to pass the Hawaii Roofing Contractor exam?

The minimum passing score is 75%.

Is the Hawaii C-42 examination open book?

No. This examination is CLOSED book.

What is the largest category on the C-42 examination?

Steep and Low Slope Roofing, including BUR and Waterproofing, is the largest category with 13 questions.

Does the exam cover roofing components?

Yes. Roofing Components account for 10 questions.

Does the C-42 exam cover repairs and reroofing?

Yes. Repairs and Reroofing account for 6 questions.

Does the examination cover estimating and plan reading?

Yes. Estimating and Plan Reading account for 5 questions.

Does the exam include OSHA safety?

Yes. OSHA Safety accounts for 6 questions.

Can a Hawaii C-42 contractor install built-up and single-ply roofing?

Yes. Built-up, modified bitumen, single-ply, and fluid-type roofing systems are included within the Hawaii C-42 scope.

Can a C-42 contractor install shingles and tile roofing?

Yes. The classification includes composition and cementitious shingles, wood shingles and shakes, concrete tile, clay tile, and other roofing materials within the approved scope.

Can a Hawaii C-42 contractor install roof flashing?

Yes. Roof flashing installed in connection with C-42 roofing work is included within the classification.

Who administers the Hawaii C-42 contractor examination?

The examination is administered by PSI Services LLC for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

How long is Hawaii contractor examination eligibility valid?

After Board approval, candidates must complete the required examination process within the applicable six-month eligibility period.

How long do I have access to the online practice questions?

This product includes 3 months access.

Does passing the C-42 exam automatically issue a Hawaii contractor license?

No. Applicants must also satisfy Hawaii's applicable experience, Business and Law examination, application, financial, insurance, and other Contractors License Board requirements.

Does this product guarantee that I will pass the Hawaii C-42 examination?

No. These online practice questions are designed to support organized preparation. Examination performance depends on each candidate's study, roofing experience, estimating skills, safety knowledge, and performance on test day.