Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor Book Package

The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor Book Package brings together the core roofing, building-code, estimating, and construction-safety references used to prepare for the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination. This package is designed for contractors who want a focused reference library covering steep-slope roofing, membrane roofing, estimating, plan interpretation, building-code requirements, and OSHA construction safety.

Roofing and sheet metal work requires knowledge across several areas of construction. Contractors may need to understand roofing materials, roof assemblies, flashing, drainage, moisture protection, surface preparation, estimating, roof measurements, and jobsite safety. The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination reflects this range of responsibilities and requires candidates to prepare across both technical roofing topics and construction regulations.

This package includes the Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA); International Building Code, 2021; Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson, 1995; NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems; and NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems.

The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination is an open-book test administered by PSI as part of the licensing process overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. Candidates can benefit from working with the references throughout their preparation so they become familiar with where important subjects, tables, requirements, and roofing details are located.

A strong study approach combines trade knowledge with efficient reference navigation. Candidates who understand the subject being tested and know which book is most likely to contain the answer can use their available testing time more effectively than candidates who rely on searching through every reference for each question.

What You Get

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Building Code, 2021
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
• NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems
• NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems

These references provide a focused library for preparation across roofing construction, estimating, code requirements, steep-slope systems, low-slope and membrane systems, waterproofing, roof components, and safety.

Exam Details

The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination is administered by PSI for candidates pursuing the applicable classification through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

• Exam: Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor
• Testing Provider: PSI
• Number of Questions: 60
• Time Allowed: 150 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%, or 42 correct answers
• Exam Type: Open book

The examination covers roofing estimating and plan reading, surface preparation and planning, steep- and low-slope roofing systems, built-up roofing and waterproofing, roofing components, and construction safety.

Steep-slope and membrane roofing systems are central areas of study because roofing contractors may encounter many different assemblies and materials in the field. Candidates should understand the basic differences between systems, how roofing components work together, and where technical information is located in the NRCA manuals.

Estimating and plan reading are also important. Contractors need to be comfortable with roof measurements, dimensions, slopes, areas, material quantities, and construction details. Roofing Construction and Estimating provides trade-specific material that supports preparation in these areas.

Safety is another essential part of roofing work. Roof construction can involve fall hazards, ladders, scaffolds, material handling, tools, electrical hazards, and other jobsite risks. OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is the primary safety reference included in this package.

With 60 questions and 150 minutes available, candidates have an average of approximately two and a half minutes per question. Efficient use of the reference books can help candidates manage the exam more effectively.

Open Book Test

The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination is an open-book test. Candidates may use approved reference materials in accordance with PSI's examination rules.

The open-book format makes familiarity with the books an important part of preparation. Candidates should practice using the references before test day rather than expecting to learn their organization during the examination.

OSHA should become the first reference considered for construction safety questions. The International Building Code supports applicable code requirements. Roofing Construction and Estimating supports estimating, measurements, quantities, and practical roofing construction subjects.

The NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems supports preparation involving steep-slope assemblies, materials, components, flashing, drainage, and related installation practices. The NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems supports low-slope and membrane roofing systems, waterproofing, roof assemblies, insulation, flashing, and related details.

Open-book preparation should include timed lookup practice. Select a roofing topic, decide which reference applies, locate the information, and review the surrounding section. This helps candidates build both subject knowledge and familiarity with the books.

The goal is not to look up every question during the exam. Strong preparation helps candidates recognize what they already know and when a reference lookup is actually necessary.

Licensing Steps

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees contractor licensing for covered general contracting and specialty construction work. Roofing & Sheet Metal is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction specialty classifications under Moisture Protection.

1. Identify the appropriate classification. Determine whether Roofing & Sheet Metal matches the work your business intends to perform.
2. Select the correct application type. Alabama maintains separate application processes for prime contractors and subcontractors.
3. Complete the licensing application. Submit the information and documentation required by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
4. Document qualifying experience. Applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience supporting the classification requested.
5. Provide required project information and references. The Board evaluates documented construction experience when determining classification eligibility.
6. Receive examination eligibility. Applicants must complete the applicable state process before proceeding with PSI testing.
7. Schedule the Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor examination. Eligible candidates can register for the trade exam through PSI.
8. Pass the trade examination. Candidates must earn the required passing score.
9. Complete applicable Business and Law testing. Alabama applicants subject to contractor testing requirements must complete the required Business and Law examination.
10. Complete remaining licensing requirements. Final license approval and classification issuance are determined by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Passing the trade examination is one part of the licensing process. The Board also reviews the applicant's qualifications, documented experience, requested classification, and other applicable licensing requirements.

State Requirements

The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors classifies contractors according to the types of construction work they are qualified to perform. Roofing & Sheet Metal is listed within the Building Construction specialty classification structure under Moisture Protection.

Applicants seeking this specialty must provide documented experience relevant to the classification. Alabama licensing materials require qualifying work history and project references that support the scope requested.

Alabama's general contractor licensing law applies to covered construction undertakings with a total cost of $100,000 or more, including labor and materials. The current $100,000 threshold became effective October 1, 2024.

Subcontractors performing covered work at the applicable statutory threshold are also subject to Alabama contractor licensing requirements. Prime contractors and subcontractors follow separate application processes.

Roofing and sheet metal contractors should make sure the classification requested matches their documented experience and intended scope. Roofing work can involve steep-slope systems, low-slope systems, membranes, flashing, waterproofing, roof components, and related moisture-protection work.

Reference Books

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This federal construction safety reference supports preparation involving fall protection, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, electrical hazards, material handling, tools, and other jobsite safety requirements relevant to roofing and sheet metal work.
• International Building Code, 2021
  The 2021 International Building Code provides requirements applicable to commercial building construction, including roof assemblies, roof coverings, materials, structural considerations, weather protection, and other code-related roofing topics.
• Roofing Construction and Estimating, Daniel Atcheson, 1995
  This roofing trade reference supports preparation involving roof measurements, estimating, material quantities, construction methods, terminology, and practical roofing concepts.
• NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems
  This specialized roofing reference provides technical information related to steep-slope roofing assemblies, materials, components, details, flashing, drainage, and installation practices.
• NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems
  This NRCA reference supports study involving membrane and low-slope roofing systems, roofing assemblies, insulation, waterproofing, flashing, roof edges, penetrations, drainage, and related construction details.

Test Information and Study Materials

A productive preparation plan should divide study into the major roofing subjects represented on the examination. Estimating and Plan Reading, Surface Preparation and Planning, Steep-Slope Roofing, Low-Slope and Membrane Roofing, Roofing Components, Waterproofing, and Safety should each receive dedicated attention.

For estimating and plan reading, practice interpreting dimensions, roof slopes, areas, quantities, and construction details. Roofing Construction and Estimating can be used to reinforce the relationship between plans, measurements, materials, and field installation.

Surface preparation and planning should include review of substrates, existing roof conditions, preparation requirements, sequencing, moisture protection, and the conditions that can affect successful installation.

Steep-slope preparation should focus on roofing materials, underlayments, flashing, valleys, ridges, drainage, penetrations, fastening, and roof components. Use the NRCA Steep Slope Roof Systems manual to strengthen technical understanding and become familiar with where major subjects are located.

For membrane roofing, review assemblies, insulation, membranes, flashing, penetrations, edge conditions, drainage, waterproofing, and system details. Candidates should understand the differences between low-slope and steep-slope roof systems and know which reference is most useful for each type of question.

OSHA should be used regularly throughout study. Roofing work presents significant fall, ladder, access, and material-handling hazards, making construction safety an important part of both exam preparation and professional practice.

The 2021 International Building Code should also be incorporated into study sessions. Practice navigating its index and roofing-related provisions so code lookups become more efficient during open-book practice.

Timed reference drills are useful when preparing with several books. Select a question or subject, determine which reference applies, locate the information, and record how quickly you found it. Repeating the process helps candidates become more familiar with each publication.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor candidates through organized study guidance, roofing-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

The examination covers several different roofing subjects, so candidates can benefit from organizing preparation around the actual areas represented on the test. This includes estimating, surface preparation, steep-slope systems, membrane systems, waterproofing, roofing components, and safety.

Reference navigation is an important part of open-book preparation. Candidates should become comfortable deciding which source applies before starting a lookup. Knowing whether a question belongs in OSHA, the International Building Code, Roofing Construction and Estimating, or one of the NRCA manuals can reduce unnecessary searching.

Practice-oriented preparation can also help identify weaker areas. A contractor experienced in steep-slope roofing may need additional review of membrane systems or estimating, while a commercial roofer may benefit from more preparation involving steep-slope applications, code requirements, or OSHA.

The Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor Book Package provides a focused technical library that candidates can use throughout study to strengthen roofing knowledge and improve familiarity with the references associated with the PSI examination.

How many questions are on the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor exam?

The examination contains 60 questions. Candidates are allowed 150 minutes to complete the test.

What score is required to pass?

The minimum passing score is 70%, which equals 42 correct answers out of 60 questions.

Is the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor exam open book?

Yes. The examination is open book and permits approved reference materials under PSI's examination rules.

What subjects are covered on the exam?

The examination covers roofing estimating and plan reading, surface preparation and planning, steep- and low-slope roofing systems, built-up roofing and waterproofing, roofing components, and construction safety.

Does this package include OSHA?

Yes. The package includes Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 for construction-safety preparation.

Which building code is included?

The package includes the International Building Code, 2021.

Does the package include a roofing estimating reference?

Yes. Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Atcheson, 1995 is included for roofing measurements, estimating, quantities, and construction preparation.

Are both steep-slope and membrane roofing systems covered?

Yes. The package includes NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems and NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roofing Systems.

Who administers the Alabama Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor exam?

PSI administers the examination as part of the contractor licensing process overseen by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Is Roofing and Sheet Metal an Alabama contractor classification?

Yes. Roofing & Sheet Metal is recognized within Alabama's Building Construction specialty classifications under Moisture Protection.

Why should I study with the actual reference books?

Working directly with the references helps candidates become familiar with technical roofing information, code provisions, estimating methods, safety rules, and the organization of the books used during open-book preparation.