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Everyone needs a roof overhead to protect them from the elements — this makes roofing a steady and reliable vocation. With that being said, every state has rules and regulations for trades like roofing, including requirements regarding licensing.

If you wish to be a roofing contractor in the state of Hawaii, you’ll need a license from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, specifically the Professional & Vocational Licensing Division. 

What can you do with a roofing contractor license, and how do you go about obtaining one?

How to Obtain a Roofing Contractor License

As a roofing contractor, you’ll be permitted to perform a range of duties related to installing, maintaining, and repairing roofs. These activities apply to the following materials:

• Wood shingles and shakes
• Concrete, clay, and other tiles
• Composition shingles
• Single ply
• Built-up roofing (BUR)
• Modified bitumen
• Asphalt and liquid asphalt
• Spray urethane foam
• Fluid type systems
• Watertight coverings for roof surfaces
• Protective and reflective roofs
• Deck coatings and top coatings
• Roof flashing

First, however, you’ll have to obtain a C-42 Roofing Contractor License. You must be at least 18 years old to apply, have a minimum of four years of supervisory experience within the last 10 years, and maintain a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, and fair dealing. You must also provide evidence of insurance (liability and workers’ compensation).

Once you’ve submitted your application and required documents (experience certificates, project history, credit report, and entity appointment), all that remains is to pass the state exams.

Required Exams

To become a roofing contractor, you’ll have to pass two exams: the C-42 Roofing Contractor Exam and the Business Law Exam.

C-42 Roofing Contractor Exam

This closed-book trade exam consists of 50 questions covering topics such as:

• Estimating and plan reading
• Surface preparation and planning
• Steep and low slope roofing, including BUR and waterproofing
• Asphalt, wood, and hard tile
• Shingles and wood shakes
• Roofing components
• Repairs and reroofing
• OSHA safety

The test is 120 minutes long, and you must answer a minimum of 75% of the questions correctly to receive a passing score.

Business Law Exam

The Business Law exam includes 80 questions that cover the following topics:

• Business organization
• Contract management
• Estimating and bidding
• Financial management
• Labor law
• Licensing
• Lien law
• Project management
• Risk management
• OSHA safety
• Tax laws
• Public works law

You will have 180 minutes to complete this closed-book exam. You must answer a minimum of 75% of the questions correctly to pass.

Prepping for Success on Your Tests

Passing your exams on the first try is made easier with the help of a targeted exam prep program designed specifically for working professionals by industry experts and educators. 

The right program will include 24/7 online access that allows for self-paced learning, along with a focus on needed math/calculations, critical information, and key concepts. You’ll also want to look for courses that include quizzes to reinforce lessons, as well as test simulation so you know what to expect when you sit for exams.

RocketCert is the renowned resource that professionals prefer when obtaining or renewing trade licenses. If you’re ready to obtain your roofing contractor license in Hawaii, contact us today.