In many states, roofers are required to hold a state license to offer their services, but not in Texas.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation doesn't offer licenses for roofing contractors. Instead, the roofing license process and requirements are regulated by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, an independent organization that certifies the knowledge and professionalism of roofers working in the state.
Although getting a roofing license in Texas is not required, it’s a great way to set yourself apart as an elite and professional service provider.
Improper roofing jobs done by unqualified professionals can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in damages, so demonstrating your ability to perform a quality roofing job can help put customers' minds at ease, get you more business and prevent risky or costly mistakes.
To get a roofing contractor license in Texas, you'll need to meet certain education and experience requirements, take an exam and show proof of financial responsibility. Read on for more specifics on Texas roofing license requirements below.
Looking for roofing requirements in another state? Check out our detailed state-by-state roofing license requirements guide.
Texas roofing license requirements
To qualify for a Texas roofing license, roofers must meet the following general requirements as set by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT):
- Be a principal in a Texas residential or commercial roofing company for a minimum of three years
- Submit satisfactory credit and business references upon request
- Provide proof of financial responsibility, including certificates of insurance for designated insurance coverage (details below)
- Be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau
- Pass a licensing exam consisting of a basic business and safety knowledge portion and either the residential or commercial roofing portion
- Complete and sign an application form and have it notarized
- Pay the appropriate licensing and exam fees (ranging from $450 to $950)
The specifics for required insurance, licensing exams and fees will vary based on the type of license you need, either residential or commercial. You can apply for both, but you must meet the higher commercial requirements and pay an additional fee.
Residential roofing contractor license requirements
Residential license holders must meet all of the general RCAT requirements to obtain a license. As part of this process, residential roofers must hold $300,000 in combined single limit general liability insurance for roofers. Alternatively, you can provide a $100,000 contractor's surety bond.
As part of the testing process, residential roofers must pass the exam on basic business and safety knowledge and a residential roofing exam with 70% or higher on each portion. The fees for a residential roofing license in Texas are $450 for RCAT members or $750 for non-members. These fees include application processing, testing and the initial issue of your license.
Each year, you must renew your residential license by completing eight hours of continuing education credits and paying a $150 renewal fee.
Commercial roofing contractor license requirements
Commercial license holders must also meet the general RCAT requirements to obtain a license, but the insurance and testing requirements for this license are more stringent. Commercial roofers must hold $500,000 in combined single limit general liability insurance or provide a $100,000 contractor's surety bond.
If you plan to obtain a commercial roofing license in Texas, you must also pass the basic business and safety knowledge exam and a commercial roofing exam with 70% or higher on each portion. The fees for a commercial roofing license are $450 for RCAT members or $750 for non-members.
Additionally, if you meet these requirements and pass both the commercial and residential roofing exams, you can pay a slightly higher fee ($650 for RCAT members or $950 for non-members) and earn your roofing license as both a residential and commercial roofer in Texas.
Taking the roofing license exam in Texas
To satisfy the roofing license exams, you will be given access to RCAT's licensing portal that includes online study materials and preparation guides for the roofing exam. Once you have access to the portal, you will have 90 days to review the study material and pass the required exams. If you do not pass the exam within this time frame, you can pay a $50 fee for an additional 90 days of access to the exam portal. A maximum of three 90-day extensions per year are allowed to attempt the licensing exams.
Each exam consists of 50 multiple choice or true/false questions, and you will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. All exams are open book, but you will need to be very familiar with the test material and industry knowledge to complete the exam within the given time frame. You must also successfully pass the business and safety portion first before you can gain access to the commercial or residential roofing tests.
If you do not pass any portion of the test, you must wait a minimum of 14 days before attempting that portion of the test again. Within your 90-day access period to the testing portal, you may reattempt each portion of the exam up to three times.
How long does it take to get a roofing contractor license in Texas?
Once you pass the exams, the appropriate license will be issued to you by RCAT within one to two business days. In general, roofers should expect the entire licensing process to take approximately three months. Here's an estimated timeline of the application process:
- Complete the application and gather documents, proof of insurance and references: One to two weeks
- Study for and pass the required licensing exams: Eight to 12 weeks
- Receive license: One to two business days
Roofing business insurance requirements in Texas
Whether you are applying for a residential or commercial roofing license, you must carry minimum levels of roofing insurance coverage to fulfill the licensing requirements:
- Residential roofers must carry $300,000 in general liability insurance
- Commercial roofers must carry $500,000 in general liability insurance.
As an alternative, residential or commercial roofers may opt to provide a $100,000 surety bond to meet the liability insurance requirement.
Workers’ compensation is not required for Texas roofers
Unlike other states, Texas workers’ compensation is not required to get a roofing license. However, due to the high-risk nature of the job, your clients might ask you to have coverage before they’ll work with you.
Commercial Auto insurance for Texas roofers
All business-owned vehicles in Texas are required to have commercial auto insurance, and most personal auto policies will not cover vehicles while used for work purposes.
This coverage will help you pay for expenses after an accident if someone is injured or property is damaged.
How Next Insurance helps Texas roofing businesses
Next Insurance can provide you with the best coverage at an affordable price to start your roofing business off right. Our simple-to-use online portal offers customized insurance for businesses in Texas that you can purchase in less than 10 minutes.
Once approved, you can easily access your certificate of insurance from your personalized online portal, and you can send unlimited copies to licensing authorities or other business partners for free.
Start your free instant quote online today. Our team of licensed, U.S-based advisors is standing by to help if you have any questions.
