Construction / Roofing Contractor License / Rhode Island
- Rhode Island
- Commercial Roofing
- Nonresidential Roofing
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Rhode Island Commercial Roofing License
What you need to get a Rhode Island Commercial Roofing License: the PSI exam, insurance, the application and renewal, all in one place.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board requirements
Application fee
$400
Initial 2-year license fee, due at application; plus $180 PSI exam fee
Exam time
2 hrs
Commercial Roofing License Exam
Time to get license
Varies
No experience period is stated
Continuing ed
12 hrs
Every 2-year renewal
Overview
Do you need a Rhode Island roofing contractor license?
Yes. Rhode Island requires roofers to be licensed before they bid on or do commercial roofing work. If you work only on commercial structures, you’re exempt from the pre-registration course most Rhode Island licenses require.
License required when
- You bid on commercial roofing work
- You do construction, renovation or other work on the roof of a nonresidential building
- Your work includes sealing, waterproofing, weatherproofing or related sheet-metal work on commercial roofs
Common exceptions
- Residential structures with four dwelling units or less aren’t commercial buildings under this license
- Commercial-only roofers don’t take the pre-registration course
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list penalty amounts. The Board can take action against anyone who bids or works without the required license, so get licensed before you bid.
Your fast-track Rhode Island roofing contractor license checklist
The Rhode Island application, one page
- Passing score on the Commercial Roofing License Exam
- $2,000,000 certificate of liability insurance
- Workers’ comp certificate
- Business ID number and date of incorporation
- $400 initial license fee
Types
Rhode Island roofing contractor license types and classifications
This page covers the one license for nonresidential roofing work.
CRL
Commercial only
Commercial Roofing License
Any construction, renovation or other work on the roof of a nonresidential building, including sealing, waterproofing, weatherproofing and related sheet-metal work. Doesn’t cover homes of four units or less.
Exam
Commercial Roofing License Exam
Limit
Not stated
Requirements
Rhode Island roofing contractor license requirements, class by class
Here’s what you need to submit with your Commercial Roofing License application.
| Requirement | Commercial Roofing License |
|---|---|
| Exam | Proof you passed the Commercial Roofing License Exam |
| General liability | $2,000,000 certificate |
| Workers’ comp | Certificate required |
| Business entity | Business ID number and date of incorporation (corporations and LLCs) |
| Pre-registration course | Not required for commercial-only work |
| Experience | Not stated |
| Fee | $400 initial license fee (2 years) |
Steps
How to get your Rhode Island roofing contractor license, step by step
- Confirm your work is commercialBefore you start
This license covers nonresidential roofs. Homes with four units or less don’t count as commercial. - Schedule your exam with PSIBefore you apply
Book the Commercial Roofing License Exam through PSI or call 855-746-8173. The exam fee is $180. - Pass the examExam day
50 questions in 120 minutes, open book. You need 70% to pass. - Get your insuranceBefore you apply
Get a $2,000,000 certificate of liability insurance and a workers’ comp certificate. - Apply to the Board$400 license fee
Submit your exam documentation, insurance certificates, business ID details and the $400 initial license fee at crb.ri.gov. - Receive your licenseAfter Board approval
Once the Board approves your application, you can bid and work on commercial roofs.
Exam
What to expect on the Rhode Island roofing contractor exam
You take one exam, the Commercial Roofing License Exam. It’s open book, and you can tab and highlight the approved references.
Format
Open book
Questions
50
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- 50 questions, 120 minutes
- 70% correct to pass
- Topics: general roofing, low slope, steep slope, architectural metal and sheet metal flashing, moisture and energy control, repairs and reroofing, safety
- References can be tabbed and highlighted
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Contact PSI at 855-746-8173 for retake scheduling and fees
- Ask the Board how long your passing score stays valid
Exam references · Open book
The Rhode Island Commercial Roofing exam is open book. You can bring the approved references below into the exam, and they can be tabbed and highlighted.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA 1926: Construction Industry Regulations | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-Slope Roof Systems | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NRCA Roofing Manual: Architectural Metal Flashing, Condensation Control and Reroofing | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Roofing Construction & Estimating | Revised edition | Allowed in exam |
| State of Rhode Island Building Code | 2019 | Allowed in exam |
| State of Rhode Island Plumbing Code | 2019 | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best Rhode Island roofing contractor exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a Rhode Island roofing contractor license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee (2 years) | Fixed | $400 |
| PSI exam fee | Fixed | $180 |
| Reference books | Variable | Varies |
| $2M liability insurance | Variable | Varies |
| Workers’ comp insurance | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes reference books and insurance | $580 |
Fees from the Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board Commercial Roofing License apply and renew pages and the PSI candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state roofing contractor licenses?
Rhode Island has no reciprocity agreements for the Commercial Roofing License.
No reciprocity agreements
Out-of-state roofers apply as new applicants and pass the Rhode Island exam.
Local
Do Rhode Island cities and counties have their own roofing contractor licensing rules?
Your Commercial Roofing License is issued by the state. Cities and towns still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Commercial Roofing Licenses
- Exam requirements, through PSI
- Insurance requirements
- Continuing education and renewals
City & county handle
- Building permits
- Roofing inspections
- Local business requirements
Governance
Who regulates commercial roofers in Rhode Island
Licensing authority
Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
401-921-1590
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews Commercial Roofing Licenses
- Sets insurance requirements for licensees
- Sets continuing education for renewal
- Takes action against unlicensed work
Maintenance
How to renew your Rhode Island roofing contractor license and keep it active
Commercial roofers renew every two years for $200 and need 12 hours of continuing education each cycle. An expired license adds a $50 late fee.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
12
Renewal fee
$200
Late penalty
$50 if expired
FAQ
Rhode Island roofing contractor license FAQs
Do I need a license to do commercial roofing in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island requires roofers to be licensed before they bid on or do any commercial roofing work.
Do I have to take the pre-registration course?
Not if you work only on commercial structures. Commercial-only roofers are exempt from that requirement.
Is the Rhode Island roofing exam open book?
Yes. It’s 50 questions in 120 minutes, open book, and you need 70% to pass.
How much insurance do I need?
A $2,000,000 certificate of liability insurance plus a workers’ comp certificate.
Does the license cover residential roofs?
No. Residential buildings with four dwelling units or less aren’t covered by the Commercial Roofing License.
Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state roofing licenses?
No. There are no reciprocity agreements for this license, so you’ll take the Rhode Island exam.
How much continuing education do I need?
12 hours every two years to renew.
How much does a Rhode Island commercial roofing license cost?
The PSI exam is $180 and the initial license fee is $400 for 2 years. Renewal is $200 every 2 years.
Sources
Official sources for the Rhode Island roofing contractor license
- Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, Commercial Roofing License application
- PSI, Rhode Island contractor exams
- Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board, Commercial Roofing License renewal
- PSI candidate information bulletin, Rhode Island contractor licensure examinations
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.