New Jersey Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: Home Improvement Contractor (Roofing) · Issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors.

🏠 RooferNJ ✔ Verified 2026-06-25

In New Jersey, roofers must hold the Home Improvement Contractor (Roofing), issued by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed roofer in New Jersey

Follow these steps to earn your Home Improvement Contractor (Roofing). Every figure is verified against the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Two years of supervised experience in home improvement services, or completion of an accredited apprenticeship or trade school program, or ten or more years of experience (grandfather clause)
Pass the Home Improvement Contractor Competency Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New Jersey requires $10,000–$50,000 compliance bond depending on contractor classification.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($500,000 per occurrence), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Criminal background check required; disclosure of any criminal convictions
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors — $110 application fee, plus a Included license fee. Processing time: Varies; no exam or experience verification needed under prior system, but new exam-based system timeline not yet published.
Keep the license active. Renew annual, completing 6 hours of Board-approved continuing education per renewal cycle.

License types

Home Improvement Contractor — Perform roofing and other home improvement work on residential properties

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Two years of supervised experience in home improvement services, or completion of an accredited apprenticeship or trade school program, or ten or more years of experience (grandfather clause)
Application fee	$110
License fee	Included
Renewal fee	$90 annually (plus $25 late fee April 1-30)
Renewal period	Annual
Continuing education	6 hours of Board-approved continuing education per renewal cycle
Bond required	$10,000–$50,000 compliance bond depending on contractor classification
Liability insurance	$500,000 per occurrence
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if employees are retained
Background check	Criminal background check required; disclosure of any criminal convictions
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	New York; Pennsylvania
Processing time	Varies; no exam or experience verification needed under prior system, but new exam-based system timeline not yet published

Exams

Home Improvement Contractor Competency Exam	Provider: New Jersey State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors · Passing: Not publicly disclosed · Fee: Not publicly disclosed

Preparing for the Roofer exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

New Jersey does not issue a separate roofer license. Roofers are regulated as Home Improvement Contractors under the New Jersey Contractors' Registration Act. Effective February 1, 2026, the State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors implemented new licensing requirements including mandatory competency exams, experience thresholds, and bonding. Existing contractors with licenses active for five or more years are grandfathered into the new system. No municipal-level licensing authority exists statewide, though some municipalities may have local permitting requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New Jersey roofer license cost?

Application: $110. License: Included. Renewal: $90 annually (plus $25 late fee April 1-30).

Do roofers in New Jersey need a surety bond?

$10,000–$50,000 compliance bond depending on contractor classification

What experience is required for a New Jersey roofer license?

Two years of supervised experience in home improvement services, or completion of an accredited apprenticeship or trade school program, or ten or more years of experience (grandfather clause)

Is insurance required for roofers in New Jersey?

Liability: $500,000 per occurrence Workers' compensation: Required if employees are retained

How often must a New Jersey roofer license be renewed?

Annual. Continuing education: 6 hours of Board-approved continuing education per renewal cycle

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-25 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Home Improvement and Home Elevation Contractors before applying. This is not legal advice.