Trade certifications
Roofer Certifications Beyond Licensing
State and local licenses tell you whether a contractor can operate in roofer work, but they rarely show specialty depth. These certifications highlight safety training, manufacturer authorization, code knowledge, diagnostic skill, and third-party trade credentials homeowners can ask to verify before hiring.
Credentials to verify
Haag Certified Inspector - Residential Roofs
Haag Education
- What it proves
- This roof inspection credential verifies storm damage recognition, shingle and roof-system assessment, hail and wind indicators, inspection documentation, photos, and report discipline. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Roofing estimators, supervisors, and consultants evaluating storm or insurance claims.
- How to verify
- Ask for the Haag HCI-R number and verify through Haag Education credential resources.
NRCA ProCertification Asphalt Shingle Systems Installer
National Roofing Contractors Association
- What it proves
- This roofing credential verifies hands-on asphalt shingle installation, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, fastener placement, roof accessory integration, safety, and system workmanship. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Roofing installers and crew leads installing asphalt shingle roof systems.
- How to verify
- Ask for the NRCA ProCertification credential and verify the installer through NRCA certification records.
GAF Master Elite Contractor
GAF
- What it proves
- This manufacturer credential verifies that a roofing firm meets GAF program requirements for training, insurance, reputation, installation practices, and enhanced warranty eligibility. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Roofing firms selling GAF systems and enhanced manufacturer warranty options.
- How to verify
- Search the company in GAF's contractor locator and confirm the warranty level offered in writing.
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor
Owens Corning
- What it proves
- This manufacturer credential verifies that a roofing firm meets program standards for product training, insurance screening, business standing, workmanship expectations, and warranty eligibility. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Roofing companies installing Owens Corning roof systems with extended warranties.
- How to verify
- Search the company in the Owens Corning contractor locator and match the proposed warranty tier.
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
CertainTeed
- What it proves
- This manufacturer credential verifies roofing product knowledge, installation training, credentialed workforce requirements, business qualifications, and eligibility for stronger CertainTeed warranty programs. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Roofing and exterior firms installing CertainTeed shingle systems.
- How to verify
- Search CertainTeed's contractor locator and ask the contractor to identify the exact warranty available.
EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovator (RRP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- What it proves
- This lead-safe credential covers containment, prohibited practices, warning signs, cleaning verification, recordkeeping, and occupant protection when renovation disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Any renovator disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities.
- How to verify
- Ask for the renovator course certificate and firm certificate; search EPA certified firms at https://cfpub.epa.gov/flpp/pub/index.cfm.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction
OSHA Training Institute Education Centers
- What it proves
- This advanced safety credential covers construction hazard recognition, fall protection, excavation, scaffolds, electrical safety, PPE, health hazards, recordkeeping concepts, and supervisor-level prevention planning. It signals that the person or firm completed a recognized exam, training, or credentialing process and can explain the documented methods behind the work. It does not replace state licensing, permits, insurance, or manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Who should have it
- Owners, supervisors, foremen, estimators visiting job sites, and lead installers.
- How to verify
- Ask for the OSHA 30 card, completion date, and training provider; require a recent refresher for high-risk work.