State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Alaska

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Alaska

2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Alaska?

3. Types of Roofing Licenses in Alaska

4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Alaska

5. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Alaska?

6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Alaska?

7. Alaska Roofer Training Programs and Schools

8. Alaska Roofing Licensing Exam Details

9. Do I Need to Renew My Alaska Roofing License?

10. Continuing Education

11. Does Alaska Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

12. National Roofing Certifications

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work. 

There are 168,100 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Alaska employs 310 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% by 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Alaska is slightly higher than the national average at 8% for roofers. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the roofing industry, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Alaska.

Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Alaska

A contractor license is necessary to perform most work legally in the state of Alaska. To obtain licensure, applicants are required to have a Social Security number. A foreign citizen who’s unable to obtain a U.S. SSN may apply for exemption by completing a Request for SSN Exemption Form. 

In addition, contractors must have general liability insurance, a bond, and workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees. 

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Alaska?

The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing issues licenses in the state.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Alaska

Roofers in Alaska need a Specialty Contractor license, which is required for contractors who provide a limited use of specific construction techniques or materials as part of one specialty trade, such as roofing, carpentry, drywall, or painting.

Other Alaska contractor license types include:

• General Contractor without Residential Contractor Endorsement: Contractors whose operations require the use of three or more trades or the use of mechanical contractors or specialty contractors and subcontractors

• General Contractor with Residential Contractor Endorsement: For contractors completing residential work

• Handyman Contractor: Contractors who work on one construction project with an aggregate contract price of $10,000 or less, including labor and materials

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Alaska

Each type of contractor license follows roughly the same steps, though the bond amount varies. To obtain a Specialty Contractor license in Alaska, follow these steps: 

1. If you plan to operate under any name besides your legal name, reserve it. Corporations and LLCs must register their business entity with the Corporations Division to receive a business license.

2. Obtain general liability insurance with limits of at least $20,000 for property damage, $50,000 for injury, including death, to any one person, and $100,000 for injury, including death, to more than one person. Obtain workers’ compensation insurance if you plan to have employees.

3. Post a $10,000 surety bond. 

4. Fill out the contractor license application via the MY LICENSE self-service portal. Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and $250 registration fee. Receive license number.

The general contractor handyman bond is $5,000.

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit

• Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app

• Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency

• The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes

• Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket

• Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow

To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Alaska?

There is a $100 application fee and a $250 registration fee, for a total Alaska general contractor license fee of $350. There will be additional expenses associated with obtaining the required certificate of insurance and bond. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Alaska?

There are no experience or education requirements, making the application process relatively quick. The Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing notes it generally takes several weeks to process a completed application packet. 

Alaska Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout Alaska that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

• Iḷisaġvik College | Utqiaġvik | Certificate, AAS in Construction Technologies — 1 to 2 years

• University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | AAS, BS in Construction Management — 2 to 4 years

• University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College | Fairbanks | AAS in Construction Management — 2 years

Alaska Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There’s no exam required for the Specialty Contractor license. For a Residential Contractor Endorsement license, you have to take a 16-hour cold climate course and pass a residential contractor endorsement exam through PSI.

Do I Need to Renew My Alaska Roofing License?

Yes. Licenses expire on Sept. 30 of even years. They can be renewed through MY LICENSE for a $125 fee.

Continuing Education

There’s no continuing education requirement for a Specialty Contractor license. 

Does Alaska Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Alaska doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with any other states for the construction contractor licenses. 

National and State Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in West Virginia through one of the industry associations in the state, like the Associated General Contractors of Alaska.

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.

There are state licensing requirements and licensing boards for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing contractor, general contractor, or electrician license in Alaska, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.