
PDH Contractors Academy provides continuing education for Minnesota roofers.
The Minnesota residential roofer exam consists of 110 questions and in order to receive your certificate you must score a 70%. You’ll need to have in-depth knowledge in the following areas to pass the exam.
General Roofing Principals
This section will include estimating and roofing math skills. You’ll need to be able to determine a roof’s pitch and evaluate an existing roof system. This will include determining how many layers there are, what type of roof it is, and how it is attached.
Roof Deck Requirements
The roof deck requirements section will include questions on spaced sheathing. So you’ll need to know the maximum gap allowed between sheathing boards for different types of materials as well as the thickness and type of sheathing used.
Underlayment
Underlayments protect roofs from moisture, which is very important in Minnesota, where roofs are frequently subject to snow and ice. Questions on the exam will consist of ways to protect roofs from ice damage and create ice barriers. General underlayment, as well as interlayment and half lap roofing compared to 2 inch lapped roofing are also on the exam.

Learn how to protect roofs from ice and water.
Pitched Roofs
The exam will have several sections on pitched roofs. For a pitched roof, you’ll need knowledge on the different types of roofing including asphalt shingles, wood shingles, tile and slate, and metal roofs. You’ll need to have further knowledge on how to attach each material to a pitched roof, the overhang allowed, underlayment, application, and flashing.
Low-Sloped Roofs
The exam will have low-sloped roofs and material limits that come with these types of roofs. Snow, ice, and rain will have a tendency to sit longer on a low-sloped roof so information on drainage will be on this section of the exam in addition to rolled roofing, membranes, and built-up.
Roofing Fasteners
The exam will consist of questions on roofing fasteners for the different types roofing. This could include when to use stainless steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum nails as well as the minimum requirements for gauge, diameter and length. You’ll be tested on the fasteners that are not permitted as well as where to place fasteners and how to determine the amount of fasteners needed for each roof type.
Flashing
You’ll have questions on the different types of flashing including step, apron, counter, cricket, valley, base & cap and kick out. It will also include locations where flashing must be installed and recommendations on installation.
Ventilation
Ventilation is on the exam because having a good temperature in an attic and making sure a lot of moisture is not present will extend the longevity of a roof. Questions could include the types of vents along with installation and the requirement for installing them.
Reroofing
The assessment may include how to determine if a new roof is needed. Questions in this section will revolve around determining the age of the roof and if it has any leaks or other problems.
PDH Contractors Academy provides Minnesota roofers with easy to access online continuing education. Click here to get started and once you pass your test we will email you a certificate and report your hours to the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry.