Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Florida Roofing Contractors General Trade Knowledge Exam
Florida · Pearson Vue
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
80
Passing score
70%
Exam time
300 min
Administered by
Pearson Vue
Format
Reference materials allowed
Florida State Portion 80 questions
Built-Up Roofs
12 Q · 15%
Installation of metal gravel stops - placement, fastening requirements and techniques, adhesives requirements and techniquesPerforming test cuts - test cut requirements and techniques, when required, sizes and best method of testingBuilt-up roof surfaces - liquid applied coatings, spray polyurethanic foam, aggregates, cap sheetsTie-ins for built-up roofs - following a roofing layout, measuring for tie-ins, using cold adhesives or sprayed materialsInsulating and ventilating for built-up roofs - mechanically fastening insulation, installing multiple layer insulation, installing factory-tapered board roof insulation systems, installing field-sloped roof fill, cricketed roof fill and insulation systems, installing adhered in-place insulation, determining thermal values of roofing materials, ventilation requirements for built-up roofsRoof assembly installed over steel decks - underlayment, fastening requirements and techniques, weight and dead loads, flute span capabilities of insulationRoof assembly installed over concrete decks - weights and deadloads, underlayment requirements, adhesives requirements and techniques, fastening requirements and techniques, deck preparationRoof assembly installed over insulating concrete - weights and deadloads, fastening requirements and techniquesRoof assembly installed over wood deck - installing rosin-sized sheathing paper, weights and deadloads, underlayment requirements, adhesives requirements and techniques, fastening requirements and techniques, deck preparationInstalling coal tar pitch built-up roofing - determining roof slope, what materials can be used with coal tar, ponding, roof penetrations, sloped or tapered insulation requirementsInstalling roofing felts - surface preparation and techniques, temperature requirements, fastening requirementsInstalling flashing and counter-flashing for built-up roofs - metal flashings, reinforced membrane flashings, flashing around penetrations, crickets and saddle flashings
+8 more
Shingles and Shakes
12 Q · 15%
Selecting appropriate type of shingles - types available, different types and compatibility, number of bundles per square, exposure requirements, approximate coverage, roof deck requirements for application of wood shingles and wood shakes, fastening requirements and techniquesCutting shingles individually when using a pattern - cutting tools, measuring for cuttingUsing the straight-up method - marking and following bond lines, shingling around obstructionsUsing the stair stepping method - applying strips of underlayment, overlapping measurementsStraightening bond lines - marking and following bond lines, even and uneven lines, shingling around penetrations or obstructionsInstalling wood shakes - doubling at all eaves, starter course placement, gutter requirements, trough requirements, shingle extension, spacing between adjacent shingles, nailing and fastening, attaching hip and ridge shingles, pre-manufactured hip and ridge unit application, preparing areas to be shingled, handling shingles, roofing underlaymentsDetermining fastener types, placement and length for wood shakes and shingles - types of fasteners and their application, spacing for different types of shingles, types of nails, size of nails needed and requiredDetermining width and grade for wood shakes - types of grades and when applicableDetermining shingle and shake exposure - slope calculations, coverage of one square of shingles based on following weather exposures, types of shingles and shakes and their properties, spacing requirementsInstalling composite shingles - adhesive requirements, live loads, cutting, placement, roof recover requirements, surface preparation requirementsTie-ins for shingles and shakes - following a roofing layout, methods and materials for tie-insInstalling valleys - methods of installation, placing shingles appropriately, plastic cement, valley underlayments, adhesive requirements, fastening requirements and techniques, underlayment, trimming or dub corners, verifying and selecting proper materials, waterproofing blind/dead valleys, connecting valleys
+11 more
Architectural Metal Roofs
8 Q · 10%
Installing architectural metal roofs - fasteners, caulk, adhesives, soldering, flashing, underlayment, wind loads, use of dissimilar materialsTie-ins for architectural metal roofs - following a roofing layout, measuring for tie-ins, using metal flashingsInstalling metal shingles - placement, fastening requirements and techniques, adhesive requirements, sealantsInsulating and ventilating for architectural metal roofs - mechanically fastening insulation, determining thermal values of roofing materials, ventilation requirements for architectural metal roofsInstalling flashing and counter-flashing for architectural metal roofs - metal flashings, reinforced membrane flashings, flashing around penetrations, crickets and saddle flashingsMaintenance and repair of architectural metal roofs - determine roof assembly and condition, leak detectionMetal types and material properties - naturally weathering metals, metallic-coated metals, and protective coatingsGalvanic corrosion and dissimilar metal compatibility - galvanic scale, isolation methods, and runoff concernsThermal expansion and contraction - coefficients of expansion by metal type and design accommodations for movementOil canning - causes, prevention, and panel design considerationsMetal panel system types - architectural vs. structural panels, seam types, profiles, and minimum slope requirementsFlorida Building Code and HVHZ requirements for metal roofing - product approval, testing standards (TAS 125, RAS 133), and wind-driven rain resistance
+2 more
Single Ply Systems
12 Q · 15%
Installing adhesive-applied systems - adhesives and their properties, effects of sunInstalling heat applied systems - heat application equipment, application temperaturesInstalling mechanically fastened systems - fastening requirements and techniques, sealant requirements and techniquesTie-ins for single-ply roofs - following a roofing layout, methods and materials for Tie-insDetermining seaming needs - types of seaming adhesive and their properties, application requirements and techniques, seaming tapes, heat seaming methodsInsulating and ventilating - installing insulation, installing factory-tapered board roof insulation systems, installing field-sloped and cricketed roof fill and insulation systems, determining thermal values of roofing materials, ventilation requirements for single ply roofsInstalling flashing and counter-flashing - metal flashings, supported and unsupported membrane flashings, flashing around penetrations, crickets and saddle flashingsMaintenance and repair - determine roof assembly and condition, leak detectionSingle-ply membrane types and material standards - EPDM, TPO, PVC, CSPE, KEE and their ASTM standardsWind uplift resistance and field testing - design pressure requirements, TAS 124 field uplift testing procedures, ASCE 7 complianceRoof deck types and compatibility with single-ply systems - steel, concrete, nailable decks, deck preparation requirementsAir and vapor retarders in single-ply assemblies - placement, materials, condensation control for low-slope systems
+4 more
Modified Roofing Systems
12 Q · 15%
Installing modified systems - asphalt properties, sealants and caulks, APP modified, SBS modified, SA modifiedInstalling adhesive-applied systems - adhesives and their properties, effects of sun, application methodsInstalling heat applied systems - heat application equipment, application temperaturesInsulating and ventilating - installing insulation, installing factory-tapered board roof insulation systems, installing field-sloped and cricketed roof fill and insulation systems, determining thermal values of roofing materials, ventilation requirements for modified roofing systemsInstalling flashing and counter-flashing - metal flashings, reinforced membrane flashings, flashing around penetrations, crickets and saddle flashingsRoof deck types and their compatibility with modified bitumen systems - steel, concrete, nailable, and nonnailable decksWind uplift resistance requirements for modified roofing assemblies - field, perimeter, and corner zonesReroofing over existing systems - re-cover versus tear-off criteria, evaluation of existing roof conditions, and code requirementsFire classification requirements for modified bitumen roof assemblies under FBC and NRCA standardsFBC HVHZ requirements for modified bitumen systems - product approval, asphalt type and temperature criteria, base sheet attachmentInsulation fasteners and attachment patterns - mechanical attachment to steel, concrete, and wood decks under RAS 117Physical property testing standards for modified bitumen membranes and components - ASTM standards and TAS 110 requirements
Concrete and Clay Tile Roofs
8 Q · 10%
LoadsRoof Layout Bond linesAdhesive requirementsInstalling flashing and counter-flashing for concrete and tile roofs - metal flashings, reinforced membrane flashings, flashing around penetrations, crickets and saddle flashingsUnder tile drainage requirementsPlastic cement application requirementsMortar applicationsBattensFastening requirementsRidge and hip tilesGables and perimetersFoam
+12 more
Membrane Waterproofing
4 Q · 5%
Installation of walls below grade - materials, primers, different membrane types, hydrostatic pressure, hot and cold application methods, when membrane waterproofing is requiredInstallation of floor slabs - materials, primers, different membrane types, hydrostatic pressure, hot and cold application methods, when membrane waterproofing is requiredPositive vs. negative (interior) side waterproofing - definitions, design implications, and when each is appropriateDrainage systems and geocomposites - perimeter drains, drainage mats, bi-level deck drains, and hydrostatic pressure reliefWaterproofing system accessory materials - protection courses, waterstops, and prefabricated drainage productsMembrane integrity testing - flood test, flowing-water test, and electronic leak detection (ELD) methodsBlind-side waterproofing - applications, substrates, shoring wall requirements, and installation sequencingFlashing requirements - membrane flashings, sheet-metal counterflashings, termination heights, penetration clearances, and expansion jointsWaterproofing repair and maintenance - chemical grout injection, crystalline repair, acrylamide gel injection, and bentonite grout injectionDampproofing vs. waterproofing - definitions, appropriate applications, solvent-based and bituminous-emulsion dampproofing products and installation
Drain and Gutters
4 Q · 5%
Verifying scupper overflow requirements - water flow ratesDetermining gutter and downspout requirements - water flow ratesInstalling gutters and downspouts - strapping, fastening requirements and techniques, size requirementsInstalling leader and conductor heads - fastening requirements and techniques, caulk and sealants, size requirementsGutter expansion joint types and installation - lap, butt, and built-in joint configurationsGutter material selection and minimum gauge requirements by girthRoof rain load design requirements and ponding instability considerationsSecondary overflow drain and scupper inlet elevation placement requirementsDownspout hanger types and maximum spacing intervalsRoof sump and splash pan installation requirements
Equipment and Safety
8 Q · 10%
Using ladders - safety requirements, OSHA requirementsUsing scaffolds - safety requirements, OSHA requirementsUsing hoists (manual and automatic) - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, load capabilitiesUsing lift trucks - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, load capabilitiesUsing kettles - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, tar temperature, temperature gauges and automatic controls, starting proceduresUsing heat welding equipment - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, torches, hot airUsing manual lifts - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, load capabilitiesUsing pump lifts - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, dynamic heads, mechanical jointsUsing roof jacks for steep pitch - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, proper anchoring proceduresUsing spudding machines - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, aggregate disposalUsing compressors - safety requirements, OSHA requirementsUsing pneumatic equipment - safety requirements, OSHA requirements, pressure requirements, fastening requirements and techniques
+9 more
Key Distinctions
Positive Method (roof measurement)vsNegative Method (roof measurement)
The positive method divides an irregular roof into rectangles and adds their areas, while the negative method extends roof lines into one large rectangle and subtracts non-roof areas; both yield identical results.
Roofing Construction and Estimating, Chapter 1, Pages 7-8Fiberglass Asphalt ShinglesvsOrganic Asphalt Shingles
Fiberglass shingles use a fiberglass mat as the base, while organic shingles use a cellulose-fiber base mat; both are saturated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules.
Roofing Construction and Estimating, Chapter 4—Asphalt ShinglesSingle-layer Mechanically Attached Underlayment (tile)vsSelf-adhering or Double-layer Underlayment (tile)
A single-layer mechanically attached underlayment under clay or concrete tile requires a minimum slope of 4:12 per IBC/IRC, while self-adhering or double-layer underlayment configurations permit a minimum slope of 2½:12.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep-slope Roof Systems, Clay and Concrete Tile Roof Systems, Chapter 1—Roof Assembly Configurations, Single-layer Underlayment Mechanically AttachedDanger SignsvsCaution Signs
Danger signs (red upper panel, black borders, white lower panel) are used only where an immediate hazard exists, while caution signs are used to warn against potential hazards or unsafe practices.
OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.200(b)(1)Reroofing (re-cover or tear-off/replacement)vsNew Construction
Reroofing projects are exempt from minimum design slope requirements provided there is positive roof drainage, whereas new construction must meet specific minimum slope requirements depending on membrane type.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems, Chapter 2, Page 84Flat Seams Sealed with SealantvsFlat Seams that Must Be Soldered
Flat seam joints may be sealed with sealant at pitches of 3 in. per ft or greater, but must be soldered when pitch is less than 3 in. per ft or where ice damming can cause flooding in snow areas.
Architectural Sheet Metal Manual, Flat Seam Roofs, Figure 6-3Geocomposite Drainage Mat (below-grade wall)vsCoarse Aggregate Backfill (below-grade wall)
A geocomposite can relieve hydrostatic pressure and protect the waterproofing membrane in one product, while coarse aggregate requires a separate protection course placed against the membrane before backfilling.
NRCA Waterproofing Manual, 2nd ed., Section 2.2.1 — Geocomposites (Drainage mat)Battens (tile roof, optional range)vsBattens (tile roof, required range)
Battens are optional on slopes of 2-1/2 in 12 up to but not including 7 in 12, but become mandatory on slopes of 7 in 12 and steeper.
Tile Roofing, Chapter 72A Fire Extinguisher (area coverage)vs10B Fire Extinguisher (flammable liquid/gas proximity)
A 2A-rated extinguisher must be provided for each 3,000 sq ft of protected area with a maximum 100-ft travel distance, while a 10B-rated extinguisher is required within 50 ft wherever more than 5 gallons of flammable liquid or 5 lbs of flammable gas are in use.
OSHA 1926.150(c)(1)(i)Prime Contractor (OSHA responsibility)vsSubcontractor (OSHA responsibility)
The prime contractor cannot be relieved of overall responsibility for OSHA compliance for all work under the contract, while subcontractors share joint responsibility only for their own portion of the work.
OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.16, Page 29Impermeable Synthetic Underlayment (<0.1 perms)vsStandard Synthetic/Felt Underlayment
Impermeable synthetic underlayments (water vapor transmission less than 0.1 perms) are not recommended by NRCA over unvented or inadequately ventilated attics, whereas standard felt or higher-perm synthetics are acceptable.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, Section 3.1—Underlayment Materials (Synthetic Sheets)Self-adhering Polymer-modified Bitumen Sheet (ice dam)vsNon-self-adhering Polymer-modified Bitumen Base Sheet
Self-adhering ice-dam protection sheets range from 20 to 60 mils thick and comply with ASTM D1970, while non-self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen base sheets are thicker, ranging from about 35 to 90 mils.
NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, Section 3.1—Underlayment Materials (Self-adhering Polymer-modified Bitumen Sheets)Key Terms
Competent Person (OSHA §1926.32(f)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 31
One capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in working conditions who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them — no specific degree or certification is required by the definition.
Emergency Action Plan — Small Employer Exemption (OSHA §1926.35(e)(3)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.35(e)(3)
For employers with 10 or fewer employees, the emergency action plan may be communicated orally and a written plan need not be maintained.
Fire Extinguisher Travel Distance — 2A Rating (OSHA §1926.150(c)(1)(i)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.150(c)(1)(i), Page 177
A fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A must be provided for each 3,000 sq ft of protected area, and no point in that area may be more than 100 ft from the nearest extinguisher.
Permissible Noise Exposure — 8-Hour Day (OSHA §1926.52, Table D-2) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.52, Table D-2, Page 36
The maximum permissible noise exposure for an 8-hour workday on a construction site is 90 dBA slow response.
Toilet Facility Minimum — ≤20 Employees (OSHA §1926.51(c)(1)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.51(c)(1), Table D-1
Construction job sites with 20 or fewer employees must provide a minimum of 1 toilet facility.
Hazardous Waste Container Covers (OSHA §1926.25(c)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, §1926.25(c)
Containers used for garbage and oily, flammable, or hazardous wastes on a construction site must be equipped with covers.
First Aid Kit Inspection Frequency (OSHA §1926.50(d)(2)) OSHA 1926 CFR 29, Page 33
First aid kit contents must be checked by the employer before each job and at least weekly on each job to ensure expended items are replaced.
Woodblocking Anchor Withdrawal Resistance — Lightweight Deck HVHZ (RAS 111-20, §3.8.2) Florida Building Code – Test Protocols for HVHZ, RAS No. 111-20, Section 3.8.2 (Woodblocking Attachment, Lightweight Decks)
In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, anchors set into a lightweight insulating concrete, gypsum, or cementitious wood fiber deck for perimeter woodblocking must achieve a minimum average withdrawal resistance of 450 lbf per TAS 105 testing.
Rake Tile Fastening Minimum — HVHZ (RAS 119-20, §3.14) Florida Building Code Roofing Application Standard (RAS) No. 119-20, Section 3.14
Each rake/gable tile on a tile roof in Florida must be fastened with a minimum of two 10d nails of sufficient length to penetrate the framing.
Hip and Ridge Unit Width — HVHZ Field-Assembled (RAS 130-20, §§4.10 & 5.10) Florida Building Code - Test Protocols for High Velocity Hurricane Zones, RAS 130-20, Sections 4.10 and 5.10
Field-assembled hip and ridge units made from wood shingles in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone must have each side a minimum of 4 inches wide.
Perm (vapor transmission unit) Roofing Construction & Estimating, Chapter 12 — Measuring Vapor Barrier Effectiveness
One perm equals the transmission of 1 grain of water vapor per square foot per hour per inch of mercury vapor pressure difference across the barrier; a lower perm rating indicates a better vapor barrier.
Polyisocyanurate In-Service R-Value NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems, Chapter 4—Rigid Board Insulation, Section 4.9—Polyisocyanurate, Page 159
NRCA recommends designing with an in-service R-value of 5.0 per inch for polyisocyanurate insulation rather than using LTTR figures, and specifying the product by thickness.
Aluminum Roof Coating — Low-Temperature Leafing Threshold NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems—2023, Chapter 7—Surfacings, Page 262 (Section 7.4—Coatings, Aluminum)
Aluminum roof coatings applied below 50°F may have impeded leafing of the aluminum flake, producing a bronze rather than bright silver finish.
Cementitious Wood Fiber Panel — Maximum Allowable Joint Elevation Difference NRCA Roofing Manual: Membrane Roof Systems, Chapter 2, Page 87
Adjacent cementitious wood fiber deck panels must not differ in elevation by more than 1/8 inch; larger differences require grouting feathered at 1/8 inch per foot.
Built-in Gutter — Minimum Front-to-Back Elevation Difference Architectural Sheet Metal Manual, Page 1.16
The front (high) edge of a built-in gutter on a low-slope roof must be at least 1 inch lower than the back edge so overflow spills outward rather than into the building.
ASTM D1970 NRCA Roofing Manual: Steep Slope Roof Systems, Section 3.1—Underlayment Materials
The ASTM standard specifying self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet materials used as steep-slope roofing underlayment for ice-dam protection, covering thickness, tear resistance, adhesion, and low-temperature flexibility.
Formulas to Know
Labor Unit Price per Square
(Crew hourly rate total × Hours per day) ÷ Squares installed per day = Labor cost per squareHot Steep Asphalt Rate — First Layer Insulation over Metal Deck
12 to 15 lbs of hot steep asphalt per square (first layer); 12 to 25 lbs per square (second layer)Roof Area — Positive Method
Total area = Rectangle₁ + Rectangle₂ + … + RectangleₙRoof Area — Negative Method
Total area = Large enclosing rectangle − Non-roof areasInsulation Thickness to Cover Lightweight Concrete Deck Irregularities
Minimum insulation layer thickness over mechanically attached base sheet = ½ inchCementitious Panel Grout Slope
Grout feathered at 1/8 inch rise per 1 foot run when panel elevation difference ≥ 1/8 inch