Certified Contractor
A homeowner guide to CertainTeed certification levels, the 2026 ShingleMaster Premier update, and Landmark shingle options for NC roofs.
What are the levels of CertainTeed certification?
CertainTeed certifies roofers at several levels. Master Shingle Applicator recognizes individual installers, while companies move up through Contractor Select, ShingleMaster, and ShingleMaster Premier as they meet tougher standards. Higher credentials let a contractor offer stronger warranties, so the level a company holds tells you a lot about its training and track record.
Key takeaways
- CertainTeed credentials help homeowners compare roofing contractors at a glance.
- Master Shingle Applicator is for individual installers; company credentials go higher.
- In January 2026, CertainTeed's new Contractor's EDGE program replaced SELECT ShingleMaster with ShingleMaster Premier at the top.
- Top credentials unlock CertainTeed's strongest coverage, including the 5-STAR warranty.
- Landmark shingles now carry a lifetime limited warranty, a change from older terms.
Homeowners want to know a contractor has the skill to get their project done right. One way to gauge that is by looking at manufacturer certifications. CertainTeed, a long-established name in roofing, credentials contractors at several levels, and each one signals a different depth of training and commitment to quality. On Tops Roofing has earned the CertainTeed ShingleMaster credential, one way we show Triangle homeowners how seriously we take our work. Below, we walk through the history, the certification levels, and the CertainTeed shingles you are most likely to consider.
History of CertainTeed
CertainTeed has been a fixture in the building materials industry for more than a century. Founded in 1904, the company built its name on setting high standards and pushing new ideas in roofing. From insulation to shingles, CertainTeed has become a trusted brand for quality and durability, which is part of why its certifications carry weight with homeowners.
Levels of Certification
CertainTeed credentials fall into two groups, one for individual installers and one for companies. Knowing how they stack up helps you read what a contractor's certification actually means.
Master Shingle Applicator
Master Shingle Applicator is a credential for individual roofers, not companies. It shows an installer has completed CertainTeed's training and testing on proper shingle installation and stays re-accredited over time. When a crew is stocked with Master Shingle Applicators, you can trust the hands actually on your roof know what they are doing.
ShingleMaster Credentials for Residential Contractors
For residential roofing, CertainTeed credentials whole companies, and in January 2026 it reorganized these under a new Contractor's EDGE program. Contractor Select sits at the entry level and can offer CertainTeed's standard SureStart coverage. ShingleMaster represents a smaller, more committed group that has invested in training and quality assurance. ShingleMaster Premier is the top tier, which replaced the older SELECT ShingleMaster title. To reach Premier, a company generally must have at least five years in business, keep a large share of its crew credentialed as Master Shingle Applicators, carry full insurance, follow CertainTeed's code of ethics, and maintain strong customer satisfaction. A ShingleMaster Premier contractor installing a full CertainTeed Integrity Roof System can offer the 5-STAR warranty, CertainTeed's most complete coverage, which includes a 50-year transferable material warranty and 30 years of workmanship protection, plus tear-off and disposal.
Commercial Contractor Credentials
CertainTeed also credentials commercial roofers through separate programs built around low-slope and specialty systems. Contractors who earn these have specialized training and a record of successful commercial projects, so a business owner can use them the same way a homeowner uses residential credentials, as a quick read on expertise.
CertainTeed Shingle Options
Certification tells you about the installer, while the shingle you pick shapes how your roof looks and performs. Below are four CertainTeed lines homeowners commonly weigh, from budget to premium.
XT 25
XT 25 is CertainTeed's budget-friendly three-tab shingle. Its classic flat profile suits homeowners who want dependable protection at a lower price. XT 25 is rated to handle winds up to 60 mph and carries a Class A fire rating, along with a 25-year limited warranty when properly installed and maintained. For a straightforward, cost-effective roof, it does the job.
Landmark
Landmark is CertainTeed's most popular architectural shingle, and it is a big step up from three-tab. Its dual-layer design gives a home a richer, dimensional look and better durability. Landmark resists winds up to 110 mph out of the box, which can be upgraded to 130 mph with CertainTeed starter and ridge products, and it comes with a lifetime limited transferable warranty plus StreakFighter algae protection. For most Triangle homes, Landmark hits a strong balance of looks, protection, and value.
Landmark Pro
Landmark Pro steps things up with a heavier, more robust build. It carries the same lifetime limited transferable warranty as standard Landmark, but its extra weight and thickness give it a bolder appearance and stronger performance in tough weather. Wind resistance starts at 110 mph and can be upgraded to 130 mph, with higher upgrades available, which makes Pro a smart pick for homeowners who want added confidence during storm season.
Landmark Premium
Landmark Premium sits at the top of the Landmark family for homeowners who want a luxury look. Its multi-dimensional design mimics the depth of natural wood shake and adds real curb appeal. Premium carries a lifetime limited transferable warranty, a Class A fire rating, and strong wind resistance, so you get standout style without giving up durability. For a high-end finish, it is hard to beat.
Choosing a CertainTeed Contractor and Shingle
CertainTeed's credentials give you a reliable shortcut when comparing roofers, and its shingle lineup covers everything from a simple three-tab to a luxury architectural look. Matching the right contractor with the right shingle for our North Carolina weather is what gives you a roof you can count on for decades. On Tops Roofing has served the Raleigh area as a CertainTeed ShingleMaster since 1991, and we are glad to walk you through your options. You can request a free estimate whenever you are ready.
FAQ
What is the highest CertainTeed contractor certification?
As of January 2026, ShingleMaster Premier is CertainTeed's top residential credential, part of its new Contractor's EDGE program that replaced SELECT ShingleMaster. Premier contractors meet strict standards and can offer CertainTeed's strongest coverage, the 5-STAR warranty.
What is the difference between Master Shingle Applicator and ShingleMaster?
Master Shingle Applicator credentials an individual installer, while ShingleMaster credentials a whole company. A strong contractor often has both, with Master Shingle Applicators on the crew and a company-wide ShingleMaster credential behind them.
What warranty comes with CertainTeed Landmark shingles?
Landmark shingles now carry a lifetime limited transferable warranty, along with StreakFighter algae protection and 110 mph wind resistance that can be upgraded. CertainTeed's most complete coverage, the 5-STAR warranty, requires installation by a ShingleMaster Premier contractor using a full CertainTeed Integrity Roof System.
Which CertainTeed shingle is best for my home?
It depends on your budget and goals. XT 25 is a cost-effective three-tab, Landmark is a popular architectural option, Landmark Pro adds weight and weather resistance, and Landmark Premium offers a luxury shake-style look. A certified contractor can help you match one to your home and our climate.
Is On Tops Roofing CertainTeed certified?
Yes. On Tops Roofing is a CertainTeed ShingleMaster contractor and has served the Raleigh and Triangle area since 1991. This credential reflects our training, insurance, and commitment to quality installation.
