CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster: Certification Guide (2026)
A complete breakdown of CertainTeed's three contractor tiers, warranty access at each level, and how to find credentialed CT roofers in Pinellas County, Florida.
CertainTeed is one of North America's oldest and most respected building products manufacturers. Their roofing division produces some of the most popular shingle lines on the market, including the Landmark, Landmark PRO, and Presidential Shake series. But the shingles are only as good as the contractor who installs them.
That is why CertainTeed runs a tiered contractor credentialing program. Unlike a simple "certified installer" badge, CertainTeed's system has three distinct levels, each with different training requirements and warranty access. Understanding these tiers helps you make a smarter hiring decision and ensures you get the strongest possible warranty protection on your Pinellas County roof.
In this guide, we cover all three CertainTeed contractor tiers, explain what it takes to earn each credential, compare CT's program to competitors like GAF and Owens Corning, and show you how to find and verify CertainTeed credentialed roofers serving Pinellas County in 2026.
Understanding CertainTeed's Three Contractor Tiers
CertainTeed organizes its contractor credential program into three ascending tiers. Each tier builds on the one below it, adding more training requirements and unlocking better warranty options. Think of it as a ladder: every rung represents a higher commitment to quality and a stronger warranty for you.
Tier 1: ShingleMaster
ShingleMaster is the entry-level credential in the CertainTeed program. To earn this designation, a contractor must complete CertainTeed's foundational training course, which covers proper shingle installation techniques, ventilation principles, and material handling procedures.
The ShingleMaster credential is the most accessible tier, and a significant number of CertainTeed-affiliated contractors hold this designation. It signals that the contractor has received manufacturer-specific training, which puts them a step above a roofer with zero manufacturer affiliations. However, the warranty options at this tier are more limited compared to higher levels.
What ShingleMaster unlocks: Access to CertainTeed's standard limited warranty and the ability to offer basic SureStart warranty protection on qualifying installations.
Tier 2: SELECT ShingleMaster
SELECT ShingleMaster represents the middle tier of CertainTeed's credential program. This is where the training requirements become more rigorous and the warranty benefits become notably stronger.
To achieve SELECT status, a contractor must complete additional CertainTeed training modules beyond the base ShingleMaster curriculum. These advanced courses cover topics like whole-roof system installation, advanced ventilation design, moisture management, and best practices for Florida-specific climate challenges. The contractor must also demonstrate compliance with insurance and licensing requirements.
SELECT ShingleMasters can offer enhanced warranty options that include extended workmanship coverage backed by CertainTeed. This is a significant upgrade from the base tier because it means the manufacturer, not just the contractor, stands behind the quality of installation.
What SELECT ShingleMaster unlocks: Enhanced SureStart warranty options with extended non-prorated material coverage and manufacturer-backed workmanship protection.
Tier 3: 5-Star Contractor
The 5-Star Contractor designation is the pinnacle of CertainTeed's credential program. This is the rarest and most prestigious tier, reserved for contractors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to training, customer satisfaction, and installation quality.
Earning 5-Star status requires completing the most advanced CertainTeed training courses, maintaining exemplary customer satisfaction records, meeting higher insurance and business stability requirements, and passing periodic performance reviews. CertainTeed actively monitors 5-Star contractors to ensure ongoing compliance.
The reward is access to CertainTeed's most powerful warranty offering: the SureStart PLUS warranty. This is the gold standard of CertainTeed warranty protection.
What 5-Star Contractor unlocks: The SureStart PLUS warranty with maximum non-prorated coverage, extended workmanship protection (up to 25 years), and the most comprehensive material defect coverage CertainTeed offers.
Warranty Comparison by Tier
The warranty you receive is the most tangible benefit of choosing a higher-tier CertainTeed contractor. Here is how the warranty options compare across all three tiers:
| Warranty Feature | ShingleMaster | SELECT ShingleMaster | 5-Star Contractor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shingle Material | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| SureStart Non-Prorated | 5 Years | 10 Years | 15+ Years |
| Workmanship Coverage | None (contractor only) | Up to 15 Years | Up to 25 Years |
| SureStart PLUS Eligible | No | Limited | Yes (full access) |
| System Warranty | Basic | Enhanced | Maximum |
| Transferable | Yes (limited) | Yes | Yes |
The biggest jump happens between ShingleMaster and SELECT. At the base tier, workmanship coverage comes solely from the contractor's own warranty, not from CertainTeed. Starting at SELECT, CertainTeed steps in as the warranty backer for workmanship. This is critically important because it means your protection survives even if the contractor goes out of business.
CertainTeed Training Requirements
CertainTeed's training program is one of the most structured in the roofing industry. Here is what contractors must complete at each level:
ShingleMaster Training
- CertainTeed Shingle Applicator Manual course
- Basic installation technique certification
- Material handling and safety procedures
- Understanding CertainTeed product lines
SELECT ShingleMaster Training
- All ShingleMaster requirements plus:
- Advanced Roof System training module
- Ventilation design and installation course
- Moisture management certification
- CertainTeed Integrity Roof System training
- Ongoing continuing education requirements
5-Star Contractor Training
- All SELECT requirements plus:
- Master-level whole-building science course
- Advanced customer service and project management training
- Annual recertification requirements
- Customer satisfaction performance benchmarks
- Business operations and financial stability review
CertainTeed offers both online and in-person training options. The in-person courses are held at CertainTeed's training facilities and at regional events. Many contractors in the Tampa Bay area take advantage of regional training sessions held throughout Florida.
CertainTeed vs GAF vs Owens Corning: Contractor Programs Compared
All three major shingle manufacturers run contractor certification programs. Here is how CertainTeed's tiers compare to the competition:
| Feature | CertainTeed | GAF | Owens Corning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Tiers | 3 (ShingleMaster, SELECT, 5-Star) | 3 (Certified, Master Elite, Excellence) | 2 (Preferred, Platinum Preferred) |
| Top Tier Name | 5-Star Contractor | Master Elite | Platinum Preferred |
| Best Warranty | SureStart PLUS | Golden Pledge | Platinum Protection |
| Max Workmanship | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Training Depth | Extensive (multi-module) | Comprehensive | Comprehensive |
| Mid-Tier Warranty | Enhanced SureStart | Silver Pledge | Preferred Protection |
At the top tier, all three programs converge on similar warranty coverage: 25 years of workmanship and lifetime limited shingle protection. The differences are more pronounced at the mid and entry levels. CertainTeed's three-tier structure gives contractors a clearer progression path, while Owens Corning's two-tier system is simpler but offers less granularity.
One advantage of CertainTeed's program is the SELECT ShingleMaster tier. It sits between the base and top levels, offering meaningfully better warranty protection than the entry tier without requiring the full 5-Star commitment. For Pinellas County homeowners, a SELECT ShingleMaster provides a strong middle ground: enhanced workmanship coverage from CertainTeed at a contractor tier that is more widely available than the 5-Star designation.
How to Verify CertainTeed Contractor Credentials
Verifying a contractor's CertainTeed credential is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Use the CertainTeed "Find a Pro" tool: Visit certainteed.com and navigate to their contractor finder. Enter your Pinellas County zip code to see a list of credentialed contractors in your area.
- Check the credential level: Each listed contractor will display their specific tier: ShingleMaster, SELECT ShingleMaster, or 5-Star. Make sure the tier matches what the contractor has claimed.
- Request credential documentation: Ask the contractor to provide their current CertainTeed credential certificate. This document should show the contractor's name, credential tier, and expiration date.
- Verify Florida licensing: Cross-reference the contractor's state license through the Florida DBPR website at myfloridalicense.com. A CertainTeed credential does not replace a state roofing license.
- Check for active status: CertainTeed credentials must be renewed periodically. Confirm that the contractor's credential is current and not expired. An expired credential means they cannot offer the enhanced warranty options.
Why CertainTeed Credentials Matter in Pinellas County
Pinellas County presents specific roofing challenges that make contractor quality critical. Here is why a CertainTeed credentialed contractor is worth seeking out:
Florida Building Code Compliance
Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the nation, and those codes apply directly to roofing installations. CertainTeed's training program covers Florida-specific installation requirements, including high-wind nailing patterns, enhanced underlayment requirements, and the proper use of roofing cement in hurricane-prone areas. A credentialed contractor has demonstrated knowledge of these requirements through their training.
Hurricane Preparedness
Pinellas County has not taken a direct hit from a major hurricane in recent years, but the threat is constant. Every hurricane season from June through November puts Pinellas roofs at risk. A CertainTeed-trained contractor understands how to install shingles with the enhanced wind resistance that Florida Building Code demands. Proper installation technique can mean the difference between shingles that survive a Category 2 hurricane and shingles that blow off in a tropical storm.
Coastal Environmental Factors
From Clearwater Beach to Pass-a-Grille, Pinellas County's coastal communities face unique environmental pressures. Salt spray accelerates material degradation, intense UV radiation breaks down shingle components faster than in inland areas, and heavy afternoon thunderstorms during summer months test the waterproofing integrity of every roof. CertainTeed's training addresses these factors, teaching contractors how to install for maximum durability in coastal conditions.
Warranty Protection Against Contractor Failure
Florida's roofing industry experiences significant contractor turnover, especially after major storm seasons. When a non-credentialed contractor goes out of business, any workmanship warranty they offered disappears with them. With a SELECT ShingleMaster or 5-Star contractor, the workmanship warranty is backed by CertainTeed, a company that has been in business for over 120 years. That manufacturer backing survives contractor turnover.
Finding CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMasters in Pinellas County
The Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas County, has a healthy representation of CertainTeed credentialed contractors. Here are some tips for finding the right one:
- Search multiple zip codes: Pinellas County is long and narrow, stretching from Oldsmar in the north to St. Pete Beach in the south. Search several zip codes to capture contractors who may be headquartered in neighboring areas but serve all of Pinellas. Try 33701 (St. Petersburg), 33756 (Clearwater), 33770 (Largo), 34683 (Palm Harbor), and 34698 (Dunedin).
- Prioritize SELECT or 5-Star: While a base ShingleMaster is better than no credential, the warranty jump from ShingleMaster to SELECT is substantial. If you want manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage, target SELECT ShingleMaster at minimum.
- Look for multi-brand credentials: Top contractors in Pinellas County often hold credentials from multiple manufacturers. A roofer who is CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and Owens Corning Preferred can offer you the best product from either manufacturer with full warranty backing.
- Verify beyond the credential: Use the CertainTeed tool to confirm tier status, then also check Google Reviews, the BBB, and the Florida DBPR license database. A credential is a strong signal, but it should be one of several factors in your hiring decision.
CertainTeed Integrity Roof System
Like other major manufacturers, CertainTeed ties their best warranties to the use of a complete system of components. The CertainTeed Integrity Roof System includes:
- Shingles: Landmark, Landmark PRO, Landmark Premium, Presidential Shake, or Grand Manor
- Underlayment: DiamondDeck or WinterGuard waterproofing products
- Starter Strips: SwiftStart starter shingles
- Hip and Ridge: Shadow Ridge or Mountain Ridge caps
- Ventilation: CertainTeed ventilation products for proper attic airflow
- Accessory Products: FlintBoard flashing, ShingleMatch caulk, and other system components
To qualify for the SureStart PLUS warranty through a 5-Star contractor, the installation must use qualifying CertainTeed system components. Mixing manufacturer products (for example, CertainTeed shingles with a competitor's underlayment) may reduce warranty eligibility. Your credentialed contractor will specify the correct combination of products for your warranty level.
Common Questions About CertainTeed Credentials
How long does a CertainTeed credential last?
CertainTeed credentials are not permanent. They require periodic renewal, including continuing education and compliance verification. Contractors must maintain their training requirements and business standards to keep their credential active. Always verify that a contractor's credential is current before signing a contract.
Does a higher-tier contractor cost more?
Not necessarily. While 5-Star contractors are typically established, reputable companies that may command market-rate pricing, the credential itself does not dictate a price premium. The value of a higher tier comes through warranty protection, not pricing. Get multiple quotes from contractors at different tiers to compare. The cost difference is often minimal compared to the warranty upgrade.
Can I upgrade my warranty tier later?
No. Your warranty tier is determined at the time of installation based on the contractor's credential level at that time. You cannot upgrade to a higher warranty after the roof is installed. This is why it is important to choose the right contractor tier before your project begins.
What if my 5-Star contractor loses their credential?
If a contractor loses their CertainTeed credential after installing your roof, your warranty remains valid at the level it was registered. The warranty is tied to the installation date and the contractor's status at that time, not their ongoing credential. Once registered, your warranty stands regardless of the contractor's future status.
Making the Right Choice for Your Pinellas County Roof
When choosing a CertainTeed contractor in Pinellas County, aim for SELECT ShingleMaster as your minimum tier. The base ShingleMaster credential provides training but leaves you without manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage. SELECT bridges that gap, and 5-Star delivers maximum protection.
Consider these factors in your decision:
- Budget vs protection: If budget is tight, a SELECT ShingleMaster still offers strong warranty protection at the mid-tier level.
- Roof complexity: For complex roof designs with multiple valleys, dormers, or hip joints, a 5-Star contractor's advanced training becomes more valuable.
- Resale value: If you plan to sell your Pinellas County home, a transferable CertainTeed warranty from a higher-tier contractor adds tangible value to the property.
- Coastal location: If your home is in a direct coastal zone (Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach), the enhanced workmanship protection from SELECT or 5-Star contractors is especially worthwhile given the harsh environmental exposure.
Remember to register your warranty promptly after installation. Even the best warranty is useless if it is not properly registered with CertainTeed. Your credentialed contractor should handle registration, but always follow up to confirm it was completed.
The Bottom Line
CertainTeed's three-tier contractor program gives Pinellas County homeowners a clear framework for evaluating contractor quality. The SELECT ShingleMaster credential hits the sweet spot for most homeowners: meaningful warranty enhancement without the premium pricing sometimes associated with the 5-Star designation. For those who want maximum protection, the 5-Star contractor with SureStart PLUS warranty is the strongest warranty package CertainTeed offers.
Whatever tier you choose, verify the credential, confirm Florida licensing, check reviews, and ensure your contractor uses the complete CertainTeed Integrity Roof System. In Pinellas County's demanding climate, proper installation by a trained, credentialed professional is the best investment you can make in your roof's long-term performance.