Contractor Licensing in Arizona: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Arizona requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Initial costs run $774 to $974.
Arizona requires a statewide contractor license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) for all trades when work exceeds $1,000 in labor and materials or when a permit is required. The ROC issues separate residential (R-), commercial (C-), and dual (CR-) license classifications. All applicants must pass an Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam plus a trade-specific exam, provide a surety bond (amount based on annual gross volume), and undergo a fingerprint background check. Arizona does not have separate journeyman/master tiers at the state level — it licenses at the contractor level only, though some cities (e.g., Phoenix) license journeymen and apprentices locally.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
Arizona has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full Arizona reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
Arizona Licensing Overview
Arizona requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $774 to $974, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Arizona also participates in reciprocity agreements with 3 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Arizona Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $200 | $127 | $580 | — | $974 |
| Electrician | $100 | $127 | $480 | — | $774 |
| Plumber | $100 | $127 | $480 | — | $774 |
| HVAC Technician | $100 | $127 | $480 | — | $774 |
| Roofing Contractor | $100 | $127 | $480 | — | $774 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Arizona
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Arizona. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About Arizona Contractor Licensing
- The ROC does not require general liability insurance for licensing, but it is strongly recommended and often required by clients. Workers compensation is required by Arizona law for all employers with employees.
- Arizona has reciprocity agreements with 3 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 exams have been combined into one exam — classification depends on scope of work and experience
- NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building accepted in lieu of the AZ ROC trade exam
- 2025 updates include enhanced experience verification, higher bonding standards, and more rigorous background screening
You're licensed in Arizona — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues the B-1 General Commercial / KB-1 Dual Building Contractor; the business that invoices Arizona customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Arizona requires a surety bond. Bond amount based on anticipated annual gross volume. Commercial general: $5,000 (under $150K volume) up to $50,000-$100,000 ($10M+ volume). Residential general: $5,000 to $15,000. Dual license combines both amounts. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
Arizona does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. The ROC does not require general liability insurance for licensing, but it is strongly recommended and often required by clients. Workers compensation is required by Arizona law for all employers with employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona require a contractor license?
Yes, Arizona requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Arizona?
Initial licensing costs range from $774 to $974 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Arizona have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Arizona has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Arizona?
The ROC does not require general liability insurance for licensing, but it is strongly recommended and often required by clients. Workers compensation is required by Arizona law for all employers with employees.
Official Arizona Licensing Resources
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) — for general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor