General Contractor License Requirements in Arizona
| Licensing Authority | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| License Type | B-1 General Commercial / KB-1 Dual Building Contractor |
| Experience Required | 4 years of practical or management experience in general contracting, at least 2 of which must have been within the last 10 years. Credit given for journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor experience. Experience must be documented on the ROC Experience Record Form and is subject to verification. |
| Education Substitute | Up to 2 years of the 4-year requirement may be substituted with technical training from an accredited college/university, manufacturer's accredited training program, or completion of a U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship. Military service or training may also substitute. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) + B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 Combined General Contractor Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — 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. |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 3-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $200 |
| Exam Fee | $54 |
| Initial License Fee | $580 |
| Fingerprinting | $67 |
| Trade exam fee | $66 |
| NASCLA exam (optional, in lieu of trade exam) | $106 |
| NASCLA transcript purchase | $30 |
| Est. Initial Total | $1,103 |
Renewal: $580 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE)
B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 Combined General Contractor Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 3 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- 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
- Candidates allowed 3 attempts per exam with 30-day wait between retakes
- ROC undergoing sunset review — continued through July 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona requires a statewide general contractor license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Arizona?
The estimated initial cost is $901, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Arizona?
4 years of practical or management experience in general contracting, at least 2 of which must have been within the last 10 years. Credit given for journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor experience. Experience must be documented on the ROC Experience Record Form and is subject to verification. Education substitute: Up to 2 years of the 4-year requirement may be substituted with technical training from an accredited college/university, manufacturer's accredited training program, or completion of a U.S. DOL-approved apprenticeship. Military service or training may also substitute.
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Arizona?
You must pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) and B-1/B-2/KB-1/KB-2 Combined General Contractor Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Arizona?
Yes, a surety bond is required. 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.
Does Arizona have general contractor license reciprocity?
Yes, Arizona has reciprocity agreements with 3 states that may apply to general contractors. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get a general contractor license in Arizona?
Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Arizona?
No, Arizona does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: ROC