HVAC Technician License Requirements in Arizona
| Licensing Authority | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| License Type | C-39 Commercial HVAC / R-39 Residential / CR-39 Dual Air Conditioning and Refrigeration |
| Experience Required | 4 years of verifiable practical or management experience in HVAC/air conditioning and refrigeration, at least 2 of which must have been within the last 10 years. |
| Education Substitute | Up to 2 years may be substituted with accredited technical training, college coursework, or manufacturer's accredited training program. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) + C-39/CR-39/R-39 HVAC Trade Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — Bond amount based on anticipated annual gross volume. Specialty commercial: $2,500 (under $150K) up to $37,500-$50,000 ($10M+). Residential: $5,000-$15,000. |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 3-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Exam Fee | $127 |
| Initial License Fee | $480 |
| Fingerprinting | $67 |
| Est. Initial Total | $774 |
Renewal: $480 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE)
C-39/CR-39/R-39 HVAC Trade Exam
Exam provider: PSI
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.
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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 →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→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
- EPA Section 608 certification also required for refrigerant handling (federal requirement)
- CR-39 dual license covers both residential and commercial HVAC scopes
- Solar HVAC work included under HVAC classifications
- No separate journeyman/master tiers at the state level
You're licensed in Arizona as an HVAC technician — 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 C-39 Commercial HVAC / R-39 Residential / CR-39 Dual Air Conditioning and Refrigeration; 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. Specialty commercial: $2,500 (under $150K) up to $37,500-$50,000 ($10M+). Residential: $5,000-$15,000. 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. GL not required by ROC for licensing but strongly recommended. Workers comp 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 HVAC technician 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $480.
Other licenses in Arizona
- General Contractor license in Arizona
Statewide license required · $974 in initial government fees · ROC
- Electrician license in Arizona
Statewide license required · $774 in initial government fees · ROC
- Plumber license in Arizona
Statewide license required · $774 in initial government fees · ROC
- Roofing Contractor license in Arizona
Statewide license required · $774 in initial government fees · ROC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona requires a statewide hvac technician license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in Arizona?
The estimated initial cost is $774, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in Arizona?
4 years of verifiable practical or management experience in HVAC/air conditioning and refrigeration, at least 2 of which must have been within the last 10 years. Education substitute: Up to 2 years may be substituted with accredited technical training, college coursework, or manufacturer's accredited training program.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in Arizona?
You must pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) and C-39/CR-39/R-39 HVAC Trade Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for an hvac technician license in Arizona?
Yes, a surety bond is required. Bond amount based on anticipated annual gross volume. Specialty commercial: $2,500 (under $150K) up to $37,500-$50,000 ($10M+). Residential: $5,000-$15,000.
Does Arizona have hvac technician license reciprocity?
Yes, Arizona has reciprocity agreements with 3 states that may apply to hvac technicians. 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 an hvac technician license in Arizona?
Processing time is typically 3-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in Arizona?
No, Arizona does not currently require continuing education for hvac technician license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for hvac technicians in Arizona— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-08 | Source: ROC