Contractor licensing by state
How to Get a Contractor License in Arizona
Arizona requires a state license for every trade we track. The main contractor license is the Arizona ROC contractor license, which costs $870 to start and needs two exams, Statutes and Rules plus AZ ROC trade. All 10 trades we could rate score the same, 63 of 100.
The Arizona contractor license
| License | Arizona ROC contractor license (B General Residential, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair, or a residential specialty R- classification) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Foundation repair, general contracting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC work, landscape irrigation, concrete flatwork, drainage and detention work, and demolition |
| Fee | $870 (new general residential license, $180 application + $320 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $590 every 2 years). As published by the ROC on July 26, 2026. |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE); AZ ROC trade exam. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade. |
| Experience | 4 years practical or management trade experience for the qualifying party, 2 within the last 10 years (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $5,000. Source |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
How to apply
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
State license requirements for each trade in Arizona
| Foundation repair | B or B-3 General Residential Contractor or General Remodeling and Repair Contrac | $870 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General contracting | B General Residential Contractor | $870 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| Roofing | R-42 Roofing | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| Plumbing | R-37 Plumbing, Including Solar | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| Electrical | R-11 Electrical | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| HVAC | R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| Irrigation | R-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| Concrete flatwork | R-9 Concrete | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard · 63 |
| Drainage and detention | R-2 Excavating, Grading and Oil Surfacing | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard or harder · 63+ |
| Demolition | R-57 Wrecking | $720 | Statutes and Rules Exam | 10 years | Hard or harder · 63+ |
Tap a column to sort. Difficulty covers the state license only. Checked October 18, 2026.
Details for each trade
Foundation repair
| License | B or B-3 General Residential Contractor or General Remodeling and Repair Contractor |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $870 (new general residential license, $180 application + $320 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $590 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $5,000 to $15,000 general residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
The B license covers constructing and repairing any part of a residential structure; B-3 covers remodel and repair of an existing home. The commercial A-7 Piers and Foundations classification exists but is a general engineering license, not residential. There is no residential foundation-only classification. Engineer letters and sealed designs are set by the city or county building department. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department whether the repair needs a permit and an engineer letter or sealed design.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
General contracting (residential remodels, additions and home improvement)
| License | B General Residential Contractor (or B-3 General Remodeling and Repair; R-61 for remodel jobs of $50,000 or less) |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $870 (new general residential license, $180 application + $320 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $590 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $5,000 to $15,000 general residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
B covers building and repairing residential structures; electrical, plumbing, HVAC, pools and wells must be subcontracted to licensed contractors. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department about building permits for remodels and additions.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Roofing
| License | R-42 Roofing |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Covers roof coverings, weatherproofing and up to 10 percent substrate replacement found after the contract is signed. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department whether a reroof needs a permit.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Plumbing
| License | R-37 Plumbing, Including Solar (R-37R Plumbing without solar) |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Residential plumbing classification; the requirements PDF also lists a solar exam for R-37. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department who may pull plumbing permits.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Electrical
| License | R-11 Electrical |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Installs and repairs residential electrical systems. NASCLA electrical exam scores may be used in place of the ROC trade exam. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department who may pull electrical permits.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
HVAC
| License | R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar (R-39R without solar) |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Residential HVAC classification. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department who may pull mechanical permits.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Irrigation
| License | R-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Covers irrigation systems along with non-loadbearing concrete, pavers, short retaining walls and fences. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department and the water utility about permits and backflow devices for the water connection.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Concrete flatwork (driveways, sidewalks and work in the public right-of-way)
| License | R-9 Concrete |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience in the classification (A.R.S. 32-1122). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Installs and repairs concrete and concrete products. R-21 also covers non-loadbearing concrete and paver driveways. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department about driveway, sidewalk and right-of-way permits.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63, hard (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1122 qualifications (4 years experience); A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Drainage and detention (grading, drainage, stormwater and detention ponds)
| License | R-2 Excavating, Grading and Oil Surfacing |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | 0 to 2 years depending on the optional trade exam (confirm with ROC). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Digging, trenching, grading, compacting and filling. Required experience is lower if the optional trade exam is taken; the ROC's requirements PDF is unclear on this, so confirm with the ROC. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department about grading, drainage and stormwater approvals.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63+, hard or harder (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Demolition
| License | R-57 Wrecking |
|---|---|
| Board | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| Fee | $720 (new specialty residential license, $80 application + $270 license + $370 Residential Recovery Fund; renewal $540 every 2 years) |
| Exam | Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE), online training course and exam; AZ ROC trade exam for the classification. Given by Gmetrix (SRE), PSI (trade exam). Exam fee $127. $61 SRE + $66 trade exam. |
| Experience | About 2 years, less if the optional trade exam is taken (confirm with ROC). |
| Bond | $1,000 to $7,500 specialty residential bond. |
| Background check | Required. Applicants answer background questions on the application. |
| Renewal | Every 2 years. |
Demolish, dismantle or remove structures; explosives not allowed under this classification. These facts are from the ROC's fee and classification pages as published in July and August 2026. Confirm current figures with the ROC at (602) 542-1525.
Ask the city or county building department about demolition permits.
- Pick the ROC classification that matches the work and name a qualifying party with the required experience.
- Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (Gmetrix) and any trade exam (PSI).
- Post the surety bond and apply with the application, license and recovery fund fees.
- Pull permits with the city or county building department.
Difficulty 63+, hard or harder (exams 15, experience 25, fees 15, bond 4, background check 4).
Checked October 18, 2026 against A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds. Checked August 17, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classifications (roc.az.gov) (as published August 17, 2026). Checked August 14, 2026 against AZ ROC License Classification Requirements PDF (years and exams) (as published August 14, 2026). Checked July 26, 2026 against AZ ROC Licensing Fees (roc.az.gov) (as published July 26, 2026).
Exams for a Arizona license
| AZ ROC Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) | AZ ROC online course (purchased online) | $61 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AZ ROC trade exam for the classification | PSI, for AZ ROC | $66 for one exam, $116 for two | Fee paid again; wait 30 days; after three failed attempts, 90 days |
Tap a column to sort. Each exam name opens the provider's bulletin or exam page. A blank cell is a fact not confirmed from the provider, and the linked bulletin has the full rules.
- An online course with the exam built in, required unless you were a qualifying party on an Arizona license in the last five years.
- Each classification has its own content outline with the time limit, item count and references.
Checked October 18, 2026 against PSI Arizona Registrar of Contractors Candidate Information Bulletin.
Official sources
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (classification list) (as published August 17, 2026)
- A.R.S. Title 32 Chapter 10, contractor qualifications
- A.R.S. 32-1152 bonds
Licensing pages for nearby states cover California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah.
Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice. Confirm with the licensing board before you apply or bid.