Official-source review: August 25, 2026
Arizona electrical contractor license: Arizona licenses electrical contracting businesses through the Registrar of Contractors. C-11 covers commercial work, R-11 covers residential work and CR-11 combines both scopes; the license belongs to the business and depends on an approved qualifying party.
What the Arizona electrical contractor license covers
Arizona licenses electrical contracting businesses through the Registrar of Contractors. C-11 covers commercial work, R-11 covers residential work and CR-11 combines both scopes; the license belongs to the business and depends on an approved qualifying party.
- C-11 commercial wiring and electrical equipment under 600 volts.
- R-11 residential electrical work.
- CR-11 both commercial and residential electrical scopes.
- Local electrical permits, inspections and utility requirements.
Photovoltaic contractors should also review the Arizona solar contractor guide.
Arizona electrical contractor license requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Current rule or route |
|---|---|
| Route | C-11 commercial, R-11 residential or CR-11 dual Electrical |
| Eligibility | Generally four years of practical or management experience in the classification, including two years within the preceding ten; approved technical training may replace up to two years. |
| Exam | Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam plus the classification trade exam, each passed with at least 70%, unless an approved waiver applies. |
| Fees | Two-year total before exams and bond: C specialty $580, R specialty $720 or CR dual specialty $850. The SRE is $61; the standard trade exam is $66 and the optional NASCLA electrical exam is $116. |
| Bond or insurance | Maintain the ROC contractor bond; the required amount depends on classification and anticipated annual volume. Workers compensation applies when there are employees. |
| Renewal | Every two years. |
Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.
How to complete the Arizona electrical contractor license process
- Choose commercial C-11, residential R-11 or dual CR-11.
- Designate a regularly employed qualifying party and document classification experience.
- Pass the Arizona SRE and the electrical trade or accepted NASCLA examination.
- Complete background checks for every person named on the application.
- Submit the business application, two-year fees and required bond.
- Obtain local permits and keep the qualifying party and bond continuously active.
Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.
Important Arizona rules and boundaries
- Arizona licenses the business, not a standalone statewide journeyman electrician.
- C-11 and R-11 scopes are not interchangeable; CR-11 covers both.
- Arizona has no direct contractor reciprocity, although an out-of-state waiver may be requested.
- Work at or above 600 volts or in public rights-of-way can require another classification.
Arizona may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.
Arizona electrical contractor license cost and renewal
Add training, examination, bond, equipment and local costs.
Renew by the published deadline and retain supporting records.
Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.
Arizona electrical contractor license checklist
- Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
- Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
- Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
- Use the current official form and fee schedule.
- Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
- File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
- Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
- Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is this credential statewide?
Yes; local permits and inspections remain separate.
Is an exam required?
Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam plus the classification trade exam, each passed with at least 70%, unless an approved waiver applies.
When does it renew?
Every two years.
Are local approvals separate?
Yes.
Official sources used
Verified licensing details
- Licensing authority
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors
- Fees
- Two-year total before exams and bond: C specialty $580, R specialty $720 or CR dual specialty $850. The SRE is $61; the standard trade exam is $66 and the optional NASCLA electrical exam is $116.
- Experience
- Generally four years of practical or management experience in the classification, including two years within the preceding ten; approved technical training may replace up to two years.
- Exams
- Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam plus the classification trade exam, each passed with at least 70%, unless an approved waiver applies.
- Insurance or bond
- Maintain the ROC contractor bond; the required amount depends on classification and anticipated annual volume. Workers compensation applies when there are employees.
- Continuing education
- No routine ROC continuing-education requirement; stay current with adopted codes and manufacturer requirements.
- Renewal period
- Every two years.
Official sources
Official sources last checked August 24, 2026.
Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.