Arizona Electrical Contractor License

To get an electrical contractor license in Arizona, choose your scope (C‑11 commercial, R‑11 residential, or CR‑11 dual), appoint a Qualifying Party with 4 years’ experience, pass the SRE and trade exam (or NASCLA Electrical), complete ROC background checks, file the required bond, pay fees, and renew biennially. A.R.S. §32‑1122; AZ ROC fees; PSI bulletin; AZ ROC Applying; AZ ROC Bond info; A.R.S. §32‑1123.01.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-29

How to get an electrical contractor license in Arizona

1. Choose your scope and entity. Decide C‑11, R‑11, or CR‑11 and form your business (LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship). Ensure ACC registration and good standing, if applicable. AZ ROC Applying.
2. Designate a Qualifying Party (QP). Your QP must document at least 4 years of classification‑related experience (2 within 10 years). A.R.S. §32‑1122(D).
3. Complete exams. Take the SRE ($61) and the electrical trade exam through PSI, or use the NASCLA Electrical option for C‑11/R‑11/CR‑11. SRE fee; PSI bulletin; ROC exam matrix.
4. Submit ROC background checks. Order background checks for every person named on the application; results are valid 90 days. AZ ROC Applying.
5. Secure your bond. Obtain the ROC license bond in the amount that matches your classification and projected volume; residential also owes the Recovery Fund assessment (or $200,000 alternative bond). Bond amounts; ROC FAQ.
6. File the application and pay fees. Use ROC forms, attach score reports/waiver, IDs, bond, background check receipts, and pay the exact fees for your classification. ROC Licensing Forms; Fees.
7. Maintain compliance post‑issuance. Keep bond active, meet workers’ comp obligations if you hire, and renew every two years; late renewals add $50. Renewal (PDF); A.R.S. §32‑1125.

Arizona electrical contractor license classifications and scope

Arizona issues electrical contracting licenses at the contractor level: C‑11 for commercial work, R‑11 for residential work, and CR‑11 to cover both. Scope includes installing, altering, and repairing wiring and related electrical equipment under 600 volts, with limits detailed by classification. AZ ROC classifications.

Exact exam options for C‑11/R‑11/CR‑11

You must pass the SRE plus the electrical trade exam administered by PSI. Alternatively, AZ ROC accepts the NASCLA Electrical Examination Program for CR‑11, C‑11, and R‑11 in lieu of the AZ ROC trade exam—submit passing scores with your application. ROC exam matrix; ROC fees (NASCLA note).

Arizona electrical contractor license fees and bond amounts

Budget for ROC application, license, and (for residential/dual) Recovery Fund assessments exactly as shown in the table above. For a deeper cost breakdown—including typical bond premiums and exam prep—see our guide to electrical contractor license costs in Arizona. For trade‑to‑trade comparisons, our analysis of Arizona HVAC contractor license costs shows how fees and bonds vary by classification.

Background checks, age, insurance, and workers’ comp

Every person listed on the application must be at least 18 and complete an ROC‑specified background check (valid 90 days). ROC does not require general liability insurance to be licensed, but you must keep the license bond in force and carry workers’ compensation if you have employees. Age; Background checks; Insurance policy; Bond.

Renewing an Arizona electrical contractor license

Licenses renew biennially under A.R.S. §32‑1123.01. Pay the renewal fee that matches your classification (plus the Recovery Fund assessment for R‑11/CR‑11). A $50 late fee can apply, but timely submission with a valid bond on file authorizes continued operation until the new license is issued. Renewal fees; Renewal guide; A.R.S. §32‑1125.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state journeyman or master electrician card in Arizona?

No. Arizona licenses electrical contractors at the business level (C‑11/R‑11/CR‑11) through a Qualifying Party; the state does not issue journeyman or master electrician cards. Local rules and hiring standards may still require documented experience. AZ ROC classifications; A.R.S. §32‑1122.

Can I substitute the NASCLA Electrical exam for the AZ ROC trade exam?

Yes. For CR‑11, C‑11, and R‑11, AZ ROC accepts the NASCLA Electrical Examination Program in lieu of the AZ ROC trade exam; you must still complete the SRE. Submit NASCLA scores with your application. ROC exam matrix; ROC fees (NASCLA note).

What bond amount will I need for a new electrical license?

Bond amounts depend on license type and your projected annual Arizona revenue. Typical ranges: commercial specialty $2,500–$50,000; residential specialty $4,250 or $7,500. Dual licenses combine both. Residential/dual also owe the Recovery Fund assessment (or may post a $200,000 alternative bond). AZ ROC Bond info; ROC FAQ.

How long does AZ ROC take to act on my application?

The Registrar must notify you of action within 60 days after receiving your complete application and required fee. Plan ahead for exam scheduling and background‑check timing. A.R.S. §32‑1124.

Is general liability insurance required to get licensed?

No. Apart from workers’ compensation when you have employees, ROC does not require insurance to issue a license; many owners/GCs still contractually require GL. A license bond is always required. AZ ROC ‘Before You Hire’; Bond info.

Ready to move from research to results? License Navigator can streamline each step—exam planning, documentation, and filing—so you can open jobs under your Arizona electrical license faster.