Getting an Arizona electrical license can appear daunting in the beginning, but with a little guidance, it can be a simple process.
This article will explain everything you need to do from start to finish!
In Arizona, anyone charging over $1000 for electrical services has to have a contractor license.
There are 3 electrician license options available:
Residential Electrician – (also known as R-11)
Commercial Electrician – (also known as C-11)
Dual License – (also known as CR-11)
Arizona Electrical Contractor License Requirements
To get the Arizona electrical license you must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of Age
- Form of USA Issued Identification
- Social Security Number
- Not Currently On Probation or Parole
You Must also have
- 4 Years of Journeyman Level Experience
- Be able to verify work experience in at least 7 recent electrical projects
- Be able to verify work experience in at least 8 maintenance projects
- Be able to document your experience at the request of the ROC
- A Business entity
Definition of a Journeyman in Arizona
Arizona has no journeyman electrical certification. The definition of a journeyman can vary based on your region.
The universal expectation of a journeyman is that they can perform all of the duties associated with their trade un-supervised.
A Journeyman is someone who has demonstrated a level of mastery in their trade.
A journeyman can perform all of the duties associated with the electrical trade
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors may request to see documentation of your experience.
It is important that you have some way to prove your claim of being a journeyman.
Acceptable electrical work experience documentation includes:
- W2’s
- Tax Returns
- Check Stubs
- Contracts
- Letter from a licensed electrician
Forming a business entity in Arizona
Arizona contractor license law requires all electricians to have a business entity set up before applying for a contractor license.
You must first choose a name and then you can choose the type of entity you want.
Typically, construction companies choose either:
- Sole Proprietor
- Partnership
- LLC
- S-Corporation
For a complete explanation of the difference between these types of entities and which one makes the most sense for someone applying for the Arizona electrical license, check out this free guide.
Once you have chosen an entity, simply follow these steps:
- Check Name Availability with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
- Apply with the Arizona Corporation Commission
- Apply for an EIN #
Responsibilities of an Electrical Contractor in Arizona
Electrical contractors in Arizona must be familiar with topics including:
- Service feeders and Branch Circuits
- Grounding and Bonding
- Photovoltaics
- Connecting Conductors Cables
- Raceways and Boxes
- Installing Circuits and Wiring
- Electrical Devices
- Low Voltage
- Residential Lighting
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
- Overcurrent Protection
- Job site Safety
Arizona Contractor License Exam
To get the residential or commercial electrician license in Arizona you will need to pass a two-part exam. The first part of the exam covers business management. All contractors must pass this exam.
As a contractor, you must have a basic knowledge of proper business practices and accounting.
These laws are put in place to protect the consumer public.
Arizona Business Management Exam
The business exam will cover the following topics:
- Contracts and Agreements
- Insurance and Bonding
- Safety, Record Keeping and Employment Regulations
- Financial Management
- Tax Laws
- Liens
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Statutes
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Rules
- Workmanship Standards
- Business Management
- Business Mathematics
- Environmental Regulations
The second part of the exam will cover the electrical trade.
Arizona allows you to choose which trade exam you want to take. You have the option of taking either the:
- NASCLA Accredited Trade Exam
OR
- ROC Residential Exam
ROC Electrical Exam
- 110 Questions
- Passing Score: 70%
- Time Allowed: 240 Minutes
- $66 per exam
Business Management
- 80 Questions
- Passing Score 70%
- Time Allowed: 180 minutes
- $66 per exam
Registrar of Contractors Test Locations
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors license exam is facilitated by a 3rd party company called PSI.
They have test locations in the following cities:
- Yuma
- Tempe
- Glendale
- Flagstaff
- Phoenix
- Tucson
- The exam is multiple choice and taken on a computer
- On test day you must bring two forms of identification
- You will be given a piece of scratch paper and pencil
- Non programmable calculators are permitted
- No electronic devices are allowed inside the testing area
- If you do not pass after 3 attempts you have to wait 180 days to take the exam again
Learn more about the Arizona Registrar of Contractors!
Request an Arizona Contractor License Application
First, apply for a test date here
After you receive your passing scores. Fill out one of these applications
and send it to:
The State of Arizona Registrar of Contractors
1700 West Washington Street, Suite 105
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.542.1525
Commercial Electrician License
- The requirements and Exam for the Residential and Commercial Electricians license are virtually the same
- If you have experience in both areas, you can apply for the Dual License
Below is the definition of a commercial electrician in Arizona:
Installation, alteration, and repair of any wiring, related electrical material and equipment used in the generating, transmitting or utilization of electrical energy less than 600 volts, including all overhead electrical wiring on public right of-ways for signs and street decorations, and all underground electrical distribution systems of less than 600 volts serving private properties. Installation, alteration, and repair on other than public right-of-ways of all outside, overhead, and underground electrical construction and all wiring in or on any building of less than 600 volts
Arizona Electrical License Reciprocity Agreement
Contractor License Reciprocity
Contractor License reciprocity is an agreement between the Contractor licensing boards of two different states.
It can mean that they have similar building standards, allowing contractors to work freely between states.
In the context of licensing, it means that a contractor who is licensed in one state, may not need to retake an exam to get licensed in another state.
Learn more about California's Contractor License reciprocity agreement with Arizona!
Electrical Apprenticeships in Arizona
If you are looking to get into the construction industry but don't have any experience, there are several pathways you can take to get started. There are many different avenues people take in construction.
It is no secret that learning the construction trade can be incredibly lucrative.
More and more young people are turning to the trades over pursuing corporate careers. It is becoming incredibly clear that a degree just doesn't hold the weight with employers that it used to.
In all fields, employers are looking for specific skills.
By learning a construction trade you can separate yourself from the back and bring a valuable set of skills to the table that companies are willing to pay top dollar for.
Apprentice vs. Journeyman?
What is a Journeyman?
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation in your career is by looking into an apprenticeship program.
If you are new to the world of construction and have heard the term “journeyman” or “apprentice” and are not sure what these terms mean, or perhaps where to even start.
Learn more about the step-by-step path from an Apprentice to Journeyman!
Blueprint Reading Course
Learn how to read Construction Blueprints!
Those looking to get an electrician's license in Arizona should be able to read construction blueprints and identify basic lines and symbols.
Construction blueprints communicate important information about the way in which a structure is built as well as what materials are necessary or have been used for its construction.
Being comfortable with construction blueprints is an invaluable skill for those looking to get an Arizona electrical license. See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Certifications
OSHA Arizona
Statistically, 21% of all work-related fatalities are in construction.
That equals about 1 and 5 worker deaths on average. In the construction industry, the leading cause of worker deaths is reported as falls, struck by an object, electrocution, and caught-in/between.
Being an electrician can be dangerous, especially if you or your workers are not properly trained.
For employment with an electrical contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Arizona OSHA Safety Training. Learn more about OSHA Certifications!
Conclusion
Getting an electrical contractor license in Arizona can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own company or become an RMO for an existing firm!
The key is to take action and follow these steps from beginning to end.
If you have found this article, be sure to let us know! and check back for more updates in the future.
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about electrical contractor licenses in: New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida