Getting an HVAC license in Arizona 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!
You will need the following:
In Arizona, anyone charging over $1000 for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning services has to have a contractor license.
The classification is called the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration License (R-39 / C-39 / CR-39)
There are 3 HVAC license options available:
Residential – (also known as R-39)
Commercial – (also known as C-39)
Dual License - (also known as CR-39)
Basic Requirements
You Must also have
What is Journeyman Level Construction Experience?
Arizona has no journeyman HVAC 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.
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors may request to see the documentation of your experience.
It is important that you have some way to prove your claim of being a journeyman HVAC technician.
Acceptable residential and commercial HVAC experience documentation includes:
Arizona requires all HVAC technicians to hold an EPA 608 certification.
Under the clean air act, this law applies to technicians that: maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere
This law also applies to anyone who is:
To learn more about getting an EPA 608 Technician certification, visit the EPA.GOV website
Form a Business Entity
Arizona LAW requires all contractors to have a business entity set up before applying for the CR-39 HVAC license.
You must first choose a name and then you can choose the type of entity you want.
Typically, construction companies choose either:
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 HVAC contractor license, check out this free guide!
Once you have chosen an entity, simply follow these steps:
You should be familiar with the following areas:
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.
The Arizona business management exam will cover the following topics:
The second part of the exam will cover residential and commercial HVAC and Refrigeration maintenance or installation topics.
Topics you will want to be familiar with for the trade portion of the test include:
The Contractors license exam is facilitated by a 3rd party company called PSI.
They have test locations in the following cities:
Learn more about the Arizona Registrar of Contractors!
First apply for a test date here
After you receive your passing scores. Fill out one of theses 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
Click here to see the most up to date Arizona License Fees!
Arizona Contractor License Reciprocity Agreement
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!
Apprentice vs. Journeyman?
One of the best ways to build a solid foundation in your career is by looking into an apprenticeship program or an hvac school.
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!
Those looking to do HVAC installation 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 the contractor license low voltage electrical work.
See our Free Blueprint Reading Course!
OSHA Certifications
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.
If you or your workers are not properly trained, electrical installations and repair can be very hazardous work.
For employment with an HVAC contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Arizona OSHA Safety Training.
Learn more about OSHA Certifications!
Conclusion
Getting the Arizona air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license can be a huge step up in your career if you are looking to start your own business or become an RMO for an existing company!
The HVAC industry is highly lucrative in every state.
If you are looking to get work in another state you can find information here about HVAC contractor licenses in: California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Louisiana, and Florida
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.
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