Getting an Arizona landscaping 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 landscaping services has to have a contractor license.

There are 3 landscaping license options available:

Residential Landscaper – (also known as R-21)

Commercial Landscaper – (also known as C-21)

Dual License – (also known as CR-21)

Arizona Landscaping License Requirements

To get an Arizona contractor 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 landscaping 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

What is a Journeyman?

Arizona has no journeyman roofer 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.

Acceptable landscaping and gardening work experience documentation includes:

• W2’s
• Tax Returns
• Check Stubs
• Contracts
• Letter from a licensed contractor

Forming a Business Entity

Responsibilities of a Landscaping Contractor in Arizona

To get the Arizona landscaping license, you must be familiar and experienced in the following areas:

Arizona CR-21 License Exam for Landscaping

To get the CR-21 landscaping 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.

Business Management Exam

The Arizona business management 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 landscaping, hardscaping and irrigation.

ROC  Landscaping 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

Arizona Registrar of Contractors Test Locations

The Contractors license exam is facilitated by a 3rd party company called PSI.

They have test locations in the following cities:

Request an Arizona Contractor License Application

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

Arizona Contractor License Reciprocity Agreement

Landscaping 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 a 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?

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.

Blueprint Reading Course

Those looking to get an Arizona landscaping license 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 CR-21 license for landscaping. 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.

Landscaping can be dangerous, especially if you or your workers are not properly trained.

For employment with a landscaping contractor, you may be asked to complete some level of Arizona OSHA Safety Training. Learn more about OSHA Certifications!

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