Contractor License in Arizona (2026): Requirements, Cost & Steps

Arizona requires a state license from the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) for essentially all contracting work; there is no minimum dollar exemption for general contracting (the handyman exemption is very limited, generally under $1,000 for minor work not requiring a permit). Licenses are issued by scope: commercial, residential, or dual.

License classifications

General commercial (B-class, e.g. B-1, B-2)
General residential (B, B-2, B-3)
General dual (KB-1, KB-2)
Specialty commercial (C-)
Specialty residential (R-)
Specialty dual (CR-)

How to get licensed in Arizona

Choose your license scope (commercial, residential, or dual) and the correct classification.
Designate a qualifying party who has at least 4 years of trade experience (2 within the last 10 years).
Pass the Statutes and Rules exam (GMetrix) and the trade-specific exam (PSI) with at least 70%.
Obtain the required license bond in the amount set for your classification (both bonds for a dual license).
Submit the ROC application with fees, and pay the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund assessment if applying for a residential or dual class.
Once licensed, renew every 2 years and keep workers' compensation in place if you have employees.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dollar threshold before I need an Arizona license?

Effectively no for real contracting. Only very minor 'handyman' work under about $1,000 that requires no permit and is casual or incidental is exempt.

What is a dual license?

Arizona separates licenses into commercial, residential, and dual scopes. A dual license covers both commercial and residential work but requires both a commercial and a residential bond.

How much experience does the qualifying party need?

Four years of practical or management trade experience, with at least 2 of those years occurring within the last 10 years.

What exams are required?

A Statutes and Rules exam through GMetrix and a trade-specific exam through PSI, each needing a passing score of 70%.

Does Arizona have reciprocity?

Yes. Arizona has agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah that can waive the trade exam for qualifying applicants in certain classifications.

Sources

Guide compiled from official Arizona licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.

When a license is needed	Handyman exemption is limited to minor work generally under $1,000 that does not require a building permit and is casual/incidental; otherwise a license is required.
Experience	At least 4 years of practical or management trade experience, with at least 2 of those years within the last 10 years.
Exam	Yes. A Statutes and Rules (SRE) exam through GMetrix plus a trade-specific exam through PSI, each requiring a passing score of 70%.
Bond	Yes. A license (contractor) bond under ARS 32-1152 is required, ranging from about $1,000 for small specialty residential up to $100,000 for top-tier general commercial. Dual licenses require both a residential and a commercial bond.
Insurance	Arizona ROC does not mandate general liability insurance for licensure, but workers' compensation is required if you have employees. Many specialty classes and clients require GL insurance in practice.
Fees	Trade exam approximately $66 (PSI) and statutes/rules exam approximately $61 (GMetrix); application and license fees vary by classification and scope. Residential and dual classes pay a Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund assessment (approximately $370 new / $270 renewal).
Renewal	Every 2 years. No state continuing education requirement.
Reciprocity	Arizona has reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah for certain classifications, which can waive the trade exam for qualifying applicants.
Main agency	Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Official site	https://roc.az.gov/

Contractor License in Arizona

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