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How to get a C-11 Electrical license in Arizona

Arizona licenses electricians statewide through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.1 For the C-11 Electrical license you need at least 4 years1 of experience, a passing score on the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE)2 and a criminal background check3. Arizona does not issue a state license for journeyman electricians4; see what applies instead. The board lists $100 for the application2 and $480 for the initial license2, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years2.

Last checked · 22 official sources

Who issues it

Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Training and experience

Experience: at least 4 years1

Exam

Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE)2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $1002
Initial license fee: $4802
Exam fee: $612
Exam fee: $662

Renewal

Every 2 years2

From another state

Exam waiver, Universal license recognition and Military service members and spouses567 Details

On this page
  1. Arizona electrician licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a C-11 Electrical license
  4. Requirements for a C-11 Electrical license
  5. How much a C-11 Electrical license costs
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. CR-11 Electrical
  8. R-11 Electrical
  9. No state license for journeyman electricians
  10. City and county rules
  11. Check a license or report a problem
  12. Laws and rules
  13. Common questions
  14. Electrician licenses in other states

Arizona electrician licenses

Arizona issues 3 electrician credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
C-11 ElectricalCommercial specialty classification: install, alter and repair wiring and electrical equipment under 600 volts, including outside, overhead and underground electrical construction and all wiring in or on buildings under 600 volts. Overhead sign and street-decoration wiring on public right-of-ways is included; other right-of-way work is not.8Experience 4 years1Yes3$1002
CR-11 ElectricalDual (commercial and residential) specialty classification covering both the C-11 and R-11 scopes.8Experience 4 years1Yes3$1002
R-11 ElectricalResidential specialty classification: install and repair residential electrical systems.8Experience 4 years1Yes3$802

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Arizona electrician licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old8
Experience
At least 4 years1
Four years of practical or management trade experience for the qualifying party, at least two within the last ten years, in the type of construction applied for.1
Substitute: Accredited college, university or manufacturer training can replace up to two of the four years.1
Substitute: The registrar can reduce the four years for a particular industry or craft.1
Substitute: A person who is or was a qualifying party in Arizona in the same classification does not need experience documentation.1
Substitute: The registrar can waive experience, all or in part, by classification, based on passing an appropriate trade exam or a nationally recognized certification.9
Substitute: Accredited program diplomas or transcripts and approved apprenticeship certificates must be accepted as evidence of experience.9
Substitute: Military education, training or experience can satisfy the requirement.7
Exam
Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE)2
Given by: GMetrix2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.9
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.9
Time limit: Written examination must have been taken no more than two years before application.1
Exam waived: Not waived by an out-of-state waiver. An in-state waiver applies to a qualifying party active on an Arizona license within the last five years.3
Background check
Background check required3
Felony questions on the application call for a Felony Disclosure Form. A person convicted of contracting without a license is ineligible for one year.3
Residency or citizenship
Documents showing citizenship or authorized presence are required for a state license.10
Social Security number
The sole proprietor application has a Social Security number field.3
Insurance
Attest to workers' compensation compliance and give the policy number if coverage is required.1
Business requirements
A qualifying party is required.8
Business requirements
Corporations and LLCs must be registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission and in good standing.8
Business requirements
The license belongs to the business and is generally not transferable.8

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$612Gmetrix–
Exam fee$662PSI–
Exam fee$1162PSI Exams Online or NASCLANASCLA Electrical Examination Program (optional, in lieu of the AZ ROC trade exam). Optional alternative to the $66 ROC trade exam

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. LLCs and corporations form the entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Sole proprietors and partnerships use the name exactly as it appears on ID.11
  2. Choose the classification.11
  3. Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the trade exam, or qualify for a waiver.11
  4. Submit background checks and copies of government ID for all persons.11
  5. Obtain the bond and pay the fees.11
  6. Apply through the ROC online portal or mail the application form, then wait for review and notice of approval.11 azroc.my.site.com11
Processing time
The rule sets an overall time frame of 60 calendar days: 20 days for completeness review and 40 days for substantive review.9

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years2
When it expires
Two-year license on staggered dates; an annual renewal can be granted on a hardship petition, at half the biennial fee.12
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $5013
If it expires
The license is suspended the next business day after the renewal date if not renewed.14
It can be reactivated within one year with the renewal fee plus $50; after a year a new application is needed.14
Inactive status can last up to five years at a time, at most twice.15

From another state

Route
Exam waiver
What the board says
Out-of-state waiver of the trade exam for a qualifying party active on a comparable license in the last five years. The Statutes and Rules Exam is not waived.5
Conditions
The applicant sends Form RC-L-200G to the state that held the license, which verifies it; the form then goes with the application.5
Route
Universal license recognition
What the board says
A person who establishes Arizona residence and has held a license in the same discipline in another state for at least a year can be licensed under A.R.S. 32-4302, subject to its conditions.6
Conditions
The regulating entity may still require a state-law exam, except for military spouses.6
Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
The spouse of an active duty member on a permanent change of station to Arizona can be licensed without an examination if the listed conditions are met.7

2. Every license level except C-11 Electrical

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
RECOVERY FUND ASSESSMENT$3702Arizona Registrar of ContractorsResidential and dual licenses; due even with a fee waiver. Effective July 1, 2014

Who needs a C-11 Electrical license

Commercial specialty classification: install, alter and repair wiring and electrical equipment under 600 volts, including outside, overhead and underground electrical construction and all wiring in or on buildings under 600 volts. Overhead sign and street-decoration wiring on public right-of-ways is included; other right-of-way work is not.8

Exemptions and dollar thresholds:

  • No license needed for work under $1,000 that is casual or minor, needs no building permit and is not part of a larger job; advertising must say "not a licensed contractor".8
  • Owners improving their own property for their own occupancy are exempt if the work is not intended for sale or rent.4
  • Employees paid only wages do not need their own contractor license; electricians working for a licensed contractor are covered by the employer's license.4

Requirements for a C-11 Electrical license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 under Applies to every license level.

Exam
C-11 Electrical trade exam (AZ ROC trade exam, or the NASCLA Electrical Examination Program in its place)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.9
NASCLA Electrical Examination Program may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $116 paid to PSI Exams Online or NASCLA.2
A qualifying party who already took the NASCLA electrical exam may submit those scores with the application.16
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.9
Time limit: Written examination must have been taken no more than two years before application.1
Exam waived: Trade exam only: a qualifying party active on a comparable out-of-state license in the last five years can request a waiver. In-state waivers also exist.1
Surety bond
$2,500 to $50,00017 (Commercial Specialty Contractors, by contemplated gross volume)

How much a C-11 Electrical license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1002Arizona Registrar of ContractorsCommercial. Effective July 1, 2014
Initial license fee$4802Arizona Registrar of ContractorsCommercial (two-year license). Effective July 1, 2014

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal fee
$4802 (Commercial (biennial))

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Arizona C-11 Electrical license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

CR-11 Electrical

Dual (commercial and residential) specialty classification covering both the C-11 and R-11 scopes.8

Requirements

Exam
CR-11 Electrical trade exam (AZ ROC trade exam, or the NASCLA Electrical Examination Program in its place)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.9
NASCLA Electrical Examination Program may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $116 paid to PSI Exams Online or NASCLA.2
A qualifying party who already took the NASCLA electrical exam may submit those scores with the application.16
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.9
Time limit: Written examination must have been taken no more than two years before application.1
Exam waived: Trade exam only: a qualifying party active on a comparable out-of-state license in the last five years can request a waiver. In-state waivers also exist.1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1002Arizona Registrar of ContractorsDual. Effective July 1, 2014
Initial license fee$3802Arizona Registrar of ContractorsDual (two-year license). Effective July 1, 2014

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

Renewal fee
$3802 (Dual (biennial))

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

R-11 Electrical

Residential specialty classification: install and repair residential electrical systems.8

Requirements

Exam
R-11 Electrical trade exam (AZ ROC trade exam, or the NASCLA Electrical Examination Program in its place)2
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.9
NASCLA Electrical Examination Program may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $116 paid to PSI Exams Online or NASCLA.2
A qualifying party who already took the NASCLA electrical exam may submit those scores with the application.16
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.9
Time limit: Written examination must have been taken no more than two years before application.1
Exam waived: Trade exam only: a qualifying party active on a comparable out-of-state license in the last five years can request a waiver. In-state waivers also exist.1
Surety bond
$4,250 to $7,50017 (Residential Specialty Contractors, by contemplated gross volume)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$802Arizona Registrar of ContractorsResidential. Effective July 1, 2014
Initial license fee$2702Arizona Registrar of ContractorsResidential (two-year license). Effective July 1, 2014

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

Renewal fee
$2702 (Residential (biennial))

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

No state license for journeyman electricians

Arizona does not issue a state license for journeyman electricians.4

  • No license is needed by an employee whose only pay is wages.4
The official wording

“A. This chapter does not apply to: [...] 11. Any person who engages in the activities regulated by this chapter, as an employee of an exempt property owner or as an employee with wages as the person's sole compensation.”4

Arizona State Legislature, A.R.S. 32-1121(A)(11)

City and county rules

C-11 ElectricalContractor licensing is a state function in Arizona. Cities and counties may not require their own license from ROC-licensed contractors, and every building-permit applicant must sign a statement giving their ROC license number or their exemption. Phoenix licenses plumbing and mechanical journeymen but says it issues no electrical license for a journeyman or apprentice. Tucson and Mesa check ROC licenses (or an owner-builder affidavit) at permit time.18

City or countyWhat it requiresLink
PhoenixPhoenix issues journeyman and apprentice licenses only for plumbing, mechanical and gas-fitting work. Its Planning & Development brochure says the city does not issue an electrical license for a journeyman or apprentice, and that an electrician pulling a permit must be a registered (ROC-licensed) contractor.19Official page20
TucsonTucson does not run a separate electrician license. Permits are needed for electrical reconnections, service increases and panel work. All commercial permits (rental units count as commercial) need a licensed contractor. A homeowner can claim the A.R.S. 32-1121(A) owner-builder exemption by filing the Owner/Builder Affidavit.21Official page21
MesaMesa permit applicants file a Contractor Licensure Verification Form, listing the ROC license number and class of the electrical contractor, or claiming an A.R.S. 32-1121(A) exemption. The form notes that the handyman exemption does not apply to work that needs a building permit or costs $1,000 or more.22Official page22

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire an electrician in Arizona, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Arizona is on the Arizona license lookup page.

Look up a license
azroc.my.site.com17
File a complaint
roc.az.gov8

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a C-11 Electrical license in Arizona?

The rules set at least 4 years1 before you can be licensed. On processing, the board says: The rule sets an overall time frame of 60 calendar days: 20 days for completeness review and 40 days for substantive review.9

Can I transfer my electrician license to Arizona?

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors publishes these routes for the C-11 Electrical license: exam waiver5 and universal license recognition6. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a C-11 Electrical license in Arizona?

Every 2 years2. The renewal fee is $4802.

Electrician licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. A.R.S. 32-1122 Qualifications for licenseArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Licensing FeesArizona Registrar of ContractorsDated July 1, 2014Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Sole Prop License Application Forms RC-L-200AArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  4. A.R.S. 32-1121 Persons not required to be licensedArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  5. Out-of-State Waiver Request Form RC-L-200GArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  6. A.R.S. 32-4302 Out-of-state licenses; universal recognitionArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Service Members and VeteransArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  8. License ClassificationsArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  9. A.A.C. Title 4 Chapter 9Arizona Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  10. 41-1080 - Licensing eligibility; authorized presence; documentation; applicability; definitionsArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Get a LicenseArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  12. A.R.S. 32-1123.01 Staggered periods of licensure; biennial renewalArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  13. Renew a LicenseArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  14. A.R.S. 32-1125Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  15. A.R.S. 32-1125-01Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  16. License Classification RequirementsArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 5, 2026
  17. Bond InformationArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  18. A.R.S. 32-1101.01 Local authorityArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  19. City of Phoenix Journeyman and Apprentice brochureCity of Phoenix Planning and Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  20. Journeyman and Apprentice LicensingCity of Phoenix Planning and Development DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Residential PermitsCity of Tucson Planning & Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Contractor Licensure Verification FormCity of Mesa Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026