Not a government site. Always confirm with the licensing board before you apply. About us

State License Requirements
Menu

How to get a B General Residential Contractor license in Arizona

Arizona licenses general contractors statewide through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.1 For the B General Residential Contractor 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. The board lists $180 for the application2 and $320 for the initial license2, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years2.

Last checked · 18 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: $1802
Initial license fee: $3202
Exam fee: $612
Exam fee: $662

Renewal

Every 2 years2

From another state

Exam waiver, Universal license recognition and Military service members and spouses456 Details

On this page
  1. Arizona general contractor licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a B General Residential Contractor license
  4. Requirements for a B General Residential Contractor license
  5. Renewal and continuing education
  6. A General Engineering
  7. B-10 Pre-Manufactured Spas and Hot Tubs
  8. KA Dual Engineering
  9. KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial
  10. B-1 General Commercial Contractor
  11. B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor
  12. B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor
  13. B-4 General Residential Engineering Contractor
  14. B-5 General Swimming Pool Contractor
  15. B-6 General Swimming Pool Contractor, Including Solar
  16. KB-1 Dual Building Contractor
  17. City and county rules
  18. Check a license or report a problem
  19. Laws and rules
  20. Common questions
  21. General contractor licenses in other states

Arizona general contractor licenses

Arizona issues 12 general contractor 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
A General EngineeringConstruct or repair fixed works, streets, roads, power and utility plants, dams, hydroelectric plants, sewage and waste disposal plants, bridges, tunnels, overpasses, public parks and public rights-of-way; includes the A-4 to A-19 scopes.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$2002
B-10 Pre-Manufactured Spas and Hot TubsBuild and repair spas and hot tubs.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$1802
KA Dual EngineeringCombined A and B-4 scope.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$2002
KB-2 Dual Residential and Small CommercialCombined B-2 and B scope.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$2002
B General Residential ContractorBuild and repair all or part of a residential structure or appurtenance; electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, boilers, pools, spas and water wells must be subcontracted.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$1802
B-1 General Commercial ContractorGeneral commercial building work; electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, boilers, pools, spas and water wells must be subcontracted.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$2002
B-2 General Small Commercial ContractorCommercial construction of new structures or additions on projects of $2,000,000 or less.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$2002
B-3 General Remodeling and Repair ContractorRemodel and repair existing residential structures; listed trades must be subcontracted.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$1802
B-4 General Residential Engineering ContractorBuild and repair appurtenances to residential structures.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$1802
B-5 General Swimming Pool ContractorBuild and repair swimming pools and spas.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$1802
B-6 General Swimming Pool Contractor, Including SolarB-5 scope plus solar heating devices.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$1802
KB-1 Dual Building ContractorCombined B-1 and B scope.7Experience 4 years1Yes3$2002

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the Arizona general contractor 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 12)

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old7
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.8
Substitute: Accredited program diplomas or transcripts and approved apprenticeship certificates must be accepted as evidence of experience.8
Substitute: Military education, training or experience can satisfy the requirement.6
Exam
Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE)2
Given by: GMetrix2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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.9
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.7
Business requirements
Corporations and LLCs must be registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission and in good standing.7
Business requirements
The license belongs to the business and is generally not transferable.7

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Exam fee$612GMetrix
Exam fee$662PSI

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.10
  2. Choose the classification.10
  3. Pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the trade exam, or qualify for a waiver.10
  4. Submit background checks and copies of government ID for all persons.10
  5. Obtain the bond and pay the fees.10
  6. Apply through the ROC online portal or mail the application form, then wait for review and notice of approval.10 azroc.my.site.com10
Processing time
The rule sets an overall time frame of 60 calendar days: 20 days for completeness review and 40 days for substantive review.8

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.11
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $5012
If it expires
The license is suspended the next business day after the renewal date if not renewed.13
It can be reactivated within one year with the renewal fee plus $50; after a year a new application is needed.13
Inactive status can last up to five years at a time, at most twice.14

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.4
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.4
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.5
Conditions
The regulating entity may still require a state-law exam, except for military spouses.5
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.6

2. Every license level except A General Engineering, B-1 General Commercial Contractor and B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor

Requirements

Also required
Pay the residential recovery fund assessment, or post a separate $200,000 bond or cash deposit.15

3. B General Residential Contractor, B-10 Pre-Manufactured Spas and Hot Tubs, B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor, B-4 General Residential Engineering Contractor, B-5 General Swimming Pool Contractor and B-6 General Swimming Pool Contractor, Including Solar

Requirements

Surety bond
$9,000 to $15,00015 (Residential General Contractors)

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$1802Arizona Registrar of ContractorsResidential. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2014
Initial license fee$3202Arizona Registrar of ContractorsResidential; two-year license. Effective July 1, 2014
RECOVERY FUND ASSESSMENT$37016Arizona Registrar of ContractorsResidential; new 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
$3202 (Residential)

4. KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial, B-1 General Commercial Contractor, B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor and KB-1 Dual Building Contractor

Fees

FeeAmountPaid to
Exam fee$1062the exam provider
Exam fee$302NASCLA

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

5. A General Engineering, B-1 General Commercial Contractor and B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor

Requirements

Surety bond
$5,000 to $100,00015 (Commercial General Contractors (Includes General Engineering Contractors))

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$2002Arizona Registrar of ContractorsCommercial. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2014
Initial license fee$5802Arizona 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

Renewal fee
$5802 (Commercial)

6. KA Dual Engineering, KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial and KB-1 Dual Building Contractor

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$2002Arizona Registrar of ContractorsDual. Not refundable. Effective July 1, 2014
Initial license fee$4802Arizona Registrar of ContractorsDual; two-year license. Effective July 1, 2014
RECOVERY FUND ASSESSMENT$37016Arizona Registrar of ContractorsDual; new 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
$4802 (Dual)

Who needs a B General Residential Contractor license

Build and repair all or part of a residential structure or appurtenance; electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, boilers, pools, spas and water wells must be subcontracted.7

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".7
  • Owners improving their own property for their own occupancy are exempt if the work is not intended for sale or rent.17

Requirements for a B General Residential Contractor license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Exam
Trade exam for B3
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your Arizona B General Residential Contractor license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

A General Engineering

Construct or repair fixed works, streets, roads, power and utility plants, dams, hydroelectric plants, sewage and waste disposal plants, bridges, tunnels, overpasses, public parks and public rights-of-way; includes the A-4 to A-19 scopes.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for A3
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

B-10 Pre-Manufactured Spas and Hot Tubs

Build and repair spas and hot tubs.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-103
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

KA Dual Engineering

Combined A and B-4 scope.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for KA3
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

KB-2 Dual Residential and Small Commercial

Combined B-2 and B scope.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for KB-23
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $106 plus a $30 transcript purchase.2
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

B-1 General Commercial Contractor

General commercial building work; electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, boilers, pools, spas and water wells must be subcontracted.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-13
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $106 plus a $30 transcript purchase.2
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor

Commercial construction of new structures or additions on projects of $2,000,000 or less.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-23
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $106 plus a $30 transcript purchase.2
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 4 and group 5 under Applies to every license level.

B-3 General Remodeling and Repair Contractor

Remodel and repair existing residential structures; listed trades must be subcontracted.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-33
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

B-4 General Residential Engineering Contractor

Build and repair appurtenances to residential structures.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-43
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

B-5 General Swimming Pool Contractor

Build and repair swimming pools and spas.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-53
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

B-6 General Swimming Pool Contractor, Including Solar

B-5 scope plus solar heating devices.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for B-63
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

KB-1 Dual Building Contractor

Combined B-1 and B scope.7

Requirements

Exam
Trade exam for KB-13
Given by: PSI2
Passing score: At least 70% on each required exam.8
NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam may be taken in place of the AZ ROC trade exam; $106 plus a $30 transcript purchase.2
Retakes: After a failure, wait 30 calendar days from the first and second failures and 90 days from any other failure.8
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

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.

City and county rules

A General EngineeringLicensing of construction contractors is a state function; permit offices must check for a valid state license.18

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a general contractor 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.com15
File a complaint
roc.az.gov7

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Common questions

How long does it take to get a B General Residential Contractor 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.8

Can I transfer my general contractor license to Arizona?

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors publishes these routes for the B General Residential Contractor license: exam waiver4 and universal license recognition5. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a B General Residential Contractor license in Arizona?

Every 2 years2. The renewal fee is $3202.

General contractor 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. 32-1122Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 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. Out-of-State Waiver Request Form RC-L-200GArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  5. A.R.S. 32-4302Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Service Members and VeteransArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  7. License ClassificationsArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  8. A.A.C. Title 4 Chapter 9Arizona Secretary of StateChecked November 7, 2026
  9. 41-1080 - Licensing eligibility; authorized presence; documentation; applicability; definitionsArizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Get a LicenseArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  11. A.R.S. 32-1123-01Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  12. Renew a LicenseArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  13. A.R.S. 32-1125Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  14. A.R.S. 32-1125-01Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  15. Bond InformationArizona Registrar of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  16. A.R.S. 32-1126Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  17. A.R.S. 32-1121Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  18. A.R.S. 32-1101-01Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026