Arizona Electrician License Requirements
Official classification: CR-11 / C-11 / R-11 Electrical · Issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
⚡ ElectricianAZ ✔ Verified 2026-06-19
In Arizona, electricians must hold the CR-11 / C-11 / R-11 Electrical, issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed electrician in Arizona
Follow these steps to earn your CR-11 / C-11 / R-11 Electrical. Every figure is verified against the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial trade experience; per A.R.S. 32-1122(E), at least 2 of the 4 years must be within the 10 years before applying. Technical training at an accredited college or university, or in a manufacturer's accredited training program, may substitute for up to 2 of the 4 years; the Registrar may also reduce the requirement in some cases.
- Pass the Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) and C-11/CR-11 Electrical Trade Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Arizona requires Commercial specialty (C-11): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume ($2,500 at <=$150k; $50,000 over $10M). Residential specialty (R-11): $4,250 (<$375k volume) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-11) = residential + commercial amounts combined. Surety or cash/CD bond accepted.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not mandated by the ROC (commonly required by clients/GCs). Property damage: Not mandated by the ROC. Workers' compensation: Required under AZ law if you have employees (enforced by ICA, not ROC).
- Clear the background check. Required for every person named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; results expire 90 days after completion.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) — $80 residential (R-11) / $100 commercial (C-11) / $100 dual (CR-11) application fee, plus a $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year) license fee. Processing time: Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted (varies with ROC workload).
- Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years.
For the general path in every state, see the Electrician guide →
Arizona electrician license lookup
To confirm an electrician is properly licensed in Arizona — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- R-11 Electrical (Specialty Residential) — Residential electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment.
- C-11 Electrical (Specialty Commercial) — Commercial electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment.
- CR-11 Electrical (Specialty Dual) — Combines the scopes of the commercial C-11 and residential R-11 electrical licenses.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial trade experience; per A.R.S. 32-1122(E), at least 2 of the 4 years must be within the 10 years before applying. Technical training at an accredited college or university, or in a manufacturer's accredited training program, may substitute for up to 2 of the 4 years; the Registrar may also reduce the requirement in some cases. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $80 residential (R-11) / $100 commercial (C-11) / $100 dual (CR-11) |
| License fee | $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year) |
| Renewal fee | $540 residential incl. recovery fund / $480 commercial / $650 dual (incl. recovery fund) — every 2 years |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Bond required | Commercial specialty (C-11): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume ($2,500 at <=$150k; $50,000 over $10M). Residential specialty (R-11): $4,250 (<$375k volume) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-11) = residential + commercial amounts combined. Surety or cash/CD bond accepted. |
| Liability insurance | Not mandated by the ROC (commonly required by clients/GCs) |
| Property damage | Not mandated by the ROC |
| Workers' comp | Required under AZ law if you have employees (enforced by ICA, not ROC) |
| Background check | Required for every person named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; results expire 90 days after completion. |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Arizona uses universal license recognition (A.R.S. §32-4302), not a named reciprocity list: a contractor licensed in good standing for 1+ year in the same discipline and practice level in another state may obtain an Arizona license without re-taking the trade exam (military spouses also qualify). · compare all states |
| Processing time | Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted (varies with ROC workload). |
What an Arizona electrician license costs
| Application fee | $80 residential (R-11) / $100 commercial (C-11) / $100 dual (CR-11). |
|---|---|
| License fee | $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year). |
| Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) | $61 (paid to Gmetrix). |
| C-11/CR-11 Electrical Trade Exam | $66 (PSI); NASCLA electrical option $116. |
| Surety bond | Commercial specialty (C-11): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume ($2,500 at <=$150k; $50,000 over $10M). Residential specialty (R-11): $4,250 (<$375k volume) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-11) = residential + commercial amounts combined. Surety or cash/CD bond accepted. |
| Renewal fee | $540 residential incl. recovery fund / $480 commercial / $650 dual (incl. recovery fund) — every 2 years. |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years. |
Exams
| Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) | Provider: Gmetrix (for AZ ROC) · Passing: 70% · Fee: $61 (paid to Gmetrix) |
|---|---|
| C-11/CR-11 Electrical Trade Exam | Provider: PSI (for AZ ROC); NASCLA Electrical option available · Passing: 70% · Fee: $66 (PSI); NASCLA electrical option $116 |
Renewing an Arizona electrician license
The CR-11 / C-11 / R-11 Electrical renews on a fixed cycle set by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $540 residential incl. recovery fund / $480 commercial / $650 dual (incl. recovery fund) — every 2 years |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Where to renew | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
Local / municipal notes
ROC issues the state contractor license; cities/counties still require local business licenses and building permits.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Arizona electrician license cost?
Application: $80 residential (R-11) / $100 commercial (C-11) / $100 dual (CR-11). License: $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year). Renewal: $540 residential incl. recovery fund / $480 commercial / $650 dual (incl. recovery fund) — every 2 years.
How do I look up a electrician license in Arizona?
Search the official license database at azroc.my.site.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do electricians in Arizona need a surety bond?
Commercial specialty (C-11): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume ($2,500 at <=$150k; $50,000 over $10M). Residential specialty (R-11): $4,250 (<$375k volume) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-11) = residential + commercial amounts combined. Surety or cash/CD bond accepted.
What experience is required for an Arizona electrician license?
Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial trade experience; per A.R.S. 32-1122(E), at least 2 of the 4 years must be within the 10 years before applying. Technical training at an accredited college or university, or in a manufacturer's accredited training program, may substitute for up to 2 of the 4 years; the Registrar may also reduce the requirement in some cases.
Is insurance required for electricians in Arizona?
Liability: Not mandated by the ROC (commonly required by clients/GCs). Property damage: Not mandated by the ROC. Workers' compensation: Required under AZ law if you have employees (enforced by ICA, not ROC).
How long does it take to get an Arizona electrician license?
Processing time: Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted (varies with ROC workload).
Is a background check required for electricians in Arizona?
Background check: Required for every person named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; results expire 90 days after completion.
How often must an Arizona electrician license be renewed?
Every 2 years. Continuing education: None required.
Official sources
roc.az.gov/license-classifications
roc.az.gov/licensing-fees
roc.az.gov/bond-information
roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license
roc.az.gov/out-of-state
azleg.gov/ars/32/01122.htm
azleg.gov/ars/32/01126.htm
azleg.gov/ars/32/01152.htm
azleg.gov/ars/32/04302.htm