Arizona HVAC License Requirements
Official classification: CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration · Issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
❄️ HVACAZ ✔ Verified 2026-06-19
In Arizona, HVAC contractors must hold the CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Arizona
Follow these steps to earn your CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. 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-39/CR-39 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Trade Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Arizona requires Commercial specialty (C-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = residential + commercial combined.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not mandated by the ROC. Property damage: Not mandated by the ROC. Workers' compensation: Required under AZ law if you have employees.
- Clear the background check. Required for everyone named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; expires 90 days after completion.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) — $80 residential / $100 commercial / $100 dual 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.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years.
For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →
Arizona HVAC contractor license lookup
To confirm an HVAC contractor 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-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Residential) — Residential comfort A/C, refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating and heating.
- C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Commercial) — Commercial comfort A/C, refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating and heating.
- CR-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Dual) — Combines the scopes of the commercial C-39 and residential R-39R 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 / $100 commercial / $100 dual |
| 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-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = residential + commercial combined. |
| Liability insurance | Not mandated by the ROC |
| Property damage | Not mandated by the ROC |
| Workers' comp | Required under AZ law if you have employees |
| Background check | Required for everyone named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; expires 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. |
What an Arizona hvac license costs
| Application fee | $80 residential / $100 commercial / $100 dual. |
|---|---|
| License fee | $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year). |
| Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) | $61 (paid to Gmetrix). |
| C-39/CR-39 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Trade Exam | $66 (paid to PSI). |
| Surety bond | Commercial specialty (C-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = residential + commercial combined. |
| 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-39/CR-39 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Trade Exam | Provider: PSI (for AZ ROC) · Passing: 70% · Fee: $66 (paid to PSI) |
Renewing an Arizona HVAC contractor license
The CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration 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
State license only; municipal business licenses and building permits still apply locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Arizona hvac license cost?
Application: $80 residential / $100 commercial / $100 dual. 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 hvac 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 hvacs in Arizona need a surety bond?
Commercial specialty (C-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = residential + commercial combined.
What experience is required for an Arizona hvac 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 hvacs in Arizona?
Liability: Not mandated by the ROC. Property damage: Not mandated by the ROC. Workers' compensation: Required under AZ law if you have employees.
How long does it take to get an Arizona hvac license?
Processing time: Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted.
Is a background check required for hvacs in Arizona?
Background check: Required for everyone named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; expires 90 days after completion.
How often must an Arizona hvac 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