Arizona Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: CR-37 / C-37 / R-37R Plumbing · Issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
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In Arizona, plumbers must hold the CR-37 / C-37 / R-37R Plumbing, 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 plumber in Arizona
Follow these steps to earn your CR-37 / C-37 / R-37R Plumbing. 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-37/CR-37 Plumbing Trade Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Arizona requires Commercial specialty (C-37): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-37R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-37) = 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 Plumber guide →
Arizona plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber 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-37R Plumbing (Specialty Residential) — Residential water/gas piping, fixtures, and sewage systems.
- C-37 Plumbing (Specialty Commercial) — Commercial water and gas piping, water sprinkler/fire protection, sewage treatment, and related work.
- CR-37 Plumbing (Specialty Dual) — Combines the scopes of the commercial C-37 and residential R-37R plumbing 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-37): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-37R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-37) = 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 plumber 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-37/CR-37 Plumbing Trade Exam | $66 (paid to PSI). |
| Surety bond | Commercial specialty (C-37): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-37R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-37) = 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-37/CR-37 Plumbing Trade Exam | Provider: PSI (for AZ ROC) · Passing: 70% · Fee: $66 (paid to PSI) |
Renewing an Arizona plumber license
The CR-37 / C-37 / R-37R Plumbing 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 plumber 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 plumber 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 plumbers in Arizona need a surety bond?
Commercial specialty (C-37): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-37R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-37) = residential + commercial combined.
What experience is required for an Arizona plumber 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 plumbers 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 plumber license?
Processing time: Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted.
Is a background check required for plumbers 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 plumber 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