Obtaining an Electrician's License in AZ
Working as an electrical contractor makes for a long-lived and rewarding career. However, like most states you need an electrical license to work in Arizona. The process takes four to five years but is well worth the time commitment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electricians in Arizona earn between $39,050 and $78,210 annually, with a mean wage of $59,420. There are 17,640 employed electricians in the state with a projected 11% growth rate in the decade ending 2032.
In Arizona, you have the option of pursuing three different tracks to become licensed.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Arizona
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) issues three contractor's licenses for electricians based on the type of work performed. Those include Residential (R-11), Commercial (C-11), and Dual (CR-11) license types. Each license type requires four years or 8,000 hours of experience and 576 classroom hours. After meeting the experience and education requirements, you must pass the Statute and Rules Exam and Trade Exam. If you intend to work with solar power systems under your license, you will also need to pass the Solar Exam. Each specialty dictates the work you can do.
- Residential (R-11). This designation allows you to install, repair, and troubleshoot electrical systems in residential homes only.
- Commercial (C-11). Electricians with this designation install, alter, or repair wiring and/or electrical systems less than 600 volts in commercial settings, including overhead electrical writing on public rights-of-way signs and street decorations, underground electrical distribution systems, and all wiring in or on buildings less than 600 volts.
- Dual License (C-11). This licensee can perform work described for both the C-11 and R-11 licenses.
Arizona does not have a journeyman or master electrician classification, but apprentices must be registered and attend a registered apprenticeship through the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Steps to Obtain an Electrical Contractors License in Arizona
Arizona is like most states when it comes to licensing. You must meet age, education, and experience requirements before passing an exam and paying for licensure. The minimum age is 18, and you are required to have a high school diploma or GED before beginning your apprenticeship.
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On-the-Job Training and Education. You must obtain four years or the equivalent of 8,000 hours of work experience and 576 classroom hours as a registered apprentice. You are also required to attend a registered apprenticeship program listed on the Arizona Department of Security’s website. Union and non-union organizations, vocational schools, and community colleges offer apprenticeship training. There are fees to attend apprenticeship programs for books, supplies, and tuition, but you are paid for the hours worked. Union and non-union organizations may also require membership.
While every apprenticeship program will meet the required 576 hours, some programs require more hours than others. The programs also differ in terms of the on-the-job experience and the pay rate you receive, so it is worth looking at several options before deciding on a program.
Apprentices work under a licensed electrical contractor. The programs cover the components of an electrical system, how to install, repair, and troubleshoot a system, tools of the trade and how to use them, and the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Arizona code requirements.
- Statute and Rules and Trade Exams. The trade exam has 110 questions, and you must get a 70% or better to pass. The test is timed with a 240-minute (four-hour) limit. The topics covered are the same for the R-11 and C-11 exams; however, the questions and number of questions for each topic differ. The topics include:
|
Subject Area |
# of Items R-11 |
# of Items C-11 |
|
General Electrical Knowledge |
6 |
5 |
|
Service Feeders and Branch Circuits |
18 |
13 |
|
Grounding and Bonding |
16 |
13 |
|
Conductors and Cables |
12 |
12 |
|
Raceways and Boxes |
15 |
10 |
|
Special Occupancies and Equipment |
3 |
13 |
|
Electrical Devices |
2 |
2 |
|
Motors |
3 |
5 |
|
Low Voltage |
2 |
5 |
|
Lighting |
6 |
3 |
|
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems |
5 |
5 |
|
Safety |
5 |
5 |
|
Overcurrent Protection |
7 |
8 |
|
Photovoltaics |
10 |
10 |
Arizona allows applicants to take the national NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination or the state’s ROC residential or commercial exam. The exams are open book; however, not all reference materials are permitted. Review the list of reference materials permitted for the R-11 and C-11 exams before taking your exam. The current price for each trade exam is $66.
The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam is offered through GMETRIX. The course covers Title 32, Chapter 10 of the Arizona Revised Statues and Title 4, Chapter 9 of the Arizona Administrative Code. The training course and exam cost $54. At the end of the training course, you will have one attempt to pass the exam.
- Background Check. All licensees are required to obtain a criminal background check through AccusourceHR. Results are automatically sent to the ROC. Statute authorizes the ROC to check criminal history before issuing or renewing licenses.
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Bonding and Insurance. The amount of the bond is dependent on gross volume. If gross volume is less than $375,000 per year, the bond amount required is $4,250. Gross volume of $375,000 or more requires a bond of $7,500.
Licensed electricians are also required to carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation if they hire employees. Consult with an insurance agency in Arizona to determine policy limits appropriate for you and the size of your company.
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Submit Your Application and Pay the Fees. The application used depends on your entity, whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation. For sole proprietors and partnerships, you are required to have two references and demonstrate you have the required experience. If you have a felony on your record, you’re also required to submit the Felony Disclosure Form.
The fees depend on the license type. The R-11 application fee is $80, the license fee is $270, and the recovery fund assessment fee is $370 for a total of $720. The C-11 application fee is $100, and the license fee is $480 for a total of $580. C-11 licensees are not required to pay a recovery fund assessment fee. CR-11 fees are $850 and include an application fee of $100, license fee of $380, and recovery assessment fee of $370. Licenses are valid for two years. At each renewal, licensees pay the license and recovery fund assessment (R-11 and CR-11) fees.
FAQs
How should I prepare for the exams?
Test preparation courses are designed to help you take and pass your exams. R-11 and C-11 electrical exam courses cover the material on the tests and simulate exam day during practice exams. The Contractor Training Center’s examination preparation courses include tabbed and highlighted reference manuals you can bring with you to the open-book exam—whether you decide to take the R-11, C-11, or the National NASCLA exam.
Does Arizona require continuing education?
Even though Arizona does not have continuing education requirements, it is important to stay on top of any changes to code requirements or advances in the field.
Does Arizona have reciprocity with other states?
No. Arizona does not accept licenses issued by other states; however, if you hold a license in another state, you can request a waiver for the trade portion of the exam.
Conclusion
Becoming an electrician can be a rewarding and lucrative career with a lot of room for growth. To become a licensed electrical contractor in Arizona takes four to five years and includes an apprenticeship and formal classroom instruction. Electricians can choose three different paths depending on whether they would like to work in residential, commercial, or both.
Not sure where to begin? Schedule a Start-Up Consultation with one of our knowledgeable licensing experts to help you prepare for the next steps toward becoming a licensed Electrician in Arizona. Or explore our exam prep courses to help pass your Arizona Electrical Contractor’s License exam.