Arizona electrical contractor license – requirements, rules, and diplomas

Employment in Arizona for an electrical contractor means more job opportunities that will in turn increase income. From recent findings, the electricians’ field is projected to experience a 6% growth between 2022 and 2032. This statistic is much faster than the average occupation.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The above statistics simply mean that the electrical career path is secure for anybody who would like to pursue it. If you’re considering the field, you won’t worry about job security because there will always be construction projects for homes or business establishments that need electrical skills. What you need is a license that proves to the general public that you possess the knowledge and competency in repairs, services, electrical contractions, and various installations.

This blog will give you how to get an Arizona electrical conductor license alongside a brief overview of the requirements, timelines, and the required diploma.

Arizona electrical license requirements

It is important to acquaint yourself with some requirements that make it possible for you to get an electrical contractor license in Arizona. Speaking of requirements, let’s consider some of them. Basic requirements:

Age and education

All the candidates applying for their electrical contractor license must not be below the age of 18. You need a high school diploma or even something equivalent. Even having any technical training or completing an associate’s degree concentrating in electrical technology is advantageous.

Work experience

All candidates/applicants must have four years (8000 hours) of work experience in the electrical field. This often requires the candidate to have documents that contain proof of experience, and this may involve the use of affidavits from past employers. A 2020 study revealed that an average electrician works approximately 2000 hours annually, which meets the four-year requirements.

Examinations

For your license, you must pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam. Also, you’ll get a trade-specific exam that corresponds to your license category and you must pass.

Insurance and bonding

General liability insurance

Though neglected many times, insurance is a big factor in the license application. Ensure you have about $300,000 in general liability insurance. What it does is cover any property damage or bodily injury that is likely to happen during repairs and installation works. Statistics from the Electrical Safety Foundation International indicate that each year more than 300 deaths and 4,000 electrical injuries happen on the job, thus asserting the reason for having appropriate insurance.

Bonding

All contractors are required to obtain a contractor bond, which is the amount diversified based on the estimated gross volume of work. For example, with projects up to $150,000 annually, it requires a $9,000 bond. The bonding stipulations ensure that contractors adhere to professional benchmarks for consumer protection from monetary loss, as described by the Arizona Registry.

Arizona has available categories of Electrical Licenses, including:

Residential electrical contractor (CR-11)
A residential specialty electrical contractor specializing in residential electrical work.

C-11 commercial electrical  ontractor
Electrical projects, commercial and industrial.

Dual license
It involves licenses CR-11 and C-11, the first one relating to residential and the second to commercial electrical works.

Reciprocity for electrical license in Arizona

Currently, Arizona has agreements with several states where ‌contractors who have been licensed have the option to take the Arizona license without repeating the trade exam. States with reciprocity agreements include:

• California
• Nevada
• Utah

To be eligible for reciprocity, you have to send the certificates of your current and valid practicing license from the reciprocating state to Arizona, you should fulfill the Arizona bonding and insurance requisites, and pass the Arizona Statutes and Rule Examination. These reciprocity agreements make licensing less time-consuming for contractors coming from other states and help solve the problem of the absence of a workforce.

Application process for an electrical license in Arizona

The procedure to apply for the license of an electrical contractor in Arizona consists of the following steps.

1. Application form

First, download the application form from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website. It will demand all kinds of background information on work experience and financial status.

2. Documents required for supporting

You need to provide several documents to support your application, including:

• Proof of work experience
• Educational qualifications
• Insurance and bond certificates
• Fingerprint clearance card for background checks

3. Pay application fees

The cost of an application differs according to the category of licensure and ranges mostly between $580 and $1,000. According to the Arizona ROC, the application fee is charged for the cost of processing applications and to a great extent for maintaining compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.

4. Schedule and pass exams

After your application is reviewed, you will be contacted to schedule their exams. You should be able to pass both the Statutes and Rules Exam and the trade-specific exam. The Arizona ROC has provided a list of approved testing centers where candidates can take their exams.

5. Get the license

After passing the exams and upon compliance with all requirements, the ROC awards an electrical contractor license. This licensing information of contractors is captured within the online database of the ROC, alongside which consumers are advised not only to verify credentials but also to search for qualified professionals.

How to obtain CR-11 electrical license in Arizona

The CR-11 license is that which deals explicitly with residential work. The following is a step-by-step process to obtain this license.

1. Basic requirements

Ensure that you meet the age, education, and work experience requirements.

2. Technical training

While it is not a requirement, technical training will help you learn and better prepare for the trade exam. Completing your technical training program increases your chances of passing a licensing competency examination on the first attempt.

3. Fill out the application

Fill in the form for applying to the ROC under the category of CR-11, and attach all documents as required accordingly.

4. Exam passing

You would need to appear for the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam and a trade-specific exam for this type of license known as the CR-11 exam. Less than 65% pass the CR-11 exam because it deals with very specialized knowledge in residential electrical.

5. Insurance and bonding

Also, getting your insurance and contractor’s bond is necessary. You may need to pay an average of approximately $1,200 yearly for your insurance.

6. Get licenced

After you meet your requirements and pass your exams, you will get your license in the form of a CR-11. Most license applications, as a matter of fact, are processed by the Arizona ROC within 4-6 weeks.

e-Hazard’s National Electrical Code (NEC) – https://e-hazard.com/national-electric-code-industrial-applications/

Overview of the Arizona electrical license exam

The Arizona electrical license exam will also test candidates for knowledge of electrical codes, safety regulations, and practical skills.

Exam structure

The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam covers the state laws, rules, and business management practices. You have 50 multiple-choice questions and must have a 70% passing score.

Trade exam
This section of the electrical licensing test contains electrical trade-specific knowledge like NEC, wiring methods, electrical theory, and safety practices. The trade examination is normally 100 questions, and the passing evaluation is usually 75%.

Preparation tips

Study the NEC – The National Electrical Code should be known inside and out. The 2020 version is the newest and includes several important updates about keeping workers safe, along with wiring methods.

Take Practice Tests Many candidates take practice tests to get familiar with the format of the test and the question style. It’s a common rule that those who take three or more practice exams have a 15 percent higher pass rate.

Enroll in review courses
Many organizations offer review courses that are specially tailored for the Arizona electrical license exams. Such courses most likely include study materials, practice exams, and a very comprehensive overview of what’s covered on the exam.

Passing rates and statistics

Statutes and rules exam
Out of the total, 80% pass. The purpose of this exam is to make sure contractors satisfy Arizona’s legal requirements and business practices.

Passing rates on trade exams vary by category, but the average is about 70%. The test covers practical know-how and technical information that the committee considers of vital relevance in accomplishing electrical work in such a way that it is safe and effective.

Arizona electrical license renewal

In Arizona, electrical contractor licenses are valid for two years. The process to renew licensure consists of:

Education continuance

For your license renewal, you need to spend some hours continuing your education. This system of renewal helps you be updated on changing industry standards and rules. The Arizona ROC requires, by law, 16 hours of continuing education every two years, with a minimum of 8 hours of instruction on technical subjects.

Renewal fees

Renewal fees will vary based upon the category of the license from $300 to $800. The Arizona ROC provides detailed fee schedules that provide contractors with the information needed to budget for renewal expenses on their website.

Online renewal

The Arizona ROC provides easy and convenient online renewal of licenses. Their online system gives a contractor the ability to submit continuing education certificates, permits them to pay renewal fees, and update personal information.

Specific diplomas and certifications for electrical license in Arizona

Although a high school diploma, or equivalent, is the standard requirement at the entry level, other certificates or diplomas can build your profile.

The associate degree in electrical technology provides you with comprehensive exposure to electrical theory, wiring systems, as well as safety procedures. You stand a chance of earning higher wages than your colleagues with your degrees than a merely high school diploma.

Journeyman electrician certification
You must not get the Journeyman Certification. The certificate just shows you have a high level of expertise in your work compared to someone with a GED. With the certification, you can increase your wages.

On the other hand, you can get continuing Education Certificates that can be achieved through course advancements. These can be courses in advanced electrical systems, renewable energy technologies, and electrical safety. These courses keep you updated on the latest discoveries and information.

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