Arizona Contractor Licensing
Arizona Contractor Licensing:
Contractor’s License Classifications
Separate licenses are issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors for commercial and residential work. There are also dual licenses that can cover both commercial and residential, for each particular trade or field of a construction science profession.
Residential Contracting – constructing, altering, repairing, adding to, subtracting from, improving, moving, wrecking or demolishing any residential structure, such as houses, townhouses, condominiums or cooperative units, and any appurtenances on or within residential property lines; appurtenances on or within residential property lines, connection to utility service and sewer lines, meters and mechanical, or structural service for any residential structure.
Commercial Contracting – Anything not included in residential
General Licensing Requirements
Who Can Apply For A Contractor’s License?
A sole proprietorship (individual), partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation can apply for a contractor’s license so long as the people listed on the application are 18 years of age or older and have the necessary experience, skills, and knowledge.
Corporations and LLCs must be registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission and in good standing to submit a contractor’s license application. In order to renew their contractor’s license, they must remain in good standing.
Who is Responsible For Contracting Activities?
All people listed on the license will be responsible for the contracting activities. This can include a qualifying party, owner, any partner of a partnership, all members in an LLC, any officer, director, or owner of 25% of more of the stock of a corporation.
Who Must Be Licensed As A Contractor?
Businesses that contract or offer to contract to build, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, excavation, or other structure, development, or improvement, or do any part of the work must be licensed as a contractor.
Erection of scaffolding, connections to utility service lines, metering devices and sewer lines, mechanical or structural service to a structure or improvement, and any other work in connection with the project will also require a license.
“Contractor” includes subcontractors, floor covering contractors, hardscape contractors, and consultants representing themselves as having the ability to supervise or manage a construction project for the benefit of the property owner.
Supervision or management includes hiring and firing of specialty contractors, scheduling of work on the project, and selection and purchasing of construction material.
All contractors must be properly licensed before submitting a bid.
What Is The “Handyman Exemption”? Must All Contractors Be Licensed?
In most cases, if a permit is required or the labor and materials exceed $1,000, then a license is required. Please review Arizona Revised Statutes on “Persons not required to be licensed; penalties; applicability” ARS §32-1121.
To Whom Is The Licensed Issued?
A sole proprietorship (individual), partnership, limited liability company, or corporation may be issued a license. The license will belong to the business, not the qualifying party.
If The Ownership Of A Business Changes, Is The Contractor’s License Considered To Be Part Of The Business?
No, a license is non-transferable, only with a possible exception for a corporation or LLC. If stock is sold and the file number assigned by the Arizona Corporation Commission remains the same, the same license can be used if the license is active and in good standing.
Contractor’s License Classifications
Engineering Contracting (Commercial)
A General Engineering
Scopes of work authorized by A-4 through A-19 are also included; scopes of work authorized by B-1, B-2, B- or B-3 are not included. This classification allows the licensee to construct or repair:
- Fixed Works
- Streets
- Roads
- Power and utility plants
- Dams
- Hydroelectric plants
- Sewage and waste disposal plants
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Overpasses
- Public Parks
- Public right-of-ways
A-4 Drilling
This classification allows the licensee to drill, including horizontal and vertical drilling or boring, constructing, deepening, repairing, or abandoning wells; exploring for water, gas, and oil; and constructing dry wells, and monitor wells. Erection of rigs, derricks, and related substructures, and installation, service and repair of pumps and pumping equipment are also included.
A-5 Excavating, Grading, and Oil Surfacing
This classification allows the licensee to apply oil surfacing or other similar products; place shoring, casing, geotexiles or liners; and perform incidental blasting or drilling as required for the licensee to move, alter, or repair earthen materials by:
- Digging
- Trenching
- Grading
- Horizontal boring
- Compacting
- Filling
Excavating for water, gas, or oil wells is not allowed under this license.
A-7 Piers and Foundations
This classification allows the licensee to install piers and foundations using concrete, rebar, post-tension, and other materials common to the industry. This includes pile driving, excavation, forming, and other techniques and equipment common to the industry.
A-9 Swimming Pools
This classification allows the licensee to construct, service, and repair swimming pools and spas, including water and gas service lines from point of service to pool equipment, wiring from pool equipment to 1st readily accessible disconnect, pool piping, fittings, backflow prevention devices, waste lines, and other integral parts of a swimming pool or spa. Installation of swimming pool accessories, covers, safety devices, and fencing for protective purposes is also included if in the original contract.
A-11 Steel and Aluminum Erection
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair architectural and structural steel and aluminum materials common to the industry. Reinforcing steel and field layout, cutting, assembly, and erection by welding, bolting, wire tying or riveting is also included.
A-12 Sewers, Drains, and Pipe Laying
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair any project involving sewer access holes, the laying of pipe for storm drains, water and gas lines, irrigation, and sewers. Connecting sewer collector lines to building drains and the installation of septic tanks, leach lines, dry wells, all necessary connections, liners and related excavating and backfilling are also included.
A-14 Asphalt Paving
This classification allows the licensee to install asphalt paving, and all related fine grading on streets, highways, driveways, parking lots, tennis, courts, running tracks, play areas, and gas station driveways and areas, using materials and accessories common to the industry. Only permitted as it pertains to the larger scope of work, the classification also permits excavation and grading for height adjustment of existing sewer access holes, storm drains, water valves, sewer cleanouts, and drain gates. The scope of work allowed by the A-15 Seal Coating Classification is also included.
A-15 Seal Coating
This classification allows the licensee to apply seal coating to asphalt paving surfaces. Repair of surface cracks and application of painted marking symbols are also allowed under this classification.
A-16 Waterworks
This classification allows the licensee to perform all work necessary for the production and distribution of water including drilling well, setting casing and pump, related electrical work, related concrete work, excavation, piping for storage and distribution, storage tanks, related fencing, purification and chlorination equipment.
A-17 Electrical and Transmission Lines
This classification allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair transmission lines on public right-of-ways, including erection of poles, guying systems, tower line erection, cellular and communication towers, street lighting of all voltages, and all underground systems including ducts or signal, communication, and similar installations. Licensees under this classification are also allowed to install transformers, circuit breakers, capacitors, primary metering devices, and other related equipment for all commercial electrical construction.
A-19 Swimming Pools, Including Solar
This classification allows the licensee to perform the same scope of work permitted by the A-9 as well as the installation and repair of solar heating devices.
General Commercial Contracting
This classification allows the licensee to construct, alter, and repair in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, or movable property of any kind. Supervision of all or any part of the above and management, or direct or indirect supervision of any work performed is included in this scope. The following related work must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor: electrical, plumbing, air conditioning systems, boilers, swimming pools, spas, and water wells. Work authorized by the A-, B-, or B-3 scopes are not included in this classification.
B-2 General Small Commercial Contractor
This classification allows the licensee to perform commercial construction in connection with any new structure or addition built, being built, or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, or movable property of any kind for projects of $2,000,000 or less including labor and materials. The supervision of all or any part of the above and the management, or direct or indirect supervision of any work performed, is included in this scope. Work relating to the following must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor: air conditioning systems, boilers, swimming pools, spas, and water wells. Work authorized by the A-, B-, B-3 or residential scopes are not included in this classification.
Residential Contracting
This classification allows the licensee to construct and repair all or any part of a residential structure or appurtenance. Work related to the following must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, boilers, swimming pools, spas, and water wells. Also included in this scope is the scope of work allowed under the R-7 carpentry classification. Work authorized by the A-, B-1, or B-2 scopes is not included in this classification.
B-3 Remodeling and Repair Contractor
This classification allows the licensee to remodel and repair an existing residential structure or appurtenance. Work related to the following must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, boilers, swimming pools, spas, and water wells. Also included in this scope is the scope of work allowed under the R-7 carpentry classification. Work authorized by the A-, B-, or B-2 scopes is not included in this classification.
B-4 General Residential Engineering Contractor
This classification allows the licensee to construct and repair appurtenances to residential structures. Work related to the following must be subcontracted to an appropriately licensed contractor: electrical, plumbing, air conditioning systems, boilers, and water wells. Also included in this scope are the CR-21, B-5, and all B-4R subclassifications.
B-5 General Swimming Pool Contractor
This classification allows the licensee to construct and repair swimming pools and spas, the installation of code-required pool barriers around the swimming pool or spa, and the installation of utilities from the point of service to the pool equipment. This classification excludes the construction of other structures or appurtenances. Also included in this scope are all B-5R subclassifications.
B-6 General Swimming Pool Contractor, Including Solar
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair solar heating devices. Also included in this scope is the scope of work allowed by the B-5, including all B-5R subclassifications.
B-10 Pre-Manufactured Spas and Hot Tubs
This classification allows the licensee to construct and repair spas and hot tubs, install code-required pool barriers around the spa or hot tub, and installation of utilities from the point of service to the spa equipment.
Specialty Residential Contracting
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair pre-manufactured acoustical ceiling and wall systems. Repair of electrical or mechanical systems is not allowed under this classification.
R-2 Excavating, Grading, and Oil Surfacing
This classification allows the licensee to apply oil surfacing or other similar products and place shoring, casing, geotextiles, or liners as required for the licensee to move, alter, or repair earthen materials by:
- Digging
- Trenching
- Grading
- Horizontal boring
- Compacting
- Filling
R-3 Awnings, Canopies, Carports, and Patio Covers
This classification allows the licensee to place concrete footings and concrete slabs as required for the licensee to install and repair:
- Window awnings
- Door hoods
- Freestanding or attached canopies
- Carport and patio covers constructed of metal, fabric, fiberglass, or plastic
- Screened and paneled enclosures, which are not intended for use as habitable spaces, using metal panels, plastic inserts, and screen doors. A minimum of 60% of the wall area of an enclosure shall be constructed of screening material.
- Fascia panels
- Flashing and skirting
- Exterior, detached metal storage units, not to exceed 200 square feet
Installation or repair of electrical, plumbing, or air conditioning systems is not allowed under this classification.
R-4 Boilers, Including Solar
This classification allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair steam and hot water systems and boilers, including chimney connections, flues, refractories, burners, piping, fittings, valves, thermal insulation, and accessories; fuel and water lines from the source of supply to boilers; process and specialty piping and related equipment; pneumatic and electrical controls. A new circuit may be added to the existing service panel or sub-panel if necessary. However, the installation of a new service panel or sub-panel is excluded.
Swimming Pool Service and Repair
This classification allows the licensee to service and perform minor repairs of residential pools and accessories. However, plumbing connections to a potable water system, gas lines, gas chlorine systems, and electrical work beyond the first disconnect are excluded. Complete replacement of plaster or pebble pool interiors and decks are also not allowed under this classification.
R-7 Carpentry
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair:
- Rough carpentry
- Finish carpentry
- Hardware
- Millwork
- Metal studs
- Metal doors or door frames
- Windows
R-8 Floor Covering
This classification allows the licensee to prepare a surface as required for the licensee to install and repair the following floor covering materials:
- Carpet
- Floor tile
- Wood
- Linoleum
- Vinyl
- Asphalt
- Rubber
- Concrete coatings
R-9 Concrete
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair concrete, concrete products, and accessories common to the industry.
R-10 Drywall
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair:
- Gypsum wall board
- Ceiling grid systems as supporting members for gypsum drywall
- Movable partitions
- Wall board tape and texture
- Non-load bearing, lightweight, steel wall partitions
R-11 Electrical
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair residential electrical systems.
R-12 Elevators
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair:
- Elevators
- Dumbwaiters
- Escalators
- Moving walks and ramps
- State and orchestra lifts
R-13 Asphalt Paving
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair paved areas using materials and methods common to the industry, including asphalt curbs, concrete bumper curbs, headers, and striping.
R-14 Fencing
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair:
- Metal, wood, and cement block fencing
- Automatic gates
- Fire access strobes
- Cattle guards
- Low voltage U.L. approved electrical fence protective devices of less than 25 volts and 100 watts
Installation and repairing retaining walls is not allowed under this classification.
R-15 Blasting
This classification allows the licensee to drill, bore, move earth, and build temporary shelters or barricades, as required for the licensee’s use of explosives and explosive devices for:
- Excavation
- Demolition
- Construction related blasting
R-16 Fire Protection Systems
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair fire prevention and fire protection systems including all mechanical apparatus, devices, piping, equipment common to the first protection industry, and install and repair low voltage signaling systems. However, the following related work must be subcontracted to a properly licensed contractor: installation and repair of all other electrical devices, apparatus, and wiring.
R-17 Structural Steel and Aluminum
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair architectural and structural steel and aluminum materials common to the industry.
R-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems
This classification allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair:
- Non-loadbearing concrete
- Uncovered patios, walkways, driveways made of brick, stone, pavers, or gravel
- Wooden decks no higher than 29 inches above finish grade
- Decorative garden walls up to six feet from finish grade
- Fences and screens up to six feet from finish grade
- Retaining walls up to three feet from the finish grade of the lower elevation
- Free standing fire pits, fireplaces, or barbeques – electric, plumbing, and gas must be subcontracted to a properly licensed contractor
- Low voltage landscape lighting
- Water features that are not attached to swimming pools; including any necessary: electrical wiring of 120 volts or less, connection to potable water lines, backflow prevention devices, hose bibs, excavating, trenching, boring, backfilling, or grading
- Irrigation systems, including any necessary: electrical wiring of 120 volts or less, connection to potable water lines, backflow prevention devices, hose bibs, excavating, trenching, boring, backfilling, or grading
- Residential outdoor misting systems. Freestanding or attached to existing appurtenance, not more than 1000 PSI.
- Free standing and uncovered outdoor kitchens – electric, plumbing, and gas must be subcontracted to a properly licensed contractor
This classification does not allow the licensee to install, contract for, or subcontract new electrical service panels, gas or plumbing lines, blasting, covered outdoor kitchens, gazebos, room additions, swimming pools, pool deck coatings, concrete driveways, load-bearing walls, or perimeter fencing, though free-standing fire pits, fireplaces, and barbeques are exceptions.
R-22 House Moving
This classification allows the licensee to disconnect utilities. However, connection of utilities and construction of foundations is not permitted under this classification.
R-24 Ornamental Metals
This classification allows the licensee to install, alter, or repair non-structural ornamental metal, such as:
- Metal folding gates
- Guard and hand rails
- Wrought iron fencing and gates
- Window shutters and grilles
- Room dividers and shields
- Metal accessories common to the industry
Installation of fire escapes or stairs are not allowed under this classification.
R-31 Masonry
This classification allows the licensee to grout, caulk, sand blast, tuckpoint, mortar wash, parge, clean, and weld reinforcing steel as required for the licensee to install and repair:
- Masonry
- Brick
- Concrete block
- Insulating concrete forms
- Adobe units
- Stone
- Marble
- Slate
- Mortar-free masonry products
R-34 Painting and Wall Covering
This classification allows the licensee to perform surface preparation to install, apply, and repair:
- Wallpaper
- Wall covering cloth
- Wall covering vinyl
- Decorative texture
- Paint
- Liquid floor and wall coatings
R-36 Plastering
This classification allows the licensee to install laths, metal studs, metal grid systems, or other bases as required for the licensee to coat surfaces by trowel or spray with combinations of:
- Sand mixtures (e.g. stucco)
- Gypsum plaster
- Cement
- Acoustical plaster
- Swimming pool interiors (excluding tile)
R-37 Plumbing, Including Solar
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair water and gas piping systems, fire protection as it relates to water sprinkler systems, and sewage treatment systems. Included are all fixtures, vents, and devices common to the industry, as well as solar applications. All R-37R subclassifications are included in this scope.
R-37R Plumbing
R-37R Built-in Central Vacuum Systems
R-37R Kitchen and Bathroom Fixture Refinishing
R-37R Swimming Pool Plumbing and Equipment
R-37R Gas Piping
R-37R Sewers, Drains and Pipe Laying
R-37R Solar Plumbing Liquid Systems Only
Upon the effective date of these rules, no new applications for the R-37R Built-in Central Vacuum Systems, Kitchen and Bathroom Fixture Refinishing, Swimming Pool Plumbing and Equipment, Gas Piping, Sewers, Drains and Pipe Laying, and Solar Plumbing Liquid Systems Only license classifications will be accepted and no new R-37R licenses in these classifications will be issued.
R-37R Plumbing
R-37R Built-in Central Vacuum Systems
R-37R Kitchen and Bathroom Fixture Refinishing
R-37R Swimming Pool Plumbing and Equipment
R-37R Gas Piping
R-37R Sewers, Drains, and Pipe Laying
R-37R Solar Plumbing Liquid Systems Only
Upon the effective date of these rules, no new applications for the R-37R Built-in Central Vacuum Systems, Kitchen and Bathroom Fixture Refinishing, Swimming Pool Plumbing and Equipment, Gas Piping, Sewers, Drains and Pipe Laying, and Solar Plumbing Liquid Systems Only license classifications will be accepted and no new R-37R licenses in these classifications will be issued.
R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair comfort air conditioning systems, including refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating, heating with or without solar equipment, and installation and repair of machinery, units, accessories, refrigerator rooms, and insulated refrigerator spaces, and controls in refrigerators.
A new circuit may be added to an existing service panel or sub-panel if necessary. However, the installation of a new service panel or sub-panel is excluded. All R-39R subclassifications are included in this scope.
R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
R-39R Temperature Control Systems
R-39R Warm Air Heating, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilating
R-39R Evaporative Cooling and Ventilators
Upon the effect date of these rules, no new applications for the R-39R Gas Refrigeration, Temperature Control Systems, Warm Air Heating, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilators, and Pre-Coolers license classifications will be accepted and no new R-39R licenses in these classifications will be issued.
R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
R-39R Temperature Control Systems
R-39R Warm Air Heating, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilating
R-39R Evaporative Cooling and Ventilators
Upon the effective date of these rules, no new applications for the R-39R Gas Refrigeration, Temperature Control Systems, Warm Air Heating, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilating, Evaporative Cooling and Ventilators, and Pre-Coolers license classifications will be accepted and no new R-39R licenses in these classifications will be issued.
R-40 Insulation
This classification allows the licensee to install and repair:
- Insulation materials, including radiant barriers
- Preformed architectural acoustical materials
- Insulation protecting materials
R-41 Septic Tanks and Systems
This classification allows the licensee to evacuate, install, and repair pipe, backfill, and compact soil as required for the licensee to install and repair:
- Septic tanks
- Aerobic digesters
- Leaching fields
R-42 Roofing
This classification allows the licensee to apply, repair, or install weatherproofing (i.e. asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass, fabric, flax, or other common used materials or systems) or roof accessories (i.e. flashing, valleys, gravel stops, or sheet metal) as required for the licensee to install and repair:
- Roof tile
- Shingles
- Shakes
- Slate
- Metal roofing systems
- Urethane foam
- Roof insulation or coatings on or above the roof deck
This classification allows the licensee to replace up to 10 percent of the total roof substrate square footage as it relates to issues with substrate discovered after execution of the initial contract. Replacing more than 10 percent of the roof substrate square footage as it relates to issues with substrate discovered after execution of the initial contract requires the licensee to subcontract work to a properly licensed contractor.
This classification also allows the licensee to install new or replace existing skylights where it does not require changes to the roof framing or roof structure and replace fascia not to exceed 24 linear feet.
The licensee may lift HVAC equipment to allow for the proper installation of roofing material. However, the licensee must subcontract work to a properly licensed contractor if HVAC equipment ducting requires any modification to allow for proper installation of roofing material.
General Dual Engineering Contracting
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General Dual License Contracting
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Specialty Dual License Contracting
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Specialty Commercial Contracting
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