HVAC License Requirements in Arizona: Quick Reference Table
Item | Details |
|---|---|
License Types | C-39 (Commercial), R-39R (Residential), CR-39 (Dual) |
Regulating Agency | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
Required Experience | 4 years hands-on/managerial (all types) |
Required Exams | SRE (Statutes & Rules) + Trade (via PSI) |
Exam Passing Score | 70% on each |
Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
Continuing Education | No hours required (not specified as of 2026) |
Application Fee | $100 (as of 2026 – verify at ROC fee schedule) |
License Fee | $480 (as of 2026 – see ROC fees) |
Exam Fees | SRE: $61 (GMetrix), Trade: $66 (PSI) (as of 2026) |
Bond Requirement | Yes, amount not specified – verify with ROC |
Board URL | roc.az.gov |
Who Needs a License in Arizona?
In Arizona, you need an HVAC contractor license if total labor and materials for a project exceed $1,000 or if a permit is required, no matter the dollar amount. This rule applies to all HVAC installation, repair, and service work statewide.
If you operate as a business, subcontractor, or even as a supervisor/consultant who contracts work, you must have the appropriate HVAC license. The only exception is the “handyman” exemption: for jobs under $1,000 that do not require a building permit, a license is not required. However, as soon as your job exceeds $1,000 or needs a permit, the exemption does not apply.
This requirement applies whether you are working as an employee, as a business owner, as a general contractor, or as a subcontractor. There is no special owner-builder or handyman license for HVAC. In short, if you contract for HVAC work that meets these thresholds, you need a state license to legally bid or perform the work. Always review current thresholds and definitions at the ROC license classifications page.
HVAC License Types
Arizona offers three main HVAC contractor license types: C‑39 (Commercial), R‑39R (Residential), and CR‑39 (Dual). Each license classification is designed for a particular scope of work. You must choose the classification that matches the work your business performs.
C‑39 – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Commercial): This license is for HVAC work on commercial buildings. The scope includes installation, modification, and repair of refrigeration systems, evaporative cooling, ventilation, and various forms of heating (wet, dry, radiant). Work may include controls, piping, testing, balancing, and ductwork, but not installation of new electrical service panels.
R‑39R – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Residential): This license lets you perform the same types of HVAC work as C‑39 but strictly on residential properties. Scope includes warm air heating, ventilating, evaporative cooling, and all required ductwork and controls.
CR‑39 – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Dual): This dual license covers both commercial and residential HVAC work within the scopes outlined above. You only need to qualify for the experience and exam requirements once to get both scopes with this license.
For all three, the experience and exam requirements are the same: 4 years of relevant experience and passing both the SRE and trade exams. For full details and any subclassifications (such as specialized cooling or heating), see the official ROC license classification page.
How to Get Licensed in Arizona
To meet the HVAC license requirements in Arizona, you must complete a multi-step application process with the ROC. Each step is mandatory and must be completed in the exact sequence below.
Business Entity Formation
Form your business entity. If operating as a corporation or LLC, register with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Sole proprietors do not need this step, but all businesses must be properly registered before applying.
Choosing the Correct License Classification
Choose your license classification. Decide whether C‑39, R‑39R, or CR‑39 best fits your business and intended scope of work. Carefully review the classification requirements before proceeding.
Designate a Qualifying Party and Document Experience
Designate a "Qualifying Party." This person must have at least 4 years of hands-on or management experience in HVAC work relevant to the license sought. You will need to submit experience documentation as specified by the ROC.
Exam Preparation and Completion
Pass the required exams. All qualifying parties must pass the Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) and a trade exam for the license classification. Exams are administered by GMetrix (SRE) and PSI (trade), unless you are eligible for a waiver.
Background Checks
Complete background checks. All persons named in the application, including the qualifying party and owners, must undergo a background check. The check is valid for 90 days and must be processed via AccusourceHR.
Bonds and Final Submission
Obtain the required contractor's bond. Arizona requires all licensed HVAC contractors to post a surety bond. The bond amount is not specified on the ROC website and should be verified at the time of application.
Gather valid government-issued identification. Submit IDs for all individuals named in the application.
Pay all fees and submit the full application package. Include all required forms, supporting documents (such as bond, experience documentation, ID copies, background check proof), and remit payment for both the application and license fees. Submit via the ROC's online portal, by mail, or in person.
Allow 4–12 weeks from the time you pass your exams for your license to be issued. Timelines may vary. For official checklists, forms, and more details, visit the ROC Applying for a License page.
Application Requirements
To satisfy HVAC license requirements in Arizona, you must meet every item in the ROC’s criteria. While there are no citizenship or specific residency requirements, you must comply with the following conditions before applying.
Experience and Age
All persons named in the application must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, the qualifying party must document at least 4 years of relevant on-the-job or management experience in the HVAC industry. If applying for a dual license (CR‑39), the experience must cover both commercial and residential scopes as appropriate.
Bond and Insurance
Every licensed HVAC contractor in Arizona must obtain a surety bond. However, the official ROC site does not specify bond amounts publicly; contractors should check the most current requirements directly with the ROC. There is no explicit requirement for general liability or workers’ compensation insurance on the ROC site, but best practice (and other state laws) may still require it if you employ workers.
Background Check
The ROC requires background checks for every individual named on the license application. All background checks must be performed via AccusourceHR and are valid for only 90 days. Be sure to order checks close to when you plan to apply.
Federal Certifications
As of the latest 2026 guidance, the Arizona ROC does not require contractors to hold EPA 608 (refrigerant handling) or other federal certifications to obtain an HVAC license. However, certain jobs may require EPA or other industry certifications, so verify project-specific requirements with your suppliers or clients.
Application Forms
The ROC offers distinct forms for each entity type applying (RC‑L‑200C for corporations, RC‑L‑200D for LLCs, etc.). Additional disclosure or waiver forms may be required based on your personal history or out-of-state license status. All forms are located at the ROC licensing forms page.
Exams
Passing two exams is a core part of all HVAC license requirements in Arizona: the Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) and the Trade Exam. Both must be passed by the qualifying party with a minimum score of 70% for each.
Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE): This is an open-book, online test available via GMetrix. It covers Arizona contractor laws, administrative rules, and ROC procedures. Registration and exam instructions are found on the ROC site.
Trade Exam: This subject matter exam is administered by PSI. The exam focuses on HVAC-specific trades knowledge, including installation practices, code compliance, system design, troubleshooting, and safety. You can take the trade exam at a PSI testing center or online, pending availability and your location.
Both exams must be scheduled and paid for separately. The SRE fee is $61 (as of 2026) via GMetrix, and the Trade Exam fee is $66 via PSI. See the ROC fee schedule for confirmation.
For details about study guides, exam outlines, or re-take policies, which are not specified in the official sources, refer to exam vendor sites or contact ROC staff for the latest advice. Official exam provider links and updates are always found on the ROC application page.
Fees
Pursuing an HVAC contractor license in Arizona involves several fees. Always confirm current rates on the ROC licensing fees page as some costs may change over time.
Application Fee: $100 (as of 2026 – see official fee schedule)
License Fee: $480 (as of 2026)
Initial Total (specialty commercial): $580 (as of 2026)
Renewal Fee: $480 (biennial) (as of 2026)
Recovery Fund Assessment: $0 for specialty commercial classifications (as of 2026)
Exam Fees: Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE): $61 to GMetrix; Trade Exam: $66 to PSI (as of 2026)
Bond: Required, but the amount is not specified in official online sources. Verify directly with the ROC.
Late Fees: Not found in ROC-supplied sources; verify deadlines and consequences directly with ROC staff or in official rules.
Renewal and Continuing Education for HVAC License Requirements in Arizona
All HVAC contractor licenses in Arizona must be renewed every two years (biennial cycle). This requirement ensures your license remains active and you can legally contract for HVAC work. These are key HVAC license requirements in Arizona you should not overlook.
Renewal Cycle and Process
To renew, you must submit a renewal form, pay the $480 renewal fee (as of 2026), and update any required information or documentation. Submit renewal applications before the expiration date to avoid lapse.
Continuing Education Requirements for HVAC License
As of 2026, there are no continuing education (CE) hours required for HVAC license renewal in Arizona, according to the official ROC publications. However, the rules could change, so check for updates shortly before your renewal is due.
Lapsed Licenses
If your license lapses, the ROC’s published guidance does not specify reinstatement or late renewal penalties. It is likely that significant lapses may require reapplication, but always confirm procedures and deadlines with ROC staff using their official channels. Staying current with all HVAC license requirements in Arizona helps you avoid business downtime.
Reciprocity
Arizona allows experienced HVAC contractors licensed in another state to qualify for a state license if they meet certain conditions. The relevant law is Arizona Revised Statutes § 32‑4302, which enables contractors licensed at the same level for at least 12 consecutive months in another state to be licensed in Arizona, subject to ROC approval.
Applicants seeking reciprocity or licensure by endorsement must provide proof of their valid out-of-state license and may need to complete a waiver form (RC‑L‑200G for Out-of-State) found on the ROC licensing forms page. The ROC does not fully detail the endorsement process online, so contact them directly for the latest process or any additional exam waiver requirements.
Note: Formal reciprocal agreements with specific states are not published on the ROC website. All applications are considered based on law and documentation provided. Start the process early, as it may require submitting extensive background information or verification forms.
Official Links
Arizona Registrar of Contractors homepage
License Classifications
Licensing Fee Schedule
How to Apply
Download Licensing Forms
Experience & Classification Requirements
Background Check Instructions
