Licensing Guides
Arizona Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Arizona
Electrical, AZ
April 10th, 2026
Deborah Goldman
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Arizona
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Arizona?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrical License in Arizona?
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrical Contractors License in Arizona?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrical License Exam in Arizona?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrical License in Arizona?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Arizona?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Arizona. Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 21,280 in Arizona.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Arizona is projected at 19%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Arizona in August 2024 totaled 217,100, an increase of 5,100 (2%) from August 2023 and
an increase of 41,300 or 23% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Arizona
Is it required to be a licensed contractor to operate as an electrician in Arizona? Yes.
Arizona does not offer a traditional journeyman license as do most states. Instead, Arizona issues contractor licenses. Arizona has several electrical contractor licenses, depending upon the type of work the electrician does: Residential (R-11), Commercial (C-11), Residential and Commercial (CR-11). The Arizona Registrar of Contractors classifies a “journeyman electrician” based on proven work experience. Arizona does not require a license or permit to become an electrical apprentice. To be eligible for a state-level contractor's license, an individual must document four years of experience and pass the state's licensing examinations.
There are detailed instructions on how to apply for an electrical license on the state website.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Arizona
Must be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain 8,000 hours of hands-on training.
Apply for licensing through the state registrar.
Take the business management and trade exams.
How to Become an Electrician in Arizona
The state of Arizona licenses electrical professionals at the state level. To become and electrician in Arizona you must:
OBTAIN NECESSARY TRAINING: To apply for an Arizona electrician license, you must have 8,000 hours of hands-on training. A standard four-year apprenticeship, which is the most common path to becoming an electrician, includes a minimum of 576 hours of classroom-related instruction in addition to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. For those who gain experience outside of a formal apprenticeship, related education can be used to fulfill a portion of the 8,000-hour work experience requirement. A two-year electrical technology program can replace up to 2,000 hours of practical experience.
APPLY FOR CONTRACTOR LICENSING EXAM: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues specialty contractor licenses in the construction industry, with three options for electricians. Those options are Residential (R-11), Commercial (C-11), or Electrical (CR-11) — a combination of residential and commercial.
TAKE LICENSING CONTRACTOR EXAM: To earn your contractor license you must register to take two exams — a business management exam (also known as the statutes and rules exam (SRE) and a trade exam administered through PSI exams.
OBTAIN YOUR ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: After passing your exams, you must pay licensing fees to get your electrician license through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The cost for a residential license is $720, while a commercial license is $580. The state encourages applicants to use the Online Customer Portal to apply for licensure. Licenses must be renewed every two years. The state of Arizona does not require continuing education for electricians to renew their license.
PROOF OF COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR INSURANCE: Electricians in Arizona must hold electrical contractors’ insurance, which includes liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Other insurance options for added protection include Errors and Omissions insurance, which protects against negligent claims filed against you or claims that you failed to perform a promised service. Commercial property insurance can protect your business building and its contents.
Municipalities like Phoenix or Tempe will still require electrical contractors to apply for permits to conduct business within their jurisdictions.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Arizona
There are three types of electrician licensing in Arizona:
Residential (R-11): A residential electrician licensee can install and repair electrical systems in residential properties only.
Commercial (C-11): The Arizona Registrar of Contractors states C-11 electricians can perform “installation, alteration, and repair of any wiring, related electrical material and equipment used in the generating, transmitting, or utilization of electrical energy less than 600 volts, including all overhead electrical wiring on public right-of-ways for signs and street decorations, and all underground electrical distribution systems of less than 600 volts serving private properties” as well as “installation, alteration, and repair on other than public right-of-ways of all outside, overhead, and underground electrical construction, and all wiring in or on any building of less than 600 volts.”
Electrical (CR-11): CR-11 electricians can do both residential electric work and commercial electric work associated with R-11 and C-11 licenses.
Note: Arizona requires a special low-voltage contractor's license for installing alarm systems, not a standard electrical license. Because alarm systems are "energy limited" and typically run at 91 volts or less, a dedicated low-voltage license (C-67, R-67 or CR-67) is needed
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Arizona
There are many benefits to pursuing Arizona electrician licensing:
Most important, it is required by law in Arizona to be licensed through the state to legally perform electrical work.
An electrical contractor license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed electricians can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
A trade license protects your company and customers.
An electrical contractor license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Arizona?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Arizona is $61,520 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Arizona those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,500
Senior (4-7 years): $74,800
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrical License in Arizona?
The cost of an electrician license in Arizona varies based on the level of licensing.
A Residential (R-11) electrician licensing fee is $720.
A Commercial (C-11) electrician licensing fee is $580.
For both of those contractor designations applicants need to take both the Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) and appropriate trade specific exam. The SRE costs $61. The cost for one trade exam is $66. If you choose to take two trade exams, the cost is $116.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrical Contractors License in Arizona?
It will take a minimum of 4 years to complete the required 8,000 hours of work experience. A registered apprenticeship is the most common way to accomplish these requirements and will include classroom education as well.
It will take additional time to become a contractor, as you navigate the application process.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up as you acquire more training and knowledge.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Arizona Electrical Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrical contractor professional in Arizona.
Arizona has two union-based joint apprenticeship and training programs (JATC): Tucson Electrical JATC and the Phoenix Electrical JATC. These programs are a partnership between local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW) and the Arizona Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Alliance.
Non-union programs include the Independent Electrical Contractors of Southern Arizona, the Independent Electrical Contractors of Arizona, and the Arizona Builders Alliance.
The City of Phoenix also runs its own four-year, state-accredited electrician apprenticeship program that covers municipal work. Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training within various city departments and 900 hours of classroom instruction.
Some electrical schools in Arizona:
Pima Community College Electrician – Certificate Program, Electrician – Associate Program 4905C East Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85709-1275; 520-206-4500
GateWay Community College Electronics Technician – Certificate Program, Electricity – Associate Program 108 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034; 602-392-5000
Chandler-Gilbert Community College Electrical Technology – Certificate Program 2626 E. Pecos Road, Chandler, AZ 85225-2499; 480-732-7000
Program Prerequisites: Program prerequisites vary. Most programs, however, require you to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, a valid birth certificate, official and sealed copies of school transcripts, reliable transportation, and passing grades in math courses, such as algebra.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will gain an understanding of electrical standards as well as math and scientific principles. Electricians need keen eyesight and good hand-eye coordination, as well as proper time management skills. They also have to possess good customer service skills, work independently, exhibit good physical endurance and use logical problem-solving techniques. Electricians also learn how to read blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Arizona, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Arizona: The Ultimate Guide.
Arizona Electrical Licensing Exam Details
In Arizona, to obtain either a residential electrician license or a commercial electrician license, you must pass both the Statute and Rules Exam (SRE) and trade exams offered through PSI testing. If you fail the exams three times in a row, you may need to wait 180 days before retesting. Details can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
The AZ Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE) is a computer-based training where applicants learn applicable Arizona statutes and rules and are tested on what they learned throughout the training. The test can be accessed through this web page. The cost of the AZ Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE) is $54 and is only available online.
The exam contains 80 questions that must be completed within 180 minutes. A passing score is 70%. Some open-book reference materials may be used during the exam, such as the National Fire Alarm Code-2016, the National Electric Code-2017, and some chapters of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Trade Exams: Both the C-11 and R-11 exams contain 110 questions that must be completed within 240 minutes. A passing score is 70%. Some reference materials may be used during the open-book exam, such as the National Fire Alarm Code-2016, the National Electrical Code (NEC)-2017, and some chapters of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Applicants applying for the C-11 or CR-11 Electrical (Commercial) have a choice of trade exams. They can elect to take either the NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Electrical Contractors or the AZ ROC Electrical (Commercial) exam. There are differences in these exams. See the PSI CIB for each exam to compare the differences and determine which exam best fits your business needs.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrical License Exam in Arizona?
You must complete the required amount of training before being permitted to sit for the exam. The exams are administered on a computer, and a passing grade of at least 70% is required for each test. There are prep classes you can sign up for, but if you are in an apprenticeship program, your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination.
You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC). The test is open book and allows for you to have permanent tabs in the NEC so you can easily navigate it during the exam. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Who Issues Electrical Licenses in Arizona?
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues and renews all electrician licenses in the state.
Does My Arizona Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
An Arizona electrical license is not automatically valid in any other states. States with similar licensing requirements may waive the trade exam but may require other steps, such as passing a business and law exam. For example, Arizona and Utah have formal reciprocity agreements for some licensed contractors to get a license in the other state without retaking the trade portion of the exam, but it is not guaranteed in the case of electricians. Applicants also still need to fulfill administrative steps to apply for a license if they choose to work in any other state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrical License in Arizona?
Arizona does not have formal reciprocity agreements for electrical licenses with other states, but it allows for an out-of-state license waiver for the trade exam if the previous license is comparable. Arizona generally offers reciprocity with California, Nevada, and Utah, with limited trade exam waivers because it deems licenses from those states as comparable. Contractors can apply for a waiver for their trade exam using this form with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC) if their out-of-state license was active, in good standing, and comparable to the Arizona license being sought.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrical Scholarships in Arizona?
Yes, multiple scholarship opportunities exist in Arizona for students pursuing an education in electrical engineering, the electrical trades, and apprenticeships. These options are available through national electrical organizations, industry partnerships, universities, and community colleges.
The independent Electrical Contractors Foundation (IECF) Scholarship Fund is offered to IEC students, members, and their immediate families who plan to pursue postsecondary education in college or state accredited apprenticeship programs. In 2025, the Foundation introduced the EmpowerHER Scholarship, which aims to specifically support women pursuing careers in the electrical industry.
The Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program is a statewide initiative that funds scholarships for students in high-demand fields like electrical trades at Arizona's community colleges. For specific electrician scholarships, check with individual community colleges.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrical License in Arizona?
Your electrical license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Arizona through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZROC) website. Those searching can see if the license is active, expired, suspended, or revoked, and can confirm that the contractor holds the correct license classification for the work being done.
When Can an Electrical License Be Suspended in Arizona?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Arizona electrician licenses can be suspended are:
incompetence
fraudulent actions
violations of state law or building codes
other unprofessional conduct
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arizona electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to Arizona Revised Statutes Chapter 10, Title 32.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Iowa?
If a customer or another party files a complaint with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, the ROC investigates the complaint and sends notice to the contractor detailing the allegations. If the ROC determines that action is necessary, the contractor has the right to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). After the hearing, a decision is made regarding the appropriate disciplinary action. This could range from a civil penalty to a license suspension or revocation to criminal conviction.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation of this process refer to the Arizona Revised Statutes Chapter 10, Title 32.
Continuing Education
The state of Arizona does not require continuing education for licensed electricians.
However, it’s a good idea to stay informed about changes to code or advancements in the field. There are free online resources available for professional development and staying current on code updates. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides free, read-only online access to the latest editions of its codes and standards, including the National Electrical Code (NEC). This is valuable for reviewing code updates and staying current on regulations.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
