Licensing Guides
Arizona HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Arizona
HVAC, AZ
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Arizona?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Arizona
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Arizona employs 10,850 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Arizona, that growth rate is expected to be higher — projected at 18% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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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 July 2025 totaled 223,500, an increase of 1,100 (0.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 47,700 (27%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing HVAC systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Arizona is fairly uniform statewide, but in some parts of the state, you may have to be registered or licensed locally as well.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Arizona
Is a license required to work as an HVAC contractor in Arizona? Yes.
To legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work of more than $1,000 in the state of Arizona, you must be a licensed contractor or an apprentice or technician working under someone who is a licensed contractor. HVACR contractor licenses are issued through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
The state does not license technicians, but some of Arizona’s cities do license at the journeyman level, so you always want to check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work to make sure you’re following any local requirements. For instance, the City of Phoenix licenses HVAC professionals as journeymen or apprentices, as described in its building code.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Arizona
What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Arizona?
According to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, there are three license classifications for statewide HVACR contractor licenses:
Specialty Commercial C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration — Allows the licensee to install, alter, and repair commercial refrigeration and evaporative cooling systems.
Specialty Residential R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, including Solar — Allows the licensee to install and repair residential comfort air conditioning systems, including refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating, and heating with or without solar equipment.
Specialty Dual CR-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration — Allows the scopes of work permitted by the commercial C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and the residential R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration licenses.
The requirements are the same for each license type listed above:
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must provide documentation of citizenship or legal resident status.
Obtain a minimum of four years of experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor. Technical training can count for two years.
Pass Statute and Rules exam and applicable trade exam. (R-39 also requires a solar exam).
Complete a criminal background check.
Must obtain a surety bond.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees. You can apply as a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Arizona
Be at least 18 years of age.
Attend formal HVAC diploma or certificate program or earn a two-year associate degree at a community college; or
Get a formal apprenticeship through a local union or trade organization or an informal apprenticeship through a sponsoring employer as an entry-level worker supervised by a licensed contractor.
Acquire four years of hands-on experience for any of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration licenses — Commercial, Residential, or Dual.
Take the Statutes and Rules exam and the applicable trade exam(s), paying the fees for each.
Complete all licensure requirements, including: pass the necessary examinations, submit to background checks, form a legal entity — sole proprietorship (individual), a partnership, limited liability company, or a corporation.
LLCs and corporations are required to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Partnerships are required to register with the Arizona Secretary of State.
Obtain and submit proof of a license bond.
Pay application fees.
Receive your statewide license, and renew it every two years.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Arizona
There are many benefits to getting your Arizona HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Arizona to be licensed through the state to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration above $1,000 unless you are working as an apprentice or helper.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Arizona?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Arizona is $58,540, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Arizona, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,900
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,300
Senior (4-7 years): $75,400
Supervisor (>7 years): $88,700
The meaning of a “mean wage” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
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 HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC 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 HVAC License in Arizona?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Arizona is fairly low. There’s no required registration or license. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
You may also choose to attend a vocational school or technical or community college for a certificate program or Associate of Applied Science degree. This can count toward two years of the four-year experience requirement.
According to Community College Review, the average tuition for community colleges in Arizona is approximately $3,445 per year for in-state students and $8,201 for out-of-state students.
The Arizona contractor licensing fees vary:
The application fee for Specialty Commercial is $100, and the license fee is $480, for a total of $580.
The application fee for Specialty Residential is $80, the license fee is $270, and the recovery fund assessment is $370, for a total of $720.
The application fee for Specialty Dual (meaning both residential and commercial) is $100, the license fee is $380, and the recovery fund assessment is $370, for a total of $850.
There are also examination fees. The examination fee for the online AZ Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE) is $54 paid directly to Gmetrix. The trade exam is $66, and another $40 for the solar section.
How to Get an HVAC License in Arizona
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Arizona, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors offers free virtual monthly Applicant Education Seminars to help you navigate the licensing process and answer any questions you have. They also have a step-by-step guide on “Applying for a License” on the website.
The process includes the following:
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. For any of the HVAC license types, you need at least four years of experience, which you can acquire as an entry-level worker or apprentice. Advanced education can also count toward two years of the experience requirement.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The Qualifying Party for a license must pass the AZ SRE Statutes and Rules exam as well as a specific trade exam, unless eligible for a waiver. The SRE exam should be scheduled with GMetrix, and the trade exams should be scheduled through PSI Exams.
BACKGROUND CHECK: The Applicant and Qualifying Party must submit copies of the payment transaction receipt from their background checks. Click here to learn more and to submit a background check.
FORM LEGAL ENTITY: In Arizona, a license may be issued to a sole proprietorship (individual), a partnership, limited liability company, or a corporation. LLCs and corporations are required to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Partnerships are required to register with the Arizona Secretary of State.
BOND: The applicant must obtain and submit proof of a license bond. For information on determining bonding requirements and to download a comprehensive list of all businesses licensed to offer surety products in this state by the Arizona Department of Insurance, click this link.
COMPLETE AND SUBMIT APPLICATION AND FEES: Complete and submit a License Application form, including all of the above documentation and the appropriate fees to the Registrar using one of the following methods:
Mail to: Registrar of Contractors, P.O. Box 6748, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6748
Deliver to: 1700 W. Washington Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2812
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Arizona?
It will take a minimum of four years to qualify to take the Specialty Contractors license exam and apply for your license in Arizona. The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
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Arizona HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Arizona, and they are located all over the state.
There are two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). There are no programs in Arizona accredited by HVAC Excellence.
PAHRA has accredited one — Gateway Community College in Phoenix.
Here's a great list of the best HVAC schools in Arizona:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Arizona
Tuition: The cost of tuition depends on the program you choose. At Gateway Community College, Maricopa County Residents can expect to pay between $97 to $145 per credit hour, depending on the course. The school posts tuition details online.
Apprenticeship: There are several apprenticeship opportunities to get the training you need in Arizona. The Union Apprenticeship offered through UA Local 649 is five years long, consisting of 10 semesters. Each semester costs $520. The expectation is that the students work during the day and attend classes twice a week in the evenings. Those outside of the greater Phoenix area may have the option of attending class on Saturday. Apprentices in the program typically take their code license exam near the end of their fifth year.
Arizona’s Department of Economic Security also maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. Or you can simply look for an entry-level position on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or another job board to work for a licensed contractor and learn on the job.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit, because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Arizona, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Arizona.
Arizona HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
The Arizona Statutes and Rules exam (SRE) is issued by GMetrix, while the trade exams are issued by PSI. PSI offers a Candidate Information Bulletin, which has information about how to schedule your exam, testing locations, and more.
All license applicants have to pass the SRE. C-39 and CR-39 applicants must pass the R-39R/C-39 (CR-39) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (residential/commercial) exam. R-39 applicants must pass the R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Including Solar exam.
How Can I Prepare for The HVAC License Exam in Arizona?
The AZ Statutes and Rules Examination (which is also a business management exam) covers:
Arizona Registrar of Contractors Statutes
Arizona Registrar of Contractors Rules
Arizona Registrar of Contractors Workmanship Standards Business Management
Business Mathematics
Contracts and Agreements
Insurance and Bonding
Safety, Recordkeeping, and Reporting
Labor Laws and Employment Regulations
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Liens
Environmental Laws and Regulations
Each of the trade exams for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration has a 210-minute time limit, and includes questions about:
Refrigeration
Air Conditioning
Warm Air Heating
Controls and Motors
Boilers
Ventilation
Evaporative Coolers
Fuel Piping Systems
Water Piping Systems
Steam, Hot, Chilled, and Condensing Water
Testing, Balancing, and Inspections
Sizing and Estimating
The solar portion of the residential exam has a 75-minute time limit and includes questions on:
Collection Loops
Components
Installation
Maintenance
Mounting
Principles
Solar Systems Piping
The Bulletin also specifies which reference materials you may use and what items are not allowed in the testing center. There are five PSI testing centers in Arizona, located in Flagstaff, Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing. Get plenty of rest the night before the test.
Who Issues HVAC Contractor Licenses in Arizona?
Air conditioning and refrigeration licenses are issued through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Some of Arizona’s cities license at the journeyman level as well. Be sure to check with local governments where you intend to work to make sure you meet any additional licensing or permitting requirements.
Does My Arizona HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No, your Arizona HVACR/Mechanical license does not work in any other state. If you are licensed in Arizona, you will need to apply for a license in any other state following that state’s rules. Some states will accept your Arizona license as proof of eligibility to test and apply for licensure.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Arizona?
Arizona does allow open endorsement with all states where the applicant holds a similar license. In other words, contractors with licenses in other states with comparable licensing requirements may apply for a waiver to streamline the process. The Registrar may decide a trade exam is not required when the qualifying party has been the qualifying party within the preceding five years for a license in good standing in the same classification in this state, or a classification the Registrar deems comparable in another state.
The AZ SRE Statutes and Rules exam cannot be waived because it has reference to Arizona-specific statutes and rules.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Arizona, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone Depletion
Clean Air Act and The Montreal Protocol
Section 608 Regulations
Substitute Refrigerants and Oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery Techniques
Dehydration Evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Arizona
The Recovery Fund is a form of financial protection provided by licensed Arizona residential contractors to residential homeowners. To obtain a license, a residential contractor must post a cash deposit or surety bond of $5,000 to $15,000. In addition, a residential contractor must either pay into the recovery fund or post a second bond of $200,000. The vast majority of residential contractors have chosen to participate in the fund.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Arizona?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available in Arizona. Several organizations offer financial aid to students pursuing HVAC and related trades, including the PHCC Educational Foundation and Arizona Construction Trades.
PHCC scholarships are available to students in an approved apprenticeship program or college/trade school program throughout the state. Arizona Construction Trades (ACT) scholarships are available to Pima Community College students pursuing the trades.
You can also apply for national scholarships through organizations such as the EGIA Foundation and Women in HVACR, which can be used at institutions in Arizona.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Arizona?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Arizona through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. One of the online services on the website is a Contractor Search, where anyone can verify the status of a license. Users can search by name or license number. In addition, the state maintains a list of current contractors, pending applications, and disciplinary actions.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Arizona?
Suspending an HVAC professional’s license means that the individual is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that an Arizona HVAC license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arizona HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official Arizona Statutes, Rules, and Policies.
What are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Arizona?
Performing HVAC work in Arizona without a license is illegal. Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a minimum penalty for first-time offenders of $1,000 fine. The maximum penalty can include up to six months in county jail and a maximum fine of $2,500 plus surcharge. For repeat offenses, the minimum fine increases to at least $2,000.
In addition, if an entity that is not licensed bids on a $1,000+ contract, they cannot become legally licensed until a year after that bid date.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arizona HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official Arizona Statutes, Rules, and Policies.
Continuing Education
There is currently no continuing education requirement to renew your Arizona Specialty Contractor license for air conditioning and refrigeration.
You must renew your license every two years and pay the associated fees. To renew a Specialty Commercial license costs $480. There is no recovery fund assessment for Commercial contractors. That assessment is required only for Residential contractors.
The fee to renew a Specialty Residential license is $270 plus an additional $270 recovery fund assessment.
For the Dual Specialty license, you will pay a $380 license fee and the $270 recovery fund assessment.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
