The Arizona construction industry is booming, making it a prime location to start a career as a licensed general contractor. However, in order to make sure the process goes smoothly and that you’re legally qualified to perform construction work in the state, you need to know the correct steps to follow.

Arizona has specific licensing requirements administered by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) and if you don’t fulfill all requirements, you risk wasting time, energy, and money. This guide breaks down the process of how to get your general contractor license in Arizona.

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Note: This guide provides general information on the process as of early 2026. Always refer to the official Arizona Registrar of Contractors website (roc.az.gov) for the most current and official information before submitting any applications or payments.

Step 1: Determine Your License Classification

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) offers several classifications for contractors. The most common license classifications for general contractors are:

General Commercial Contractor (A, B)

This classification allows you to bid on and manage commercial projects, including all structural and non-structural work. Here’s how the two differ:

• Class A: General Engineering Contractor (e.g., dams, bridges, pipelines, roads).
• Class B: General Commercial Contractor (e.g., commercial buildings, offices, industrial structures).

General Residential Contractor (R)

This license is for contractors who build or remodel residential structures (single-family homes, multi-family units up to three stories).

Specialty Contractor (C)

If you plan to specialize in one trade (e.g., plumbing, electrical, roofing, HVAC), you would pursue a specialty classification (e.g., C-39 for Plumbing, C-11 for Electrical).

Step 2: Designate a Qualifying Party & Meet Experience Requirements

Every Arizona contracting license must have a Qualifying Party. This individual is responsible for the direct supervision and control of all construction operations.

• The Qualifying Party must be an officer, partner, member, or employee of the contracting entity (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.).
• They must pass the required licensing examinations.

They must meet the four-year experience requirement.

Arizona requires the qualifying party to meet specific experience requirements. Specifically, the qualifying party must demonstrate at least four years of practical, verifiable experience in the classification being applied for within the last ten years. This experience must be at a journeyman level, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor level. Prepare to have professional references.

Step 3: Pass the Required Exams

The Qualifying Party must pass two separate examinations:

1. The Statutes and Rules Examination (SRE): This test covers Arizona’s contracting laws and administrative rules enforced by the ROC. It is a mandatory requirement for all classifications.
2. The Trade Examination: This test covers the specific knowledge and skills required for your classification (e.g., Residential B-R, Commercial B).

Exams are administered by a third-party testing service (Gmetrix and PSI respectively). You must register and pay the required fees to schedule your exam dates.

Step 4: Secure a Contractor Bond

Before the ROC issues a license, the applicant must file a surety bond (Contractor’s Bond). This bond protects the public from financial harm resulting from defective workmanship or abandonment of a project.

The required bond amount varies depending on the classification and the volume of work, and the bond must be obtained from an insurance company licensed in Arizona.

Estimated Annual Gross Volume	Bond Amount (Residential)	Bond Amount (Commercial)
Up to $150,000	$9,000	$9,000
$150,001 to $500,000	$15,000	$15,000
$500,001 to $1,000,000	$25,000	$25,000
Over $1,000,000	$50,000	$50,000

Step 5: Register Your Business

Before applying to the ROC, you must establish your business entity and obtain all necessary tax and legal registrations:

• Business Entity: Register your business (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation) with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).
• Tax ID: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if operating as anything other than a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number.
• Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License: Secure a TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). This is required for collecting and paying sales tax.

Step 6: Provide Proof of Insurance

Contractors in Arizona must carry workers’ compensation insurance if they have any employees. If you have no employees, you must submit an Affidavit of Compliance with Workers’ Compensation Law.

Though it may not be legally required, the ROC also recommends commercial general liability (CGL) insurance to protect your business.

Step 7: Submit the License Application

Once all preceding steps are complete (experience met, exams passed, bond secured, business registered), you can submit your comprehensive application package—which includes a non-refundable application fee—to the ROC.

The application requires detailed information about:

• The business entity structure.
• The Qualifying Party’s history and experience.
• Proof of the passed examinations.
• Proof of the contractor’s bond.
• Background checks

If all requirements are met and approved, the ROC will issue your Arizona Contractor’s License.

Maintaining Your Arizona Contractor License

An Arizona contractor license is valid for two years. To maintain the license, you must:

• Renew on Time: Submit a renewal application and fee before the expiration date.
• Maintain Bond: Keep your surety bond active and in the required amount.
• Maintain Insurance: Ensure workers’ compensation coverage remains current if you have employees.

Important Resources for Arizona Contractors

Resource/Agency	Purpose
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)	Licensing, statutes, rules, and consumer complaints.
Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC)	Registering business entities (LLCs, Corps).
Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR)	Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) licensing.
National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA)	Provides resources on contractor regulations.

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