Construction / Plumber License / Arizona
- Arizona
- Plumbing Contractor
- Residential, Commercial & Dual
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your Arizona Plumbing Contractor License
This page covers Arizona’s three plumbing contractor classifications (commercial C-37, dual CR-37 and residential R-37R): who needs one, the experience and exams, bonding, and how to apply with the Registrar of Contractors.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from Arizona Registrar of Contractors requirements
Application fee
$80–$100
Plus $270–$480 license fee and $66 exam fee
Exam time
4 hrs
100-question PSI trade exam, plus the online SRE
Time to get license
~4 yrs
4 years of hands-on or managerial experience
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE before renewal
Overview
Do you need an Arizona plumber license?
Yes, if you contract for plumbing work in Arizona. Plumbing contractor licenses are split into residential, commercial and dual classifications, and each one is issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) to a legal business entity.
License required when
- You install or repair water and gas piping systems
- You work on fire protection as it relates to water sprinkler systems
- You install sewage treatment systems, septic tanks or leaching lines
- You install plumbing fixtures, vents and devices, including solar applications
- You install pool piping and equipment, lawn sprinklers or water conditioning equipment (commercial scope)
Common exceptions
- Municipal or related water supply systems fall outside the commercial plumbing scope
- Commercial plumbing work is limited to work within property lines, not public easements or rights-of-way
- Our source notes don’t list owner-builder or handyman exemptions, so confirm with the ROC before you rely on one
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list specific penalties. In general, the Registrar of Contractors can investigate unlicensed contracting and take enforcement action, so get licensed before you bid or advertise plumbing work.
Your fast-track Arizona plumber license checklist
The Arizona application, one page
- Legal business entity formed
- Proof of 4 years of hands-on or managerial experience
- Passing PSI trade exam score (or NASCLA for commercial)
- Completed Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam
- Background checks for everyone named on the application
- Surety bond sized to your gross volume
Types
Arizona plumber license types and classifications
Pick the classification that matches the buildings you work on. Every classification needs 4 years of experience, a trade exam and the Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE).
R-37R
Residential
Residential Plumbing (including Solar)
Water and gas piping, water sprinkler fire protection, sewage treatment systems, fixtures, vents and solar applications on residential work. Includes all R-37R sub-classifications.
Exam
PSI R-37R + SRE
Limit
Bond: $4,250 or $7,500
C-37
Commercial
Commercial Plumbing
Commercial water and gas piping, fire sprinklers, sewage treatment and septic systems, pressure vessels, roof leaders, pool equipment and more, within property lines.
Exam
PSI commercial or NASCLA + SRE
Limit
Bond: $2,500–$50,000
CR-37
Dual
Dual Plumbing Contractor
Covers both residential and commercial plumbing work under one license.
Exam
PSI commercial or NASCLA + SRE
Limit
Bond: $2,500–$50,000
Requirements
Arizona plumber license requirements, class by class
The core requirements are the same across classifications. The trade exam and bond amount are what change.
| Requirement | R-37R Residential | C-37 Commercial | CR-37 Dual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade exam | PSI Residential Plumbing | PSI Commercial Plumbing or NASCLA Plumbing | PSI Commercial Plumbing or NASCLA Plumbing |
| Statutes & Rules (SRE) | Required | Required | Required |
| Experience | 4 years | 4 years | 4 years |
| Background check | Everyone named on the application | Everyone named on the application | Everyone named on the application |
| Business | Legal entity | Legal entity | Legal entity |
| Surety bond | $4,250 under $375,000 volume; $7,500 above | $2,500–$50,000 by annual volume | $2,500–$50,000 by annual volume |
| Continuing ed | Not required | Not required | Not required |
Steps
How to get your Arizona plumber license, step by step
- Choose your classificationBefore you start
Decide between R-37R residential, C-37 commercial or CR-37 dual based on the work you’ll do. - Form a legal entityBefore you apply
Arizona licenses go to a business entity, so set yours up before you apply. - Pass your PSI trade examExam day
Schedule with PSI online or at 855-744-0310. The exam is 100 questions in 240 minutes, open book, and you need 70% to pass. Commercial applicants can use the NASCLA Plumbing Contractor exam instead. - Complete the SREOnline only
Take the Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam, offered online only through the ROC. - Get your bond and background checksBefore you apply
Buy a surety bond sized to your expected gross volume and submit a background check for every person named on the application. - Apply with the ROCFinal step
Submit your application using the Registrar’s license checklist. A passing exam score is required before you apply.
Exam
What to expect on the Arizona plumber exam
You take one trade exam for your classification plus the online Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE). The trade exam is open book, and you can annotate your books before the exam but not during it.
Format
Open book, computer
Questions
100
Passing score
70%
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- 100 questions in 240 minutes, 70% to pass
- Topics: drainage, waste and vents, water supply, backflow prevention, storm drainage, fixtures, isometrics, fuel gas, septic and sewer, fire sprinklers, excavation
- References include the 2018 International Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes, NFPA 13, 13D and 13R, OSHA 1926 and Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9
- Books may be annotated before the exam, but not written in during it
- The commercial exam also covers hydronics
Retake policy
- Wait 30 days to retake; after 3 attempts the wait between tries is 90 days; each attempt costs the $66 exam fee
- Schedule or reschedule with PSI online or at 855-744-0310
- PSI test centers are set up in larger cities around the state
- The SRE is separate and taken online through the ROC
Exam references · Open book
The C-37/CR-37 and R-37R plumbing exams are open book (described as partially open book), and you can bring the permitted references below, including a printed copy of Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9. You can annotate your books before the exam, but you can’t write in them during the exam.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems — C-37/CR-37 exam | 2016 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems — R-37R exam | 2019 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 13D: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes | 2013 | Allowed in exam |
| NFPA 13R: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies | 2013 | Allowed in exam |
| OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Safety and Health Regulations for Construction | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 9 | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| Boiler Operator’s Guide | 5th edition | Study only |
| Pipe Trades Handbook (IPT) | Not stated | Study only |
| Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters | 8th edition | Study only |
| Modern Hydronic Heating: For Residential and Light Commercial Buildings | 4th edition | Study only |
| Arizona Blue Stake (Arizona 811) Brochure | Not stated | Study only |
| Solar Water and Pool Heating Manual — C-77 exam | Not stated | Study only |
Prep
Best Arizona plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does an Arizona plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application processing fee | Fixed | $80 residential (R); $100 commercial (C) or dual (CR) |
| Biennial license fee | Fixed | $270 R; $480 C; $380 CR |
| Residential Recovery Fund assessment (R and CR only) | Fixed | $370 |
| PSI trade exam | Fixed | $66 |
| Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam | Fixed | $61 |
| Surety bond premium | Variable | Varies (bond of $2,500–$50,000) |
| Background checks | Variable | Not stated |
| Entity formation | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Excludes bond premium and background checks | $707–$977 (C class $707; R class $847; CR class $977) |
Fees from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors License and Renewal Fees schedule (A.R.S. 32-1126 sets the caps) and the PSI Arizona candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does Arizona accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
Arizona has reciprocity agreements with three states. Our source doesn’t spell out exactly what’s waived, so confirm the details with the ROC before you apply.
California — reciprocity agreement
Arizona lists California as a reciprocity state. Ask the ROC what’s waived for your classification.
Nevada — reciprocity agreement
Arizona lists Nevada as a reciprocity state. Ask the ROC what’s waived for your classification.
Utah — reciprocity agreement
Arizona lists Utah as a reciprocity state. Ask the ROC what’s waived for your classification.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and complete the trade exam and SRE.
Local
Do Arizona cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your contractor license comes from the state, but cities and counties still handle permits and inspections on each job.
State handles
- Plumbing contractor licenses and classifications
- Trade exams, through PSI
- The Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam
- Bond and background check requirements
City & county handle
- Building and plumbing permits
- Job-site inspections
- Local business licensing
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in Arizona
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues and renews contractor licenses, including plumbing classifications
- Provides the Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam
- Sets bond requirements by classification and volume
- Reviews background checks for everyone named on an application
Maintenance
How to renew your Arizona plumber license and keep it active
Arizona doesn’t require continuing education before you renew. Licenses renew every two years: $270 plus a $270 Recovery Fund assessment for R classes, $480 for C classes, and $380 plus $270 for CR classes. Missing the renewal deadline adds a $50 penalty.
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$480–$650
Late penalty
$50
FAQ
Arizona plumber license FAQs
What’s the difference between C-37, CR-37 and R-37R?
R-37R covers residential plumbing, C-37 covers commercial plumbing, and CR-37 is a dual license that covers both.
How much experience do I need for an Arizona plumbing license?
You need 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial experience for any of the three classifications.
Is the Arizona plumbing exam open book?
Yes. The PSI trade exam is open book, with 100 questions in 240 minutes. You can annotate your books before the exam but not write in them during it.
What score do I need to pass?
70% on the PSI trade exam. You also need to complete the online Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam.
Can I use the NASCLA exam?
For commercial classifications, yes. The NASCLA Plumbing Contractor exam is accepted in place of the PSI commercial exam.
Does Arizona require continuing education for plumbers?
No. Arizona doesn’t require continuing education before each renewal.
Does Arizona have plumbing reciprocity?
Arizona has reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada and Utah. Check with the ROC to see what’s waived for you.
How big a bond do I need?
Residential is $4,250 under $375,000 in gross volume and $7,500 above. Commercial bonds run from $2,500 to $50,000 based on annual volume.
Sources
Official sources for the Arizona plumber license
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors, Get a License checklist
- PSI, Arizona contractor exam catalog
- PSI, Arizona Candidate Information Bulletin
- Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 9 (PDF)
- Arizona Administrative Code, R4-9-130 Schedule of Fees (PDF)
- Arizona Revised Statutes, 32-1126 Fees
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors, License and Renewal Fees
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.