Like many other American states, the process of becoming a licensed plumber in Arizona requires applicants to fulfill a set of requirements mandated by the state’s trade authority. Those who wish to become a plumber in Arizona must fulfill the requirements set out by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to obtain official licensing. These requirements involve a mixture of plumbing experience and successfully completing examinations.
With lower prices of trade schools, paid apprenticeships, and job security, the trades are lucrative and rewarding careers. Whether you are a recent high school grad or someone looking to enter a new field, your journey to becoming a licensed plumber in the state of Arizona will surely be a valuable experience.
In this article, we cover how to become a licensed plumber in Arizona. This begins with becoming an apprentice and eventually a licensed plumber. Let’s cover the process together!
Table of Contents
Basic Requirements
The first step to becoming a licensed plumber in Arizona is obtaining experience in the field. The state requires applicants for plumbing licenses to have at least four years of experience.
While other states require applicants to complete a specific number of hours or jobs completed, Arizona requires four years of experience. While experience can be obtained in a variety of ways, the most popular is to attend a trade school for a year and work as an apprentice for three. The other option is to skip school and enter the field as an apprentice immediately. While this route is cost-effective, it is unlikely that a licensed plumber would hire someone with zero knowledge or skill as an apprentice. Both options require you to have a high school or GED diploma, and you must be competent in both basic math and reading. Most trade schools require you to have a 2.0 GPA but take special circumstances into consideration.
Apprenticeships can be acquired through the Arizona Apprenticeship Office or through your trade school. Being an apprentice means you are working under the supervision of a licensed plumber, allowing you to gain the experience needed to be able to work on your own.
The second step of obtaining licensing involves registering with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). You must also pass two exams to become a licensed plumber in Arizona: an exam proving your knowledge of plumbing and an exam covering business management. The exams are designed by the Arizona Registrar Contractors and administered by the online exam service PSI.
How to Get a Plumbing License in Arizona?
Unlike many other states, the state of Arizona does not have apprenticeship or journeyman licenses. The only license available in Arizona is the Contractor Plumbing License, which is the highest level of plumber licensing in the state. The plumbing license is available for both residential and commercial plumbing.
Working without a license in the state of Arizona will result in large penalties. When reported, you will be unable to claim any compensation from plumbing projects. It is also a misdemeanor, with a $1000 fine for first-time offenders and up to 6 months of jail time.
After working as an apprentice for 4 years you are eligible to begin the plumbing licensing process.
Arizona Plumbing Licensing
Obtaining your Arizona plumber license allows you to work either as your own business or for another. This is the highest certification you may achieve in the state. With your licensing you also able to supervise apprentices’ work experience. The Arizona plumbing license is available in two specializations: the commercial plumbing license and the residential licensing. You may obtain both if you wish to operate in both commercial and residential environments. The requirements for your Arizona plumbing license application are listed below.
- You must have verifiable 4 years of plumbing experience.
- You must pass either the C-37, which covers residential plumbing, or the L-37, which is on commercial plumbing, with at least 70%
- You must pass the AZ SRE which covers business management and is required regardless of your plumbing branch.
- You must submit a request for a background check through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, which costs $15. The background check accesses the applicant’s criminal record. It is important to note that not all charges will result in the denial of your application and that the Registrar does take into account rehabilitation.
- You must register yourself as a business and for a contractor’s bond. To register yourself as a business you must go through the Arizona Corporation Commission. As a plumber, you are not required to license a title for your business, as you can license your name if you wish.
- You must also pay for a contractor’s license bond. The price of these bonds is based upon the income you are expected to generate and whether you are working in commercial or residential contracting. For your first year, do not expect to pay more than $9000 for a Residential General Contractor bond or $5000 for a Commercial General Contractor bond.
After completing all of the previous steps you are ready to submit your application to the Registrar. To submit your application, you must compile a series of forms proving your completion of all of the previous steps, along with the license application forms and fees of $500 to $780 (depending on if you are applying for residential or commercial).
The forms required to be included in your Arizona plumbing license application are listed below.
- Results from your exams
- Receipt from your background check
- Proof of license bond
- Valid Government-issued ID including both your photo and signature
- Application forms and fees
You will be notified once the Arizona Registrar of Contractors receives your application and begins the review process. Once you’ve been approved for your Plumbing Contractor’s License, you are officially an Arizona Licensed Plumber. You will be ready to make your own path in the contracting industry as either your own boss or an employee of a plumbing company.
Salary of Plumbers in Arizona
The average salary of an apprentice plumber in Arizona is $19.21. The average salary of a licensed plumber in Arizona is $24.83. The salary of a plumber in Arizona is dependent on multiple factors:
- The plumber’s client base
- The individual plumber and/or company’s reputation
- The quality of the plumber’s work
- The county where the plumber is employed
Insurance for Plumbers in Arizona
Plumbers are not required to obtain their own general liability insurance, although it is highly recommended. Liability insurance will prevent clients from making claims against you. Plumbers are required to file a Contractor’s Bond when obtaining licensing through the Arizona Department of Insurance. The Contractor’s Bond protects your clients and the state of Arizona, guaranteeing satisfactory work on your behalf.
Arizona Plumbing Reciprocity
Unlike most states, Arizona does not have any reciprocity agreements with other states. The only circumstance where reciprocity is issued is if you meet all of the following criteria:
- Your spouse is a part of the United States Armed Forces
- Your spouse is currently on active duty for the Armed Forces
- Your spouse’s assignment is on an Armed Forces base in Arizona
Arizona License Renewal
Your Arizona plumbing license will be valid for 2 years after being issued. Upon expiration, you will be required to submit a renewal form and fee through the Arizona Registrar Office of Contractors. You will be required to renew your plumbing license every 2 years for the duration of your plumbing career.
References
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors- https://roc.az.gov/
- PSI Exams- https://candidate.psiexams.com/
- Arizona Corporation Commission- https://www.azcc.gov/
- Arizona Apprenticeship Office- https://des.az.gov/services/employment/apprenticeship
