How to Get a Plumber License in Arizona
Last updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Facts
Education
0 hrs
Total Cost
$950
Governing Body
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
Arizona is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with booming residential construction in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler driving strong demand for licensed plumbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady 4% growth for plumbers nationally, and Arizona's rapid population gains make the outlook even stronger here. Whether you are roughing in new-construction tract homes or retrofitting commercial properties, an Arizona plumbing license opens the door to a career averaging $63,000 per year — and considerably more for contractors running their own shops.
Unlike many states, Arizona does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license. Instead, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) licenses plumbing professionals at the contractor level under three classifications: R-37 (residential), C-37 (commercial), and CR-37 (dual). To qualify, you need at least 4 years of documented plumbing experience, must pass two exams (the PSI Trade Exam and the Arizona Statutes & Rules Exam), obtain a surety bond, and clear a fingerprint background check. Budget between $700 and $1,200 for the total licensing process, including exam fees ($120), application and license fees ($580-$830), and your surety bond premium.
ArizonaPlumber License Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Pre-License Education | 0 hours |
| Degree Required | No |
| Exam Required | Yes — PSI Trade Exam and AZ Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each exam |
| Background Check | Yes |
| Broker Sponsorship | Not required |
| Application Fee | $580 |
| Exam Fee | $120 |
| Governing Body | Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) |
| License Reciprocity | None |
Steps to Get Your Plumber License in Arizona
- 1
Gain 4 Years of Plumbing Experience
Arizona requires at least 4 years of hands-on plumbing experience within the last 10 years before you can apply for a contractor license. Most aspiring plumbers start through a formal apprenticeship program — UA Local 469 (Phoenix) and Local 741 (Tucson) offer 5-year programs combining classroom instruction (144+ hours per year) with 2,000+ hours of annual on-the-job training. Non-union apprenticeships and working directly under a licensed contractor also count. You will need employer verification letters on company letterhead or a union journeyman card to prove your experience when applying.
Time: 4-5 years - 2
Pass the PSI Trade Exam and AZ Statutes & Rules Exam
You must pass two separate exams. The PSI Trade Exam ($66) covers drainage/waste/vent systems, water supply, fixtures and equipment, isometric analysis, and Arizona plumbing statutes. It is a 100-question, open-book exam with a 240-minute time limit, and you need a 70% score to pass. The exam can be taken online or at a PSI testing center. Separately, the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE, $54) is a mandatory online course and exam offered through Gmetrix that covers Arizona contractor laws and regulations. You must pass both exams before submitting your license application. Exam scores are valid for 2 years.
Time: 2-6 weeks to prepare and complete both exams Cost: $120 - 3
Submit Your ROC License Application
Apply through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) online portal. Choose your license classification: R-37 (residential plumbing only, ~$720 total fees), C-37 (commercial plumbing only, ~$580), or CR-37 (dual residential and commercial, ~$830). Total fees include the application fee, license fee, and Residential Recovery Fund assessment (required for R-37 and CR-37). You will need to submit your original exam score reports, documentation of 4 years of experience, and designate a Qualifying Party. Both the applicant and Qualifying Party must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Time: 10-30 days for processing Cost: $580 - 4
Obtain a Surety Bond and Insurance
Before your license is issued, you must secure a contractor's surety bond. The minimum bond amount is $4,250 for contractors with a gross annual volume under $375,000, increasing to $7,500 for higher volumes — up to $100,000 for the largest operations. Residential license holders (R-37 and CR-37) must also either pay into the Residential Recovery Fund or post an additional $200,000 bond (most contractors choose the Recovery Fund). While not required by the ROC, most clients and general contractors require you to carry general liability insurance — typical policies for plumbing contractors cost $500-$1,500 per year.
Time: 1-2 weeks Cost: $200 - 5
Receive Your Arizona Plumbing Contractor License
Once the ROC approves your application, verifies your bond, and clears your background check, your license is issued. You can verify your active license status on the ROC's online lookup tool at roc.az.gov. Your license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed biennially. You are now authorized to bid on, contract for, and perform plumbing work in Arizona — but remember that any project valued over $1,000 (including labor and materials) requires a licensed contractor.
Time: 1-2 weeks after approval
Key Things to Know
- Contractor-level licensing only: Arizona licenses plumbers at the contractor level through the ROC — there is no state-issued journeyman or apprentice license. However, some cities like Phoenix and Tucson require separate municipal journeyman licenses for plumbers working within city limits, so check local requirements in your area.
- 4 years of verified experience required: You must document at least 4 years of hands-on plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Experience is verified through employer letters on company letterhead (notarized) or union journeyman cards. Formal apprenticeship programs through UA Local 469 (Phoenix) or Local 741 (Tucson) are the most structured path.
- Two separate exams: You must pass both the PSI Trade Exam ($66, covering drainage/waste/vent, water supply, fixtures, isometric analysis, and Arizona plumbing statutes) and the Arizona Statutes & Rules Exam ($54, an online course and exam through Gmetrix). Both require a 70% score to pass, and results are valid for 2 years.
- Surety bond is mandatory: All plumbing contractors must secure a surety bond — minimum $4,250 for annual gross volume under $375,000, increasing to $7,500 or more for larger operations. Residential license holders (R-37 and CR-37) must also participate in the Residential Recovery Fund or post a $200,000 bond.
- Fingerprint background check: Both the applicant and the designated Qualifying Party must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check as part of the application. This adds processing time, so submit fingerprints early in the process.
- No continuing education for renewal: Arizona does not require CE hours for plumbing contractor license renewal. Licenses renew every 2 years — renewal fees are $480 (C-37), $540 (R-37), or $650 (CR-37). You must maintain an active surety bond throughout your license period.
How Much Does a Plumber License Cost in Arizona?
| Cost Item | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | $300 - $700 |
| Application Fee | $580 |
| Exam Fee | $120 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $700 - $1,200 |
License Renewal
- Renewal Period: Every 2 years
- Continuing Education:0 hours
- CE Details:Arizona does not require continuing education for plumbing contractor license renewal. However, licensees must maintain an active surety bond and keep their fingerprint clearance card current.
- Renewal Fee: $540
Tips for Success
- Start with a formal apprenticeship: UA Local 469 in Phoenix offers a 5-year plumbing apprenticeship with paid on-the-job training plus evening classroom instruction. You earn while you learn, and the structured program makes it easy to document the 4 years of experience the ROC requires. Non-union programs through contractors and trade schools also qualify.
- Study the International Plumbing Code (IPC): Arizona follows the IPC, and it is the primary reference for the trade exam. Purchase the current edition and use it during the open-book PSI exam. Familiarize yourself with drainage/waste/vent sizing tables, water supply calculations, and fixture unit values — these are heavily tested topics.
- Take the SRE course before your trade exam: The Arizona Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) is an online course you can complete at your own pace through Gmetrix. Completing it first gives you a solid understanding of Arizona contractor law that also appears on the trade exam, making both exams easier to pass.
- Choose R-37 vs. C-37 vs. CR-37 strategically: If you plan to do both residential and commercial work, the CR-37 dual license is more economical than holding two separate licenses. Residential-only plumbers (R-37) pay a higher Recovery Fund assessment but tap into the largest segment of Arizona's construction market.
- Check city-level licensing requirements: Phoenix, Tucson, and other Arizona cities may require a separate municipal journeyman plumber license in addition to your state ROC contractor license. In Phoenix, the journeyman exam costs $100 and requires a 75% passing score. Factor this into your timeline and budget.
- Budget $700-$1,200 for your Arizona license: This includes $120 in exam fees, $580-$830 in ROC application and license fees (depending on classification), and your annual surety bond premium. Once licensed, plan for $480-$650 in biennial renewal fees. The $1,000 threshold is important too — any plumbing project over $1,000 in Arizona requires a licensed contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a plumbing license in Arizona?
Arizona licenses plumbers at the contractor level through the Registrar of Contractors (ROC). You need at least 4 years of verified plumbing experience within the last 10 years, must pass the PSI Trade Exam ($66) and the Arizona Statutes & Rules Exam ($54), submit a license application ($580-$830 depending on classification), obtain a surety bond (minimum $4,250), and pass a fingerprint background check. The entire application process takes 4-8 weeks once you have the required experience.
Does Arizona require a journeyman plumber license?
Arizona does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber license — the state only licenses at the contractor level through the ROC. However, some Arizona cities issue their own journeyman licenses. The City of Phoenix, for example, requires a separate journeyman plumber exam ($100 fee) with a 75% passing score and proof of 4 years of trade experience. A Phoenix journeyman license is valid for 3 years. Check with your local city to determine if a municipal journeyman license is required in addition to the state contractor license.
How much does an Arizona plumbing license cost in total?
The total cost to get licensed ranges from approximately $700 to $1,200. This breaks down as: PSI Trade Exam ($66), Arizona Statutes & Rules Exam ($54), ROC license application and fees ($580 for C-37 commercial, $720 for R-37 residential, or $830 for CR-37 dual), and a surety bond (annual premium typically $100-$300 for the minimum $4,250 bond). Biennial renewal costs $480 (C-37), $540 (R-37), or $650 (CR-37).
What is the difference between an R-37 and C-37 plumbing license in Arizona?
The R-37 license authorizes residential plumbing work only — single-family homes, duplexes, and residential remodels. The C-37 license covers commercial plumbing projects such as office buildings, restaurants, and industrial facilities. The CR-37 dual license covers both residential and commercial work. If you plan to do both types of work, the CR-37 is the most cost-effective option rather than holding two separate licenses.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Arizona?
The experience requirement alone takes a minimum of 4 years, typically completed through an apprenticeship program or working under a licensed contractor. Once you have the required experience, the exam preparation, application, and processing steps take an additional 4-8 weeks. In total, expect the full path from apprentice to licensed contractor to take roughly 4-5 years.
Can I get an Arizona plumbing license with a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting an Arizona plumbing contractor license. The ROC evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis as part of the fingerprint background check. However, certain offenses — particularly those involving fraud, theft, or dishonesty — may affect your eligibility. If you have concerns, contact the ROC before applying to discuss your specific situation.
What plumbing code does Arizona use?
Arizona has adopted the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as its primary plumbing standard. Individual municipalities may adopt updated editions with local amendments — for example, Phoenix adopted the 2024 IPC with city-specific modifications. The PSI Trade Exam tests your knowledge of the IPC, so studying the current edition of the International Plumbing Code is essential for both exam preparation and on-the-job work.
How much do plumbers make in Arizona?
As of 2025, plumbers in Arizona earn an average of approximately $63,000 per year, with most salaries falling between $55,000 and $72,000. In the Phoenix metro area, the average is higher at roughly $69,500 annually. Licensed plumbing contractors who run their own businesses can earn significantly more. Entry-level apprentices typically start around $35,000-$45,000, while experienced master plumbers and business owners can earn $80,000-$100,000 or more.
Sources
- https://roc.az.gov/licensing
- https://roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license
- https://roc.az.gov/licensing-fees
- https://roc.az.gov/bond-information
- https://roc.az.gov/license-classifications
- https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/pdd/registration-licensing/journeyman-apprentice.html
- Official website: Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
- O*NET OnLine — Plumber (47-2152)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wages (47-2152)
Professional Associations & Resources
Connect with these national organizations for career resources, networking, and continuing education.
Plumber in Other States
From Our Blog
10 Highest Paying Licensed Professions in 2026
The 10 highest paying licensed professions in 2026, ranked by median salary. See education requirements, costs, and best states for each career.
Cheapest States for Professional Licensing (2026)
Which states have the lowest professional licensing costs? We ranked all 50 states by average licensing cost across 49 professions.