Arizona General Contractor License Requirements
Official classification: B-1 General Commercial / B General Residential / KB-1 Dual Building Contractor · Issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
🏗️ General ContractorAZ ✔ Verified 2026-06-19
In Arizona, general contractors must hold the B-1 General Commercial / B General Residential / KB-1 Dual Building Contractor, issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed general contractor in Arizona
Follow these steps to earn your B-1 General Commercial / B General Residential / KB-1 Dual Building Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial experience; per A.R.S. 32-1122(E), at least 2 of the 4 years must be within the 10 years before applying.
- Pass the Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) and B-1/KB-1 Trade Exam (NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam accepted in lieu) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Arizona requires Residential general (B): $9,000 (<$750k volume) or $15,000 ($750k+). Commercial general (B-1): $5,000 to $100,000 by gross volume ($5,000 at <=$150k; $100,000 over $10M). Dual (KB-1) = residential + commercial combined.
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not mandated by the ROC), and workers' compensation coverage.
- Clear the background check. Required for everyone named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; expires 90 days after completion.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) — $180 general residential / $200 general commercial / $200 general dual application fee, plus a $320 general residential / $580 general commercial / $480 general dual (2-year) license fee. Processing time: Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years.
Arizona general contractor license lookup
To confirm a general contractor is properly licensed in Arizona — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- B General Residential Contractor — Construct/repair any part of a residential structure; electrical, plumbing, A/C, pools, etc. must be subcontracted to appropriately licensed contractors.
- B-1 General Commercial Contractor — General building contracting on commercial projects (unlimited).
- KB-1 Dual Building Contractor — Combines the scopes of the B-1 General Commercial and B General Residential licenses.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial experience; per A.R.S. 32-1122(E), at least 2 of the 4 years must be within the 10 years before applying. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $180 general residential / $200 general commercial / $200 general dual |
| License fee | $320 general residential / $580 general commercial / $480 general dual (2-year) |
| Renewal fee | $590 general residential incl. recovery fund / $580 general commercial / $750 general dual incl. recovery fund — every 2 years |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Bond required | Residential general (B): $9,000 (<$750k volume) or $15,000 ($750k+). Commercial general (B-1): $5,000 to $100,000 by gross volume ($5,000 at <=$150k; $100,000 over $10M). Dual (KB-1) = residential + commercial combined. |
| Liability insurance | Not mandated by the ROC |
| Property damage | Not mandated by the ROC |
| Workers' comp | Required under AZ law if you have employees |
| Background check | Required for everyone named on the application, via ROC vendor AccusourceHR; expires 90 days after completion. |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Arizona uses universal license recognition (A.R.S. §32-4302), not a named reciprocity list: a contractor licensed in good standing for 1+ year in the same discipline and practice level in another state may obtain an Arizona license without re-taking the trade exam (military spouses also qualify). |
| Processing time | Typically a few weeks after a complete application, exams passed, and bond posted. |
Exams
| Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE) | Provider: Gmetrix (for AZ ROC) · Passing: 70% · Fee: $61 (paid to Gmetrix) |
|---|---|
| B-1/KB-1 Trade Exam (NASCLA Commercial General Building Exam accepted in lieu) | Provider: PSI (for AZ ROC) or NASCLA · Passing: 70% · Fee: $66 (PSI trade exam) or $106 NASCLA exam + $30 transcript |
Local / municipal notes
State license only; cities/counties require their own business licenses and building permits.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Arizona general contractor license cost?
Application: $180 general residential / $200 general commercial / $200 general dual. License: $320 general residential / $580 general commercial / $480 general dual (2-year). Renewal: $590 general residential incl. recovery fund / $580 general commercial / $750 general dual incl. recovery fund — every 2 years.
How do I look up a general contractor license in Arizona?
Search the official license database at roc.az.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do general contractors in Arizona need a surety bond?
Residential general (B): $9,000 (<$750k volume) or $15,000 ($750k+). Commercial general (B-1): $5,000 to $100,000 by gross volume ($5,000 at <=$150k; $100,000 over $10M). Dual (KB-1) = residential + commercial combined.
What experience is required for an Arizona general contractor license?
Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial experience; per A.R.S. 32-1122(E), at least 2 of the 4 years must be within the 10 years before applying.
Is insurance required for general contractors in Arizona?
Liability: Not mandated by the ROC Workers' compensation: Required under AZ law if you have employees
How often must an Arizona general contractor license be renewed?
Every 2 years.
Official sources
roc.az.gov/license-classifications
roc.az.gov/licensing-fees
roc.az.gov/bond-information
roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license
roc.az.gov/out-of-state
azleg.gov/ars/32/01122.htm
azleg.gov/ars/32/01126.htm
azleg.gov/ars/32/01152.htm
azleg.gov/ars/32/04302.htm