Arizona HVAC License Requirements
Official classification: CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration · Issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).
❄️ HVACAZ ✔ Verified 2026-06-19
In Arizona, HVAC contractors must hold the CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, 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 HVAC contractor in Arizona
Follow these steps to earn your CR-39 / C-39 / R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. 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 trade 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 C-39/CR-39 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Trade Exam exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. Arizona requires Commercial specialty (C-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = 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) — $80 residential / $100 commercial / $100 dual application fee, plus a $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 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 HVAC contractor license lookup
To confirm an HVAC 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
- R-39R Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Residential) — Residential comfort A/C, refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating and heating.
- C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Commercial) — Commercial comfort A/C, refrigeration, evaporative cooling, ventilating and heating.
- CR-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Specialty Dual) — Combines the scopes of the commercial C-39 and residential R-39R licenses.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial trade 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 | $80 residential / $100 commercial / $100 dual |
| License fee | $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year) |
| Renewal fee | $540 residential incl. recovery fund / $480 commercial / $650 dual incl. recovery fund — every 2 years |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Bond required | Commercial specialty (C-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = 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) |
|---|---|
| C-39/CR-39 Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Trade Exam | Provider: PSI (for AZ ROC) · Passing: 70% · Fee: $66 (paid to PSI) |
Local / municipal notes
State license only; municipal business licenses and building permits still apply locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Arizona hvac license cost?
Application: $80 residential / $100 commercial / $100 dual. License: $270 residential / $480 commercial / $380 dual (2-year). Renewal: $540 residential incl. recovery fund / $480 commercial / $650 dual incl. recovery fund — every 2 years.
How do I look up a hvac 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 hvacs in Arizona need a surety bond?
Commercial specialty (C-39): $2,500 to $50,000 by contemplated gross volume. Residential specialty (R-39R): $4,250 (<$375k) or $7,500 ($375k+). Dual (CR-39) = residential + commercial combined.
What experience is required for an Arizona hvac license?
Qualifying party must have 4 years of hands-on and/or managerial trade 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 hvacs in Arizona?
Liability: Not mandated by the ROC Workers' compensation: Required under AZ law if you have employees
How often must an Arizona hvac 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