Arizona Electrical License: How To Become An Electrician In Arizona [Az] (2025 Guide)

Last updated on February 27th, 2024.

If you’re looking to become an electrician in Arizona then you’ve come to the right place.

So if you want to:

• Find out where to get an electrical apprenticeship in Arizona
• Understand Arizona’s electrical licensing requirements
• Learn how to get started as an electrical apprentice

Then you’ll love the detailed information in this guide.

Let’s dive right in.

Become an Electrician In Arizona By Joining an Electrical Apprenticeship

There is more than one option for becoming an electrician in Arizona.

We’ve put together the most comprehensive list of information on electrical apprenticeships to help you chose which is best for you.

Globe-Miami Electrical JATC

P.O. Box 108, Globe
AZ 85502
Phone 928-200-5482
Fax 928-425-7233
Programs: INSIDE WIREMAN
*You must call this office for more information. They do not have a website.

Phoenix Electrical JATC

1520 E. Indianola Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone 602-263-8104
Fax 602-263-8722
Programs: INSIDE WIREMAN

The PEJATC electrical apprenticeship is a 5-year program. The Electrician School is located in Phoenix AZ. During those 5 years, you’ll receive 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in commercial and industrial electrical construction.

Phoenix Electrical JATC offers a unique advantage: complete a 5-year curriculum within 4 years through our year-round class schedule. It’s an efficient path to advance your career faster.

Semesters run 5 months long and are back to back. There is a 2-week break in between semesters. 

Each semester is scheduled for a minimum of 90 classroom training hours. Classes are held 2 evenings per week, every other week. This means you’ll be working during the day and attending classes in the evening. 

Tucson Electrical JATC

1949 W. Gardner Lane
Tucson, AZ 85708
Phone 520-790-4690
Fax 520-624-3955
Programs: INSIDE WIREMAN

This is a 5-year electrical apprenticeship program. There’s not much information on the website about the program so make sure you pick up the phone and ask any questions you may have.

Requirements:

• You have to be at least 18 years old
• You need reliable transportation to travel to job assignments.
• Minimum Math – you must have completed one (1) full year of high school algebra with a passing grade or one (1) post high school Algebra course with a passing grade.

If you’re ready to apply you’ll need to have these items:

• Bring a birth certificate or reliable documentation to prove your age.
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Provide an official sealed copy of high school transcripts
• $15 application fee
• If you’re current military or a veteran, you can bring your DD214 if you’re trying to get credit for military training

If for some reason you don’t meet the qualifications to apply, contact IBEW Local #570 for information on how to become a Construction Wireman.

IECA of Arizona

5024 S Ash Avenue #109
Tempe, Arizona 85282-6847
Ph: (480) 456-4444
Fax: (480) 388-3311
Email: [email protected]
Program: Commercial

Dive into IECA of Arizona’s comprehensive 4-year apprenticeship, structured into 8 semesters with 576 hours of academic mastery. It’s your blueprint for success in the electrical field.

Every class meets two nights a week for 2.5 hours. So each week you’re getting 5 credit hours of academic instruction, which is required by the state of Arizona.

All of the classes are taken in order and must be completed before you’re able to start the next class. So do your homework and study. No one wants to be held back. However, exceptions can be made with the permission of the instructor and executive director of IECA.

Requirements:

The IECA wants you to fill out an application in person at their office. Before applying you need to make sure you meet the following criteria:

• You have a high school diploma or GED
• You have dependable transportation
• You’re physically able to do work related to the electrical industry

When applying for the program you’ll need to the following paperwork:

• Program Application (supplied by IECA)
• Math Assessment Test (supplied by IECA)
• Birth Certificate
• High School Transcript or GED
• College / Trade School Transcripts – if applicable
• DD214 (if applicable)
• I-9  (supplied by IECA – This is an employment eligibility verification form which requires 2 forms of ID such as a social security card and valid AZ drivers license)
• 3 personal character reference letters
• 3 employer reference letters
• Substance Abuse Form – Passing report (form supplied for testing after all other paperwork has been received)

Once all the paperwork is done, you’ll be scheduled for an interview with the Apprenticeship Committee. The committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

IEC Southern Arizona

660 S Country Club Road
Tucson, Arizona 85716
Ph: (520) 795-9473
Fax: (520) 323-3399
Email: [email protected]

The IECA of Southern Arizona offers a 4 year electrical apprenticeship program. This program is broken down into 8 semesters of class work and provides 576 hours of academic instruction.

Every class meets two nights a week for 2.5 hours. So each week you’re getting 5 credit hours of academic instruction, which is required by the State of Arizona.

All of the classes are taken in order and must be completed before you’re able to start the next class. So do your homework and study. No one wants to be held back. However, exceptions can be made with the permission of the instructor and executive director of IECA.

Requirements and Application Info:

You need to meet these qualifications to be accepted into the program:

• At least 18 years old
• You have a high school diploma or GED

If you meet the qualifications then the next steps are to:

1. Call Norma Sebastian at 520-820-5506. An appointment for submitting your application will be made at this time.
2. Bring your high school diploma or GED (DD-214 if you qualify for VA benefits)
3. Take a math assessment test

At this point, you’ll receive an overview of the program. Be prepared for this process to take about 1.5 hours.

Electrical Licenses in Arizona

In Arizona, the path to becoming a journeyman electrician is unique, focusing on specialized contractor licenses. This distinction opens up tailored opportunities in the electrical industry.

• Residential Electrical Contractor (also known as R-11)
• Commercial Electrical Contractor (also known as C-11)
• Electrical (also known as K-11)

To become what the Arizona Registrar of Contractors classifies as a “journeyman electrician“, you have to prove work experience.  The requirements for licenses are listed below.

R-11 Specialty Residential Electrician Contracting License

The “R” class refers to Specialty Commercial Residential. As an R-11 residential electrician contractor, you’re allowed to install and repair electrical systems in residential dwelling units only.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors describes the R-11 license as the “Installation and repair of electrical systems”.

What You Need to Apply for R-11 Residential Electrician Contractor License:

First, you need to prepare and test for two separate exams – Business Management and Trade Exam. Make sure that you don’t jump into taking the exams without studying. If you fail an exam three times in a row, you may have to wait 180 days before you’re allowed to retest.

Business Management Exam

• Questions: 80
• Time allowed: 180 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Price: $56.00

Trade Exam

• Questions: 110
• Time allowed: 240 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Price: $106.00

The testing agency approved through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors is PSI. You can read the Candidate Information Bulletin here.

Once you’ve passed your exams you’ll need to make sure you meet the following requirements:

1. You must have at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman or higher
   1. To substitute education, technical training, or apprenticeship training for the experience you must provide written documentation of any training or education claimed in place of experience. Acceptable documentation includes copies of apprenticeship certificates and college transcripts
2. You need verified participation (documentation) in at least 7 new projects and 8 maintenance projects.
3. 4 years of W-2 from your employers

Once you have the required experience and documentation, you now need to form a business entity.

1. You will need a company name. So check with the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) for the availability.
2. After your company name is approved by R.O.C. you will have to choose the type of structure your company will be. Usually, it’s either an LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or Corporation. Check with the Secretary of State – they can help you decide.
3. Now you need to get a Transaction Privilege Tax Number (TPT) from the Arizona Department of Revenue.
4. Once that’s complete, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
5. Then you will need to acquire the appropriate bond (The FAQ link has more detailed information on the required bonds).

R-11 Application:

Fill out this application to apply for the license. Follow the instructions and make sure to read the FAQ. There is a lot of helpful information there.

The cost for the R-11 license is $720. You can read the breakdown of the price here.

R-11 Reciprocity:

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the California State Contractor’s Board, the Nevada State License Board, and the Utah State License Board. Arizona does not accept licenses issued by other states. More on Arizona Registrar of Contractor’s license reciprocity.

C-11 Specialty Commercial Contracting Electrician License

The “C” class refers to Specialty Commercial Contracting. As a C-11 electrical contractor you’re authorized by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to do the following:

Installation, alteration, and repair of any wiring, related electrical material and equipment used in the generating, transmitting, or utilization of electrical energy less than 600 volts, including all overhead electrical wiring on public right-of-ways for signs and street decorations, and all underground electrical distribution systems of less than 600 volts serving private properties.
Installation, alteration, and repair on other than public right-of-ways of all outside, overhead, and underground electrical construction and all wiring in or on any building of less than 600 volts.

What You Need to Apply for C-11 Specialty Commercial Electrician Contractor License:

First, you need to prepare and test for two separate exams – Business Management and Trade Exam. Make sure that you don’t jump into taking the exams without studying. If you fail an exam three times in a row, you may have to wait 180 days before you’re allowed to retest.

Business Management Exam

• Questions: 80
• Time allowed: 180 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Price: $56.00

Trade Exam

• Questions: 110
• Time allowed: 240 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Price: $106.00

The testing agency approved through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors is PSI. You can read the Candidate Information Bulletin here.

Once you’ve passed your exams you’ll need to make sure you meet the following requirements:

1. You must have at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman or higher
   1. To substitute education, technical training, or apprenticeship training for the experience you must provide written documentation of any training or education claimed in place of experience. Acceptable documentation includes copies of apprenticeship certificates and college transcripts
2. You need verified participation (documentation) in at least 7 new projects and 8 maintenance projects.
3. 4 years of W-2 from your employers

Once you have the required experience and documentation, you now need to form a business entity.

1. You will need a company name. So check with Registrar of Contractors (ROC) for the availability.
2. After your company name is approved by R.O.C. you will have to choose the type of structure your company will be. Usually, it’s either an LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or Corporation. Check with the Secretary of State – they can help you decide.
3. Now you need to get a Transaction Privilege Tax Number (TPT) from the Arizona Department of Revenue.
4. Once that’s complete, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
5. Then you will need to acquire the appropriate bond (The FAQ link has more detailed information on the required bonds).

C-11 Application:

Fill out this application to apply for the license. Follow the instructions and make sure to read the FAQ. There is a lot of helpful information there.

The cost for the C-11 license is $580. You can read the breakdown of the price here.

C-11 Reciprocity:

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the California State Contractor’s Board, the Nevada State License Board, and the Utah State License Board. Arizona does not accept licenses issued by other states. More on Arizona Registrar of Contractor’s license reciprocity.

CR-11 Specialty Dual Contracting Electrical License

A CR-11 contracting electrical license is allowed to do the work of a residential electrician R-11 and the work of a commercial electrician C-11.

This classification allows the scope of work permitted by the commercial C-11 Electrical and residential R-11 Electrical licenses.

What You Need to Apply for CR-11 Specialty Commercial Electrician Contractor License:

First, you need to prepare and test for two separate exams – Business Management and Trade Exam. Make sure that you don’t jump into taking the exams without studying. If you fail an exam three times in a row, you may have to wait 180 days before you’re allowed to retest.

Business Management Exam

• Questions: 80
• Time allowed: 180 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Price: $56.00

Trade Exam

• Questions: 110
• Time allowed: 240 minutes
• Passing Score: 70%
• Price: $106.00

The testing agency approved through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors is PSI. You can read the Candidate Information Bulletin here.

Once you’ve passed your exams you’ll need to make sure you meet the following requirements:

1. You must have at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman or higher
   1. To substitute education, technical training, or apprenticeship training for the experience you must provide written documentation of any training or education claimed in place of experience. Acceptable documentation includes copies of apprenticeship certificates and college transcripts
2. You need verified participation (documentation) in at least 7 new projects and 8 maintenance projects.
3. 4 years of W-2 from your employers

Once you have the required experience and documentation, you now need to form a business entity.

1. You will need a company name. So check with Registrar of Contractors (ROC) for the availability.
2. After your company name is approved by R.O.C. you will have to choose the type of structure your company will be. Usually, it’s either an LLC, Sole Proprietorship, or Corporation. Check with the Secretary of State – they can help you decide.
3. Now you need to get a Transaction Privilege Tax Number (TPT) from the Arizona Department of Revenue.
4. Once that’s complete, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
5. Then you will need to acquire the appropriate bond (The FAQ link has more detailed information on the required bonds).

CR-11 Application:

Fill out this application to apply for the license. Follow the instructions and make sure to read the FAQ. There is a lot of helpful information there.

The cost for the CR-11 license is $580. You can read the breakdown of the price here.

CR-11 Reciprocity:

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors has entered into a reciprocity agreement with the California State Contractor’s Board, the Nevada State License Board, and the Utah State License Board. Arizona does not accept licenses issued by other states. More on Arizona Registrar of Contractor’s license reciprocity.

If you find this information to be lacking in the area contact us so we can provide the most up to date information for aspiring electricians.