How to Become a Contract Plumber in Arizona

A New York City sewer manhole

Plumbers in Arizona have many opportunities for a rewarding career in the construction and maintenance industries. However, Arizona requires a license for contract plumbers. Applicants must meet several training and fitness requirements to qualify. Meeting all requirements takes a great deal of time and effort. However, a plumber who takes steps to get a contracting license can establish a successful career as an Arizona plumbing contractor.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Exam study materials

1. Obtain at least four years of work experience in your chosen plumbing classification. The C-37R classification applies to Arizona contract plumbers who have the required experience in residential plumbing. Plumbers with the required experience on commercial buildings can apply for an Arizona plumbing license under the L-37 classification. Plumbers with the required experience in both residential and commercial plumbing can also apply for a K-37 dual plumbing contractor's license.

2. Pass the required plumbing exams administered by Prometric. Plumbers in all classifications must pass the "BME: Business and Management Exam." Take the "C37R: Plumbing (Residential) Exam" or the "L37: Plumbing (Commercial) Exam" (depending on your classification). Click the link for your required exams on the Prometric test-outline page to see a list of study references. As of 2010, the fees are $63 for just the Business and Management Exam or $120 if adding a trade exam. You may pay Prometric by credit card, cashier's check, company check or money order. Apply online, through mail or fax, or over the phone. Use the "Exam Registration Form" if mailing or faxing your registration. Use the following contact information:

   Prometric
   1260 Energy Lane
   St. Paul, MN 55018
   Phone: [phone]
   Fax: [phone]
   Prometric.com/arizona

3. Obtain a contractor license bond. Estimate the total amount of work you will do over the fiscal year. Determine the bond amount for your classification and estimated amount of work on the contractor application. Follow the instructions on the contractor application if using a surety bond. Call the Registrar of Contractors for required forms if using a certificate of deposit from a bank. Applicants using a cash bond must pay the Registrar of Contractors by money order, cashier's check or certified check. Applicants applying for residential work must also pay either $450 for the Contractor's Recovery Fund or get a $200,000 consumer bond.

4. Obtain workers' compensation insurance if you hire employees. You do not have to get workers' comp if you work alone as a sole proprietor. Speak to insurance companies about obtaining workers' comp insurance.

5. Obtain an Arizona transaction privilege tax number from the Arizona Department of Revenue. Print and fill out the Arizona Joint Tax Application (see the Resources section). As of 2010, the fee is $12 for each city location in which you will operate. You need to add city fees if your city is listed on the form. Submit a check payable to the Arizona Department of Revenue. Send the application and fee to the following address:

   License and Registration Section
   Department of Revenue
   P.O. Box 29032
   Phoenix, AZ 85038-9032
   [phone]
   azdor.gov

6. Fill out the "State of Arizona Registrar of Contractors Application for Contractors License." This application applies to all Arizona contractors. Make sure you apply for the correct classification and provide ample verification of your work experience. You also need to get previous employers and your bond provider to help you complete parts of the application. As of 2010, the application fee is $645 for the L-37 classification, $320 for the C-37R classification and $815 for the K-37 classification. Submit funds by cashier's check, money order or certified check to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Send the application, documentation and fees to the following:

   Arizona Registrar of Contractors
   3838 N. Central Ave., Suite 400
   Phoenix, AZ 85012-1946
   [phone]

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that you can obtain a bond and meet other requirements before taking the exams. You will not receive a contract plumber's license unless you meet all requirements.

• Prepare to pay the application fee once every two years. The initial fee only applies to your first two years of licensed work.

References

• Arizona Registrar of Contractors: Contractor Application and Exam Registration Form
• Arizona Registrar of Contractors: Contractor's License Classifications
• Prometric: Arizona Construction Exam Content Outlines

Resources

• Arizona Department of Revenue: Arizona Joint Tax Application