To work as an elevator contractor in Arizona, you'll get your license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), not a state-specific elevator board. This guide walks you through the ROC's Specialty Commercial license classification, which covers elevator work, and details the application steps, exam requirements, and associated fees.
Do you need a contractor license to do elevator work in Arizona?
Yes, a contractor license is required for most commercial elevator installation, repair, and maintenance work in Arizona. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) issues these licenses under the Specialty Commercial (C) classification for projects that fall under the state's contracting regulations.
Which Arizona contractor license covers elevator work?
Elevator work falls under the ROC's Specialty Commercial (C) license classification. This is the primary category for contractors performing work in a specialized building trade that doesn't fall under the General Commercial (B) or General Residential (B) classifications.
The ROC maintains a detailed list of subclassifications within the main license categories. You must identify the specific subclass for elevator and conveyance systems to ensure your license covers the correct scope of work.
Who can qualify the application — the qualifying party?
Every contractor license application in Arizona must be submitted by or on behalf of a "qualifying party." This is a person with the experience and knowledge required to oversee the work performed under the license.
According to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, "The qualifying party must have the necessary experience, knowledge and skills to supervise or perform the contracting work." While the ROC does not quantify a minimum number of years of experience for every classification in its published rules, you must be able to document your background to the ROC's satisfaction.
The qualifying party is responsible for the business's compliance with all ROC statutes and rules. If the qualifying party leaves the company, the ROC must be notified, and a new qualifying party must be put in place for the license to remain active.
What exams do you need to pass?
To obtain an elevator contractor license, your designated qualifying party must pass two separate examinations.
- Statutes and Rules Examination (SRE): This exam covers Arizona-specific business management, construction laws, and regulations. The test is administered by Gmetrix.
- Trade Exam: This exam tests your technical knowledge of the elevator trade. It is administered by a testing service approved by the board. Per the ROC fee schedule, the provider is PSI.
- NASCLA Accredited Examination: The ROC accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors in lieu of the trade exam for certain classifications, such as KB-1/B-1 and KB-2/B-2. The ROC also accepts a NASCLA-accredited electrical exam for CR-11, C-11, and R-11 classifications. Confirm with the ROC if this pathway applies to the specific elevator subclass.
After your license application is approved, the ROC will provide information on how to schedule your exams. The SRE and trade exam are booked and paid for separately.
How much does the Arizona elevator contractor license cost?
The total initial fee for a Specialty Commercial (C) license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors is $580 for a two-year license, not including separate exam fees.
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
- Application Fee: $100
- License Fee: $480
- Recovery Fund Assessment: $0
- Statutes and Rules (SRE) Exam Fee: $61, paid directly to Gmetrix.
- Trade Exam Fee: $66, paid directly to PSI.
These fees are based on the published ROC fee schedule; confirm the current amounts with the ROC before submitting payment.
What insurance and bond does the ROC require?
Arizona requires licensed contractors to carry a contractor's bond. The specific bond amount varies based on the license classification and the anticipated gross volume of work.
- Contractor's Bond: The bond amount required for a Specialty Commercial license is set by the ROC. Confirm the current required bond amount for the elevator subclass with the ROC before applying.
- Insurance: Specific workers' compensation and general liability insurance minimums for the Specialty Commercial classification were not detailed in the sources reviewed; confirm current requirements directly with the ROC.
You must submit proof of your bond as part of the license application process.
How long does the process take?
The time it takes to get your Arizona contractor license can vary. The overall timeline depends on several factors, including:
- Application completeness: Ensure all forms are filled out correctly and all required documents are included.
- Qualifying party review: The ROC must review and approve the experience and background of your designated qualifying party.
- Exam scheduling: Availability at testing centers can affect how quickly you can take the required exams.
You can typically track the status of your application through the ROC's online portal.
Renewal, continuing education, and staying current
Your Arizona contractor license must be renewed every two years.
- Renewal Period: Licenses are issued for a two-year period, as established by A.R.S. § 32-1126.
- Renewal Fee: The renewal fee for a Specialty Commercial license is $480.
- Late Fee: A penalty of $50 is assessed for failure to renew a license on time.
- Continuing Education: No state-level continuing education requirement was identified in the sources reviewed for this license classification.
Reciprocity and out-of-state contractors
Arizona offers a path for contractors licensed in other states through its acceptance of the NASCLA Accredited Examination. The NASCLA program is "designed to reduce redundant licensing requirements and assist contractors who need to be licensed in multiple jurisdictions."
The ROC accepts the NASCLA exam for the KB-1/B-1 Commercial or Dual Building Contractor, KB-2/B-2 Small Commercial or Dual Residential and Small Commercial, and CR-11/C-11/R-11 Electrical classifications. If you have passed one of these exams, you may be exempt from taking the corresponding Arizona trade exam. However, you must still pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules (SRE) exam and meet all other licensing requirements, including submitting a complete application, designating a qualifying party, and securing the required bond.
Elevator permits, inspections, and ADOSH — what's separate from the ROC
While the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) licenses the business, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) regulates the equipment itself. It's crucial to understand the two separate roles:
- ROC: Licenses contractors to ensure they meet standards for business practices, experience, and financial stability.
- ADOSH: Enforces the state's adopted elevator safety code (ASME A17.1). This includes reviewing plans, issuing permits for new installations and major alterations, and conducting inspections to certify that the equipment is safe for public use.
As a licensed elevator contractor, you will work with both agencies. You need an ROC license to operate your business, and you will need to pull permits from ADOSH for specific installation and modernization projects.