How to Get an HVAC License in Arizona

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Who Needs an HVAC License?

Arizona does not offer one comprehensive HVAC license. Instead, there are licenses in three separate disciplines involved in HVAC contracting, which include air conditioning, refrigeration, and solar work. There is no specific license related to heating. The following are the specific licenses you will need in regard to each discipline:

  • �L� category licenses are for contractors doing commercial work
  • �C� category licenses are appropriate for residential contractors.
  • �K� category licenses are for both commercial and residential air conditioning
  • �L-79� licenses are for Refrigeration with Solar

The requirements for the various license classifications are available on the Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website.

What Does the Licensing Process Involve?

The following are the complete steps to the HVAC licensing process in Arizona:

  1. Pass the required examinations.
  2. Submit to background checks.
  3. Form and register a legal entity. LLC’s and corporations are required to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Partnerships are required to register with the Arizona Secretary of State, and sole proprietors do not have to register in order to apply for a license.
  4. Obtain a contractor�s license bond in the amount required for the specific license classification and anticipated annual gross volume. For commercial specialty contractors, the required bond amount ranges from $2,500 to $50,000.
  5. Pay the applicable application fee and license fee. If you’re a residential contractor, you must also pay an assessment into the Registrar’s Residential Recovery Fund or post a $200,000 cash or surety bond.
  6. Complete the application and submit it to the Registrar�s office, along with a copy of a government-issued ID, required bonds and payments, and all supporting documents.

Why is a Surety Bond Required?

The required contractor�s license bond is a contractor�s guarantee to do business in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. The bond protects the state and the public by providing funds to compensate parties who suffer a financial loss due to the contractor�s failure to abide by the terms of the surety bond agreement. An example of this would be defaulting on a contract.

How Does It Work?

If the contractor violates the terms of the license bond, any injured party has the right to file a claim against the bond. To resolve the matter quickly, the surety company may pay a valid claim upfront and then collect reimbursement from the contractor. Every surety bond agreement includes a clause that indemnifies the surety bond company and holds the bonded individual legally responsible for paying claims.

Understanding the HVAC Licensing Process in Arizona: How It Works

The annual premium for any surety bond, including a contractor�s license bond, is calculated as a small percentage of the required bond amount. The required bond amount is established by the ROC, but the premium rate is set by the surety bond company. This is based largely on the contractor�s personal credit score, their personal financial strength, and their business�s financial strength. Contractors with great credit will pay a much lower premium rate than those with poor credit.

Get Bonded Today

Request an online quote or contact our team at Single Source Insurance to discuss the bond you need to work as a licensed HVAC contractor in Arizona.

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