How To Get Your Arizona Electrician Hours Signed Off

Key Takeaways

• Accurate record-keeping is necessary for hour verification
• Arizona requires contractor licenses through ROC, not separate journeyman certifications
• Must have 4 years of verifiable experience for qualifying party role
• Contact ROC if you encounter challenges in the verification process
• Arizona has no continuing education requirements

Getting your hours verified by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is a required step in advancing your electrician career in Arizona. Unlike other states that offer journeyman certifications, Arizona's licensing system is designed for those who plan to run an electrical contracting business. This guide walks you through the entire hours verification process in clear, straightforward terms, from tracking your hours to submitting your documentation for contractor licensing.

Understanding Arizona's Electrical Contractor System

Arizona uses contractor licenses rather than separate journeyman certifications:

Arizona does not limit how many hours you can count toward verification each year.

Tracking Your Hours

Accurate record-keeping is necessary for the hour verification process. Here are some tips:

• Maintain detailed logs of your work hours and projects
• Keep employment records and pay stubs
• Document specific types of electrical work performed
• Request verification letters from employers
• Track at least 4 years of practical or management experience

Understanding Arizona's Experience Requirements

Arizona Revised Statute 32-1122 requires qualifying parties to have:

Minimum Experience:

• 4 years of practical or management trade experience
• At least 2 years must be within the last 10 years
• Experience must be specifically in electrical construction work

Alternative Education Credit:

• Technical training from accredited institutions may substitute for up to 2 years
• Manufacturer's accredited training programs also qualify
• Cannot exceed 2 years of the required 4 years experience

Getting Your Hours Signed Off

To get your hours signed off, follow these steps:

Identify Your Role: You must serve as the "qualifying party" for the contractor license, meaning you have the necessary experience to supervise electrical work.

Gather Experience Documentation: Collect verification of your 4 years of experience including:

• Employment verification from previous electrical contractors
• Pay stubs and tax records showing electrical work
• Letters from employers detailing your responsibilities
• Project documentation showing scope of work performed

Complete ROC Application: Submit your contractor license application with:

• Detailed work history and experience verification
• References from previous employers (2 required for sole proprietors)
• Proof of technical training if substituting for experience

Submit to ROC:

• Mail applications to: P.O. Box 6748, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6748
• Deliver in person to: 1700 W. Washington Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2812
• Apply online through ROC Customer Portal (recommended)

Common Challenges and Solutions

Insufficient Documentation

If you lack proper documentation:

• Reconstruct work history using tax returns and employment records
• Contact previous employers for verification letters
• Gather project records showing electrical work performed

Experience Not Recent Enough

If your experience is too old:

• At least 2 of your 4 years must be within the last 10 years
• Consider additional training or work to meet recent experience requirements

Technical Training Credit

To substitute education for experience:

• Training must be from accredited colleges or universities
• Manufacturer's training programs must be accredited
• Cannot exceed 2 years of the 4-year requirement

Next Steps After Hour Verification

Once your hours are verified:

Pass Required Examinations:

• Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam (SRE) - computer-based online training
• Trade-specific exam (R-11, C-11, or CR-11) - 110 questions, 70% passing score
• Optional: NASCLA Electrical Exam instead of ROC trade exam

Secure Contractor Bond:

• Bond amounts vary by license classification and gross volume of work
• Residential and dual licenses require additional consumer protection
• Contact ROC for specific bond requirements for electrical classifications

Obtain Required Insurance:

• Liability insurance recommended
• Workers' compensation if you hire employees

Complete Background Check:

• All persons on license must complete background check through AccusourceHR
• Results automatically provided to ROC

Downloadable Resources

You can find applications and information at:

• ROC Website: roc.az.gov
• Customer Portal: Available for online applications
• Phone: 877-692-9762 for assistance

For questions about the application process, contact the ROC directly.

Documenting your electrical experience is a necessary step in becoming a licensed electrical contractor in Arizona. Unlike other states, Arizona requires contractor licenses rather than separate journeyman certifications, which means your experience verification directly leads to business licensing. It takes time and thorough documentation to meet ROC requirements. Stay persistent and keep detailed records of all electrical work performed. If you need help, don't hesitate to contact the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Every licensed electrical contractor in Arizona started by carefully documenting their work experience. If you stay diligent, you will reach your goal of obtaining your electrical contractor license.