HVAC contractor license requirements in Arizona.
Arizona licenses HVAC contractors through the Registrar of Contractors, split the same way plumbing is — commercial, residential, or a dual license covering both. Air conditioning and refrigeration are licensed together, and every classification carries a surety bond scaled to your work.
What Arizona requires.
C-39 — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (commercial)
Commercial HVAC and refrigeration contracting.
R-39 — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (residential, including solar)
Residential HVAC and refrigeration contracting, including solar.
CR-39 — Dual
Covers both commercial and residential air conditioning and refrigeration work.
Getting the C-39 — Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Be at least 18 years old
- Document at least four years of verifiable experience in the classification you are applying for, earned within the past ten years
- Up to two of those years can be satisfied with technical training or an apprenticeship
- Pass the exam for your classification — C-39 and CR-39 applicants sit the same air conditioning and refrigeration exam, while R-39 has its own including solar
- File a surety bond and carry general liability insurance
- · Bond amounts run roughly $2,500 to $50,000 depending on classification and volume, and a CR-39 must satisfy the bond requirements for both the commercial and residential classifications at once.
Verified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
Arizona HVAC licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do HVAC work in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona requires an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license from the Registrar of Contractors — C-39 for commercial, R-39 for residential (including solar), or CR-39 to cover both.
What is the difference between C-39, R-39, and CR-39 in Arizona?
C-39 is the commercial air conditioning and refrigeration classification, R-39 is residential including solar, and CR-39 is the dual license covering both. A CR-39 has to meet the bond requirements for both classifications simultaneously.
How much experience do you need for an Arizona HVAC license?
Four years of verifiable experience in the classification you want, earned within the past ten years. Up to two of those years can come from technical training or an apprenticeship.
What bond do Arizona HVAC contractors need?
A surety bond scaled to your classification and expected volume — commonly somewhere between $2,500 and $50,000. You also need general liability insurance. Confirm your exact figure with the ROC.
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