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There are many benefits to entering a skilled trade like plumbing. For one thing, plumbing professionals are always in demand, meaning you’ll enjoy job stability. Plumbing also pays well, and if being your own boss is a priority, you’ll have the opportunity as you advance in your career.

In the state of Arizona, residential and dual plumbing contractors must obtain a license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors before they can operate legally. What licenses are available and how do you obtain them?

R-37R Residential Plumber License

With an R-37R residential plumber license, you can perform a range of plumbing tasks for residential customers. This includes installing and repairing gas and water piping systems as well as water-related fire protection (sprinkler systems) and sewage treatment systems. Solar applications are also included in your scope of work.

To obtain this license, you must complete four years of documented, hands-on plumbing experience and/or related managerial experience. You will be required to obtain a bond suitable for your scope of business and carry workers’ compensation insurance.

The state also requires you to pass an exam. The R-37R Residential Plumbing Contractor exam features 100 questions on topics like:

• Drainage waste and vents
• Indirect waste
• Water supply systems
• Backflow prevention
• Roof drains and storm drainage systems
• Plumbing fixtures (water heaters and accessibility)
• General knowledge and general regulations
• Specialty plumbing, interceptors, and traps
• Isometric analysis
• Fuel gas
• Septic and sewer
• Fire sprinklers
• Excavation

This test is open book and you’ll have 240 minutes to complete it. You must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass. You must also complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE). This includes online training followed by testing.

C-37 and CR-37 Plumbing Contractors

C-37 and CR-37 plumbing contractors can perform all the same tasks as an R-37R residential plumber, and then some. This type of license also allows for the installation, alteration, and repair of water supply systems (except municipal), venting and sanitary drainage systems, septic tanks, roof leaders, lawn sprinklers, swimming pool systems, and water conditioning equipment. 

A C-37 license is for commercial plumbing, while CR-37 allows for both residential and commercial contracts.

The experience and legal requirements for this license are the same as an R-37R license, although surety bond limits may differ. As for testing, you must complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE) and pass the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Plumbing Contractor Exam or PSI Commercial Plumbing Contractor Exam.

The C-37 Commercial Plumbing Contractor Exam is an open-book test with 100 questions covering the following subjects:

• Drainage waste and vents
• Indirect waste
• Water supply systems
• Backflow prevention
• Roof drains and storm drainage systems
• Plumbing fixtures (including water heaters and accessibility)
• General knowledge
• Specialty plumbing, interceptors, and traps
• Isometric analysis
• Fuel gas
• Septic and sewer
• Hydronics
• Fire sprinklers
• Excavation

You’ll have 240 minutes to complete the exam, and you must answer a minimum of 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

Prepare for Your Plumbing License

If you’re ready to obtain your R-37R, C-37, or CR-37 plumbing license in Arizona, RocketCert offers self-paced, online programs perfect for working professionals. Contact us today to get started.