Where a Arizona journeyman HVAC technician license transfers

How local licensing works. Arizona licenses HVAC contractors at the state level through the Registrar of Contractors, and state law leaves individual tradesperson licensing to cities. Phoenix is the only jurisdiction verified here that licenses mechanical workers.

Phoenix. The Planning and Development Department issues Journeyman licenses in the Plumber, Mechanical and Gas Fitter trades (and combinations) and Apprentice licenses. A mechanical journeyman applicant must first pass a journeyman exam at an approved testing site (Arizona Sheet Metal JATC for union and non-union candidates, or P.I.P.E. in Tempe for union members; $100 paid to the site; based on the 2024 IMC), then apply with proof of at least four years of experience in the trade (a United Association or Sheet Metal Workers union card, or a notarized statement on company letterhead signed by a company official), photo ID and the $50 fee (paid within 60 days of the exam). The license is valid three years and renews for $20. An apprentice license ($50, one year, no exam) requires a notarized employment letter and work under a licensed journeyman or Arizona-licensed contractor. A contractor licensed by the Registrar of Contractors (the qualifying person) does not need a journeyman license to perform or observe work. Phoenix's pages describe no reciprocity with other cities or states.

Other cities. Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale and other municipalities were not checked for this entry; a journeyman should confirm local requirements before pulling permits there.

Out-of-state holders. Neither the Registrar of Contractors nor Phoenix recognizes an out-of-state journeyman HVAC license. In Phoenix the applicant takes the local exam and documents four years of experience; elsewhere no personal license is required.