# Arizona Electrician Apprenticeship: How to Become an Electrician in Arizona \(2026\) Short answer: To become an electrician in Arizona, join a registered apprenticeship and work about 4 years \(8,000 hours on the job\) while you take classes, paid from day one\. sources: [1](https://pejatc.org/about/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tucson-JATC-Orientation-May-2023.pdf) Arizona has no state journeyman or master electrician license: the Registrar of Contractors licenses electrical contracting businesses, employees paid wages are exempt, and the City of Phoenix issues no electrician license either\. sources: [1](https://roc.az.gov/license-classifications) , [2](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01121.htm) , [3](https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/pddsite/documents/inspections/journeyman-brochure.pdf) On October 9, 2026, both union programs were open: Tucson \(IBEW 570\) until March 1, 2027 and Phoenix \(IBEW 640\) until March 15, 2027, 4:00 PM, and the state list updated October 1, 2026 marked 16 electrician entries as accepting applications\. sources: [1](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) , [2](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) , [3](https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/Registered-Apprenticeship-Program-List.pdf) Application fees are US$20 in Tucson and US$40 in Phoenix\. To license your own contracting business later, the Qualifying Party generally needs 4 years of experience and must pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam and a trade exam, unless an ROC waiver applies\. sources: [1](https://roc.az.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/License%20Classification%20Requirements_6.8.20_0.pdf) , [2](https://roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license) Every fact below comes from the state agency, the city or the program’s own page, checked October 9, 2026\. Arizona has no state prevailing wage, so pay figures come from program wage tables and the BLS survey, each labeled\. ## Arizona quick facts Question Arizona answer \(checked October 9, 2026\) Statewide journeyman license? None\. The Registrar of Contractors \(ROC\) licenses electrical contracting businesses \(R\-11, C\-11, CR\-11\), and the license belongs to the business source \. Employees paid wages are exempt from ROC licensing source City license in Phoenix? None for electricians\. Phoenix says it does not issue an electrical license for a journeyman or apprentice source Minimum age 18 at the Phoenix and Tucson JATCs and at ABA sources: 1 , 2 , 3 \. State rule: at least 16, usually 18 by industry source Apprenticeship length 4 years at Phoenix, Tucson, IEC of Arizona, IEC of Southern Arizona and ABA\. Phoenix describes an accelerated 5\-year curriculum completed in its 4\-year program sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 On\-the\-job hours 8,000 at Phoenix, Tucson, IEC of Arizona and IEC of Southern Arizona sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Classroom hours Tucson: 720 on its homepage, 900 on its About page and 2023 orientation, so confirm with the JATC; 576 at IEC of Arizona; DES says most programs require about 144 a year sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Entry test Phoenix: GAN Aptitude Test, no minimum score, plus a GAN Personal Experience Form\. Tucson: AIR aptitude test, 4 or higher for an interview sources: 1 , 2 Application fee US$40 Phoenix, US$20 Tucson, both non\-refundable sources: 1 , 2 Contractor license exams Statutes and Rules Exam \(online, open book, Gmetrix, US$61\) plus a PSI trade exam \(US$66\): 110 questions, 240 minutes, 70% to pass, based on the 2017 NEC sources: 1 , 2 Code in force Set by each city\. Phoenix enforces the 2023 NEC as part of its 2024 code, effective August 1, 2025 source Contractor license fee \(2 years\) C\-11 US$580, R\-11 US$720, CR\-11 US$850, exams not included source Years before a contractor license 4 years of practical or management experience for C\-11, R\-11 or CR\-11, at least 2 of them within the last 10 years sources: 1 , 2 Is an apprenticeship certificate a license? No\. It shows you completed a registered program\. Only the contracting business holds an ROC license sources: 1 , 2 ## Start here this week - You live in or near Tucson: apply to the Tucson Electrical JATC online before March 1, 2027\. Have your sealed transcript or GED scores, proof of a year of algebra \(C or better\) or the TECH Math certificate, a birth certificate or driver’s license, and proof of reliable transportation ready, then prepare for the AIR test \(4 or higher\)\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) - You live in the Phoenix metro: create a TradeSchool account and apply to the Phoenix Electrical JATC before March 15, 2027, 4:00 PM\. You get 30 days to finish once you start, then a GAN test on a Saturday and a Personal Experience Form\. [source](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) Open shop options: walk in to IEC of Arizona on a Monday or Wednesday, or apply to ABA online\. sources: [1](https://iecaz.org/apprenticeship) , [2](https://azbuilders.org/education/electrical-apprenticeship-program/) - You want a City of Phoenix job: the city runs its own Electrician Apprentice program \(8,000 hours, US$25\.43 an hour to start\), requires 80% or better on its aptitude test and expects its next posting in summer 2027\. [source](https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/hr/careers/apprenticeships/electrician-apprentice.html) - You are missing algebra: both JATCs accept the online Tech Math course in its place\. sources: [1](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) - You want a job now: a licensed contractor can hire you as an employee; employees paid wages need no ROC license\. [source](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01121.htm) DES lists every registered program and whether it is accepting applications\. [source](https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/Registered-Apprenticeship-Program-List.pdf) ## Step by step 1. Pick a program\. DES says to check its list of active programs, choose the job and contact the program directly\. [source](https://des.az.gov/services/employment/apprenticeship-program/job-seekers) The finder below covers each region\. 2. Check the basics\. Age 18 \(Phoenix: by the time you start\), a high school diploma or GED and algebra: Phoenix asks for Algebra 1 and 2 or a semester of college algebra; Tucson asks for one year with a C or better\. sources: [1](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) At Phoenix, over 2,000 documented hours of electrical construction work, or 3 years of honorable active duty, waive the school and math rules\. [source](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) 3. Apply before the deadline\. Tucson: March 1, 2027, US$20\. Phoenix: March 15, 2027, 4:00 PM, US$40\. sources: [1](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) , [2](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) 4. Take the test\. Phoenix uses the GAN Aptitude Test \(five areas, no minimum score; a higher score helps\) and a GAN Personal Experience Form instead of an interview\. [source](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) Tucson uses the AIR test and interviews applicants who score 4 or higher; a committee rates each interview 0 to 100 and ranks applicants\. sources: [1](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tucson-JATC-Orientation-May-2023.pdf) 5. Get selected and placed\. At Phoenix the JATC assigns you to a signatory contractor\. [source](https://pejatc.org/faq/) At Tucson you sign indenture paperwork with the State of Arizona and pass a drug screen\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tucson-JATC-Orientation-May-2023.pdf) 6. Work and study for 4 years\. 8,000 job hours at both JATCs\. Tucson’s homepage says 720 classroom hours and its About page says 900, so confirm with the JATC; classes run two nights a week, three hours each\. Phoenix raises come at 1,000, 2,000, 3,500, 5,000, 6,500 and 8,000 hours\. sources: [1](https://pejatc.org/faq/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/) , [3](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/about/) 7. Finish\. Tucson and IEC of Southern Arizona say graduates receive a State of Arizona completion certificate, and you may file it with the ROC certificate registry\. sources: [1](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tucson-JATC-Orientation-May-2023.pdf) , [2](https://iecsaz.org/Apprenticeship_Program_Information) , [3](https://roc.az.gov/apprenticeship-certificate-registry) A completion certificate, or a program’s own “journeyman” card, shows you finished the program\. It is not an ROC contractor license and does not let you contract on your own\. sources: [1](https://roc.az.gov/apprenticeship-certificate-registry) , [2](https://roc.az.gov/license-classifications) 8. License a business later, if you want one\. State law asks the Qualifying Party for 4 years of practical or management experience, at least 2 within the last 10 years, and lets accredited technical training count for up to 2 of the 4\. Then come the Statutes and Rules Exam and a PSI trade exam \(taken no more than 2 years before you apply\), a bond, a background check and fees\. sources: [1](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01122.htm) , [2](https://roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license) The ROC does not say how it counts apprenticeship years, so confirm with the ROC before you plan around it\. ## Do you need trade school first? No\. The Phoenix JATC, Tucson JATC, IEC and ABA requirement lists do not ask for trade school\. They ask for age 18, a diploma or GED, algebra or an approved math course, and transportation\. sources: [1](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) , [3](https://azbuilders.org/education/electrical-apprenticeship-program/) Phoenix even waives the school and math rules for applicants with over 2,000 documented hours of electrical construction work\. [source](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) ## Union or open shop? The Phoenix and Tucson JATCs are run by IBEW locals with NECA contractors, assign you to a signatory contractor, and charge US$187 a month \(Phoenix\) or no tuition \(Tucson\)\. sources: [1](https://pejatc.org/faq/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tucson-JATC-Orientation-May-2023.pdf) IEC and ABA programs place you with member contractors and set their own costs \(US$1,900 a year at IEC of Southern Arizona\)\. sources: [1](https://iecsaz.org/Apprenticeship_Program_Information) , [2](https://azbuilders.org/education/electrical-apprenticeship-program/) Compare starting pay, cost, deadline, class nights and drive time, and apply to every program you qualify for\. ## Which program fits where you live Each program sets its own area and rules, so open its page before you apply\. If more than one fits, you can apply to each one you qualify for\. Where you live Programs to check first Status on Oct 9, 2026 Phoenix metro \(Maricopa County\) Phoenix Electrical JATC, IBEW 640 \(union\) source ; IEC of Arizona, Tempe source ; ABA Education Trust Fund source ; contractor programs such as DP Electric, Canyon State Electric, WECA and EVIT source Open Phoenix JATC to March 15, 2027, 4:00 PM\. The others are marked accepting on the DES list updated October 1, 2026 Phoenix, city government jobs City of Phoenix Electrician Apprentice \(Aviation, Public Works, Street Transportation and Water Services; not the Phoenix Electrical JATC\) source Next posting summer 2027 The city expects its next posting in summer 2027; sign up for its email notices Tucson and Southern Arizona \(Pima County\) Tucson Electrical JATC, IBEW 570 \(union\) source ; IEC of Southern Arizona source Open Tucson JATC to March 1, 2027\. IEC of Southern Arizona is marked accepting on the DES list; its page gives July 23 as the expected yearly deadline Flagstaff and Northern Arizona Northern Arizona Electrical Contractors Association source Accepting \(DES list\) Globe and Miami \(Gila County\) Globe\-Miami Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program source Accepting \(DES list\) Navajo Nation Navajo Tribal Utility Authority source Accepting \(DES list\) Tohono O’odham Nation Tohono O’odham Community College source Accepting \(DES list\) Yuma PCL Solar Constructors USA \(Electrician\) source Accepting \(DES list\) ## Which route fits you Route Who it fits Test to get in Cost to you Years Pay while learning Union JATC, Phoenix \(IBEW 640 and NECA\) People who can reach job sites anywhere in the program’s area, lift 50 pounds regularly, climb ladders, work in attics and crawlspaces, and understand instructions and warnings in English; 2,000 documented hours or 3 years of active duty waive the school and math rules source GAN Aptitude Test, no minimum; GAN Personal Experience Form instead of an interview source US$40 application; US$187 a month during the program sources: 1 , 2 4 \(8,000 hours\) sources: 1 , 2 US$23\.18 an hour to start \(undated on the program page\) source Union JATC, Tucson \(IBEW 570 and NECA\) People with a year of algebra \(C or better\) or the TECH Math course and proof of reliable transportation, who will take a drug test at entry and during the apprenticeship source AIR aptitude test, 4 or higher, then a committee interview sources: 1 , 2 US$20 application; no tuition; books about US$800 to US$1,000 a year \(2023 document\) sources: 1 , 2 4 source 55% of the journeyman rate in period 1 \(journeyman US$34\.16 from June 1, 2026\) source IEC of Arizona \(open shop, Tempe\) People who can visit the office in person; you work for a member contractor source Not published; ask at the office Not published 4 \(576 classroom and 8,000 job hours\) source Set by the member contractor; not published IEC of Southern Arizona \(open shop, Tucson\) Tucson area; online application with a Math Assessment source Math Assessment with the application source US$1,900 a year tuition; some employers pay it source 4 source US$17\.40 an hour \(60% of US$29\.00, rate effective August 1, 2025\) source ABA Education Trust Fund \(ABC and AGC\) Age 18\+, ID, reliable transportation, two class nights a week source Not published Not published 4 source About 50% of the journeyworker rate to start source City of Phoenix Electrician Apprentice \(city employment\) High school diploma or GED at hire; able to move 50 pounds or more short distances and work above 10 feet source City Apprentice Aptitude Test, 80% or better source None published 8,000 job hours and at least 900 instruction hours source US$25\.43 an hour to start; US$37\.58 after 8,000 hours \(undated\) source Get hired by a licensed contractor Anyone a contractor will hire; employees paid wages need no ROC license source Set by the employer None published No fixed length Set by the employer Run your own electrical business People with 4 years of practical or management experience, 2 of them within the last 10 years sources: 1 , 2 ROC Statutes and Rules Exam plus a PSI trade exam, 70% to pass source See the license table After 4 years of experience Not applicable ## If you are not selected - Expect competition\. Phoenix says not everyone who applies is accepted because there are more qualified candidates than available jobs\. [source](https://pejatc.org/faq/) - Apply to more than one program\. Deadlines differ \(Tucson March 1, Phoenix March 15, 2027\), and IEC of Arizona takes applications in person every week\. sources: [1](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) , [2](https://pejatc.org/how-to-apply/) , [3](https://iecaz.org/apprenticeship) - Stay on the list\. At Tucson, interviewed applicants stay eligible for selection for 1 year from the interview\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tucson-JATC-Orientation-May-2023.pdf) - Work in the trade meanwhile\. A licensed contractor can hire you as a wage employee\. [source](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01121.htm) Keep your pay stubs or W\-2s: Phoenix does not transfer non\-union classroom credit but may evaluate your job hours\. [source](https://pejatc.org/faq/) ## Arizona license and certification details Category Experience Classroom Exam Fee C\-11 Electrical \(commercial\) : wiring and equipment under 600 volts, including overhead wiring on public right\-of\-ways for signs and street decorations\. The same ROC entry says its building\-wiring scope does not permit work in public right\-of\-ways, so read the full C\-11 text for your job source 4 years of practical or management experience held by the Qualifying Party, at least 2 within the last 10 years; accredited technical training can count for up to 2 of the 4 sources: 1 , 2 None required by ROC Statutes and Rules Exam \(Gmetrix, open book\) plus PSI C\-11/CR\-11 trade exam: 110 questions, 240 minutes, 70%, 2017 NEC, listed reference books allowed \(outline revised 6/8/23\)\. NASCLA electrical exam accepted instead \(2020 or 2023 NEC from 8/1/25\)\. By statute, the exam must be taken no more than 2 years before you apply sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 New: US$580 \(US$100 application plus US$480 license, 2 years\)\. Renewal US$480\. Exams US$61 plus US$66 \(NASCLA US$116\)\. Bond from US$2,500 sources: 1 , 2 R\-11 Electrical \(residential\) : residential electrical systems source 4 years source None required by ROC Statutes and Rules Exam plus PSI R\-11 trade exam: 110 questions, 240 minutes, 70%, 2017 NEC, listed reference books allowed \(the PSI file named C\-11\.pdf holds the R\-11 outline\) source New: US$720 \(includes US$370 Recovery Fund\)\. Renewal US$540\. Bond from US$4,250 sources: 1 , 2 CR\-11 Electrical \(dual\) : both the C\-11 and R\-11 scopes source 4 years source None required by ROC Statutes and Rules Exam plus the C\-11/CR\-11 trade exam source New: US$850\. Renewal US$650\. Bond: residential plus commercial amounts combined sources: 1 , 2 Working as an electrician employee Set by your employer Set by your program None from the state No ROC license for employees paid wages source Registered apprentice \(DES\) Most programs 3 to 4 years; electrical programs 4 years with 8,000 job hours sources: 1 , 2 About 144 hours a year in most programs source None from the state; each program sets its own entry test You may file your completion certificate with the ROC registry \(A\.R\.S\. 32\-1129\); the ROC says this is no promise of licensure sources: 1 , 2 City of Phoenix No electrician license; permits need a registered contractor source Phoenix journeyman and apprentice licenses cover plumbing and mechanical work only source The ROC trade exams are written on the 2017 NEC \(PSI outlines last revised June 8, 2023\), while Phoenix enforces the 2023 NEC since August 1, 2025, with the HVAC GFCI rule in 210\.8\(F\) deferred to March 1, 2027\. sources: [1](https://proctor2.psionline.com/media/programs/AZ%20CO/L-11.pdf) , [2](https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/pdd/tools-resources/codes-ordinance/building-code.html) Arizona has no direct reciprocity with any state, but the ROC may waive the trade exam and experience for a comparable out\-of\-state license held within 5 years and obtained by exam\. For the Statutes and Rules Exam, the same ROC page says two things: in its out\-of\-state section, it cannot be waived unless the proposed Qualifying Party was the Qualifying Party on an Arizona license within the past 5 years; in its FAQ, it “cannot be waived because it has reference to Arizona specific statutes and rules\.” Plan to take it and confirm any waiver with the ROC\. [source](https://roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license) ## Programs and their status on October 9, 2026 Program Metro Test used Status on Oct 9, 2026 Link Phoenix Electrical JATC \(IBEW 640 and NECA; over 800 apprentices\) Phoenix GAN Aptitude Test \(Reading, Numerical Computation, Numerical Reasoning, Paper Folding, Mechanical Reasoning\), Saturdays, no minimum score\. GAN Personal Experience Form replaces the interview Open Fall semester starting July 2027\. Deadline March 15, 2027, 4:00 PM\. Online through a TradeSchool account; 30 days to finish once started apply page FAQ Tucson Electrical JATC \(IBEW 570 and NECA\) Tucson AIR aptitude test \(electrical training ALLIANCE\), 4 or higher out of 9 for an interview Open Deadline March 1, 2027, for September 2027 classes\. Online, with an online orientation apply page orientation IEC of Arizona \(open shop\) Tempe and Phoenix metro Not published Open Applications in person only, Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 3:00 PM, 4625 S\. Ash Avenue, Suite J17, Tempe source DES list IEC of Southern Arizona \(open shop\) Tucson Math Assessment with the application Accepting \(DES list\) on October 1, 2026\. Program page: expected deadline July 23 each year, so confirm the current window source DES list ABA Education Trust Fund \(Arizona Builders Alliance, ABC and AGC\) Scottsdale and Phoenix metro Not published Open Online application form source DES list Globe\-Miami Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program Globe Not published Accepting \(DES list\) Email or phone listed by DES DES list Northern Arizona Electrical Contractors Association Flagstaff Not published Accepting \(DES list\) DES list Contractor and school programs : DP Electric \(Tempe\), University of Canyon State Electric \(Phoenix\), Western Electrical Contractors Association \(Phoenix\), EVIT \(Mesa\), Tohono O’odham Community College \(Sells\), Navajo Tribal Utility Authority \(Fort Defiance\) Statewide Not published Accepting \(DES list\) DES list City of Phoenix Electrician Apprentice \(city employment, not the JATC\) Phoenix City Apprentice Aptitude Test, 80% or better Next posting summer 2027 The DES list of October 1, 2026 marks city departments not accepting; the city page says the next posting is anticipated in summer 2027 city page DES list GateWay and Pima Community Colleges Phoenix and Tucson Not published Not accepting on the DES list updated October 1, 2026 DES list The DES list updated October 1, 2026 marks 16 electrician entries as accepting: 13 under “Electrician / Interior Electrician” and 3 under “Electrician” \(Maverick US Inc in Phoenix, PCL Solar Constructors USA in Yuma and Tohono O’odham Community College in Sells, which appears under both labels\)\. The 13 “Electrician / Interior Electrician” sponsors are ABA Education Trust Fund, DP Electric, EVIT, Globe\-Miami, IEC of Southern Arizona, IEC of Arizona, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Northern Arizona Electrical Contractors Association, Phoenix Electrical JATC, Tohono O’odham Community College, Tucson Electrical JATC, University of Canyon State Electric and WECA\. Utility jobs such as line, meter and substation work are separate occupations on the same list\. [source](https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/Registered-Apprenticeship-Program-List.pdf) “Accepting \(DES list\)” means the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Program List, updated October 1, 2026, marks the sponsor as accepting applications; ask the program about its current window and documents\. [source](https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/Registered-Apprenticeship-Program-List.pdf) Program names belong to their owners\. The program’s own page is always the final word\. Tsai Electro is an independent publisher, not an apprenticeship sponsor or a licensing authority\. ### Looking for electrician jobs in Arizona? Some contractors hire helpers and apprentices directly, outside program application windows\. Join our free Arizona list and licensed electrical contractors we have checked can contact you\. Join the free contractor list A list, not a job posting\. We email you before any contractor sees your details, and you can leave the list at any time\. ## Pay from official sources Read this first: Arizona law bars state agencies and cities from requiring prevailing wages on public works, so there is no state wage determination to quote\. [source](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/34/00321.htm) The figures below are each program’s own wage table or a federal survey, labeled that way\. Area / program First\-year apprentice \(per hour\) Journeyman \(per hour\) Effective Source Tucson Electrical JATC \(IBEW 570\) 55% of the journeyman rate in period 1 \(about US$18\.79, our arithmetic; about US$19\.43 from January 1, 2027\) US$34\.16; US$35\.32 from January 1, 2027\. Total package US$47\.00, then US$48\.40 June 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027 Program: JATC wage table source Phoenix Electrical JATC \(IBEW 640\) US$23\.18 “currently starting” Not published on the JATC site Undated on the program page Program: JATC FAQ source IEC of Southern Arizona US$17\.40 \(60%\), first 1,000 hours US$29\.00 journey worker rate August 1, 2025 Program: IEC SAZ page source City of Phoenix Electrician Apprentice \(city employment\) US$25\.43 US$37\.58 after 8,000 hours Undated on the city page City: recruitment page source ABA Education Trust Fund About 50% of the journeyworker rate Not published Undated Program: ABA page source Federal survey: BLS OEWS, Arizona, all electricians \(not a wage rate or determination\) n/a Mean US$30\.88, median US$29\.36 \(US$64,220 and US$61,060 a year\); 21,140 employed May 2025 source Tucson ladder: 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% and 80% of the journeyman rate across six periods, based on classroom and job hours\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wages/) Tucson also lists a 4% working assessment on hourly gross pay for initiated members; apprentices pay it starting at the 3rd period, so take\-home pay is lower than the table rate\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/wages/) IEC of Southern Arizona: 60% rising to 88% \(US$25\.52\) in the last 1,000 hours\. [source](https://iecsaz.org/Apprenticeship_Program_Information) The BLS figures are a May 2025 survey of all Arizona electricians, not a union rate\. ## Costs and timeline Item Amount Source Phoenix JATC application fee US$40, non\-refundable source Phoenix JATC tuition US$187 a month for as long as you are in the 4\-year program\. At 48 payments that would be US$8,976 \(our arithmetic\); actual payments depend on your enrollment and the program’s terms source Tucson JATC application fee US$20, non\-refundable, paid by card source Tucson JATC tuition and books No tuition\. Books: an average of US$950 a year on the current JATC pages \(US$800 to US$1,000 in the orientation revised May 10, 2023\) sources: 1 , 2 , 3 Tucson required hand tools A starter list including a 600\-volt CAT III tester, side cutters and wire strippers \(2023 document\) source IEC of Southern Arizona tuition US$1,900 a year \(US$950 a semester\)\. US$300 twice a year fee, paid by member contractors or by you if you do not work for one source ROC Statutes and Rules Exam US$61, paid to Gmetrix source ROC trade exam US$66 \(PSI\); NASCLA electrical option US$116 sources: 1 , 2 ROC new license, 2 years C\-11 US$580, R\-11 US$720, CR\-11 US$850\. First\-time sole proprietors who are military spouses, recently discharged veterans or at or under 200% of poverty guidelines can have the initial fee waived \(Recovery Fund still due\) source ROC renewal, every 2 years C\-11 US$480, R\-11 US$540, CR\-11 US$650 source ROC license bond From US$2,500 \(commercial specialty, US$150,000 volume or less\) and US$4,250 \(residential specialty, under US$375,000\) source Timeline for the Tucson union route: 1. Now to March 1, 2027: apply online, finish the online orientation, pay US$20\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) 2. Spring 2027: AIR test, then the committee interview\. The program does not publish these dates\. 3. September 2027: classes start for the new group\. [source](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/become-an-apprentice/) 4. About 4 years later: finish 8,000 job hours and the classroom hours \(720 on the homepage, 900 on the About page\), around 2031 by our arithmetic\. sources: [1](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/) , [2](https://www.tucsonjatc.org/about/) 5. Your own contracting license: after 4 years of qualifying experience, pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the trade exam, post a bond and apply to the ROC; confirm with the ROC which years count\. sources: [1](https://roc.az.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/License%20Classification%20Requirements_6.8.20_0.pdf) , [2](https://roc.az.gov/applying-for-a-license) Applying to an Arizona JATC? Tucson’s AIR test has an algebra portion and asks for 4 or higher; Phoenix’s GAN test includes reading and numerical computation\. Practice math and reading, timed, for free\. Start the free practice See the U\.S\. kit, US$39 U\.S\. Edition: 1,300 math and 216 reading questions, 6 timed simulations, interview prep and a guide to 49 JATCs\. One payment, files yours to keep\. The practice and the kit are Tsai Electro’s own prep products\. They are not affiliated with IBEW, NECA, GAN, any JATC or the Arizona Registrar of Contractors\. Check [which aptitude test each JATC uses](https://www.tsaielectro.com/ibew-aptitude-test-by-local/) and compare [first\-year IBEW apprentice pay by local](https://www.tsaielectro.com/ibew-apprentice-pay-by-local/) across the U\.S\. The state’s own list of every registered program is the [DES Registered Apprenticeship Program List](https://des.az.gov/sites/default/files/Registered-Apprenticeship-Program-List.pdf) \. ## Questions people ask Does Arizona have a journeyman electrician license? No\. Arizona has no state journeyman or master electrician license\. The Registrar of Contractors licenses electrical contracting businesses in three classes, R\-11 \(residential\), C\-11 \(commercial\) and CR\-11 \(both\), and employees paid wages are exempt from contractor licensing\. The City of Phoenix also says it does not issue an electrical license for a journeyman or apprentice\. An apprenticeship completion certificate shows you finished a program; it is not a contractor license\. Do I need trade school before an Arizona electrician apprenticeship? No\. The Phoenix JATC, Tucson JATC, IEC and ABA requirement lists ask for age 18, a diploma or GED, algebra or an approved math course and transportation, not trade school\. Phoenix waives its school and math rules for applicants with over 2,000 documented hours of electrical construction work\. You also need no state license to work as a wage employee for a licensed contractor\. Which Arizona electrician apprenticeships are open right now? As of October 9, 2026, the Tucson Electrical JATC was open until March 1, 2027 and the Phoenix Electrical JATC until March 15, 2027, 4:00 PM\. IEC of Arizona takes applications in person on Mondays and Wednesdays, and ABA takes them online\. The state DES list updated October 1, 2026 marks 16 electrician entries as accepting\. Under the label Electrician / Interior Electrician there are 13: ABA Education Trust Fund, DP Electric, EVIT, Globe\-Miami, IEC of Southern Arizona, IEC of Arizona, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Northern Arizona Electrical Contractors Association, Phoenix Electrical JATC, Tohono O’odham Community College, Tucson Electrical JATC, University of Canyon State Electric and WECA\. Under the label Electrician there are 3 more: Maverick US Inc, PCL Solar Constructors USA and Tohono O’odham Community College\. The City of Phoenix Electrician Apprentice program expects its next posting in summer 2027\. What aptitude test do Arizona electrical apprenticeships use? It depends on the program\. The Phoenix Electrical JATC uses the GAN Aptitude Test \(Reading, Numerical Computation, Numerical Reasoning, Paper Folding and Mechanical Reasoning\) with no minimum score, plus a GAN Personal Experience Form instead of an interview\. The Tucson Electrical JATC uses the AIR aptitude test and interviews applicants who score 4 or higher\. IEC of Southern Arizona asks for a Math Assessment with the application\. How much does a first\-year electrician apprentice make in Arizona? It depends on the program\. The Tucson JATC pays 55% of a US$34\.16 journeyman rate \(about US$18\.79 an hour, our arithmetic\) from June 1, 2026\. The Phoenix JATC says apprentices currently start at US$23\.18 an hour, with no date given\. IEC of Southern Arizona starts at US$17\.40, 60% of a US$29\.00 rate effective August 1, 2025\. The BLS May 2025 mean for all Arizona electricians is US$30\.88 an hour\. How do I get an electrical contractor license in Arizona? You need a Qualifying Party with 4 years of practical or management experience, at least 2 within the last 10 years, who passes the online Statutes and Rules Exam \(US$61\) and a PSI trade exam \(US$66, 110 questions, 70% to pass, based on the 2017 NEC\)\. Then the business posts a bond \(from US$2,500 for C\-11\), passes background checks and pays the fee: US$580 for C\-11, US$720 for R\-11 or US$850 for CR\-11, for 2 years\. Confirm with the ROC how it counts your apprenticeship years\. How much does an Arizona electrical apprenticeship cost? It depends on the program\. Tucson charges a US$20 application fee and no tuition, with books averaging US$950 a year on its current pages\. Phoenix charges a US$40 application fee and US$187 a month during the 4\-year program\. IEC of Southern Arizona charges US$1,900 a year, which some employers pay\. ## Change log October 9, 2026: page published; every fact from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, DES, Arizona statutes, the City of Phoenix or the program’s own page, checked October 9, 2026\. October 9, 2026 \(review round 1\): added the City of Phoenix Electrician Apprentice program, the statutory Qualifying Party rule \(2 of 4 years within the last 10\), the full C\-11 scope wording, the out\-of\-state waiver rule for the Statutes and Rules Exam, Tucson’s drug test and 4% working assessment, trade school, union versus open shop and not\-selected sections, and the named list of 13 accepting sponsors\. October 9, 2026 \(review round 2\): counted the 3 accepting sponsors listed under Electrician \(16 entries in all\), noted Tucson’s 720 versus 900 classroom hours and current US$950 book cost, quoted both ROC statements on the Statutes and Rules Exam waiver, and noted the waiver exception in the short answer\. Next re\-checks: the DES program list each month, the City of Phoenix apprentice page for the summer 2027 posting, IEC of Southern Arizona before its expected July 23 deadline, and the Tucson and Phoenix JATC pages before their March 1 and March 15, 2027 deadlines\. Spot an error? Email hello@tsaielectro\.com and we correct it within 48 hours\.