Message from Israel G. Torres, Director - January 2006


Enhancements made to contractor license exam process
ROC adds new testing center, expands hours & capacity
When it comes to running your business, let's face it, we all want more time to focus on the things that matter most -- completing jobs, hiring the right people, and monitoring the financials. Recently the ROC changed the contractor's license examination process to benefit both aspiring and licensed contractors.

A key step in the licensing process is the successful completion of the contractor examination, which is taken at a designated ROC testing site. This month we've added a sixth testing location in Goodyear to give applicants in the growing western Maricopa County more convenience and accessibility. Our other testing sites are in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Tempe and Casa Grande.

Additionally, all of the ROC's testing locations have expanded operating hours from five to six days a week and are now open 10 hours each business day so applicants can take the license exam when it best suits their schedules. Within these sites, the ROC has added testing stations to increase volume capacity so more contractors can move more efficiently through the license examination process.

At the ROC, we recognize the continued record-setting growth of our industry. These enhancements to the license examinations sites are necessary to ensure a fair, thorough, yet efficient testing process. As a matter of fact, when it comes to volume capacity, aspiring contractors took nearly 6,700 ROC license exams just last year. Outside the business management examination, which all licensees are required to take, the top five trade exams in order were:

  1. general residential contractor and general small commercial contractor;
  2. general commercial contractor;
  3. commercial electrical;
  4. residential painting and wall covering and commercial painting and wall covering; and
  5. residential limited remodeling and repair contractor, carpentry, commercial remodeling and repairs, and residential general remodeling and repair contractor.

We make it easy for you to register, schedule and learn about the ROC license examination online at www.azroc.gov. Click on "Licensing" and then "Examination Requirements."

The ROC is committed to working on behalf of and partnering with aspiring and current Arizona-licensed contractors. Keeping this in mind, the ROC strives to make the licensing process straightforward from start to finish. For more information about licensing, visit the ROC Web site or call 602-542-1525, ext. 7605 or statewide outside Maricopa County at 888-271-9286, ext. 7605.

Signature of Israel G. Torres.
Israel G. Torres, Director