Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
In Arizona, anyone installing temporary power poles for pay needs a C-11T license from the Registrar of Contractors. It costs $550 to apply, $300 for the license, $100 for the recovery fund, $132 for two exams, and a $4,250 bond. A complete application takes about 30 days. Budget 6 to 8 weeks total.
Do you need a license for temp power in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona makes anyone who contracts to install, alter, or repair temporary power poles hold a contractor license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (the ROC). No exceptions for small jobs.
The statute reads wide. A.R.S. § 32-1151 defines a contractor as "any person who undertakes to or offers to undertake to, or purports to have the capacity to undertake to, or submits a bid to, or does himself or by or through others, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, excavation or other structure, project, development or improvement, or to do any part thereof." [1] A temp power pole is a structure. Installing it for a customer is contracting.
Work without the license and you can't legally pull a city permit. You also face a class 1 misdemeanor and a fine up to $1,000. [2] That's before any restitution the ROC orders you to pay the customer.
What is a C-11T Temporary Power license?
The C-11T is a specialty classification from the ROC. It covers contractors who limit their work to temporary power poles, temporary meter loops, generators, and temporary wiring for construction sites, events, or emergency service. Nothing permanent.
The ROC's classification list names C-11T as "Temporary Power." [3] It sits below the full C-11 Electrical license, which authorizes all electrical work in the state. If temp power is your whole business, the C-11T is the cheaper, faster door.
You pass two exams to get it: a trade exam for the classification and a business management exam on Arizona statutes and rules. [6] Both go through PSI. [12]
Who needs a C-11T license?
Anyone who contracts with a customer to set a temporary power pole needs it. Construction site, festival, disaster recovery scene, the location doesn't matter. Subcontracting for a general contractor doesn't get you off the hook either. You still hold your own license.
Employees are different. If you work for a licensed contractor, the company's license covers you, and you don't need a personal one. Homeowners doing their own work on their own property are exempt too. But the minute you charge someone else, you're contracting and you need the C-11T. [1][2]
The license also covers renting out temp power equipment when you're the one installing it.
How much does temp power licensing cost in Arizona?
Upfront fees for a C-11T come to $1,082. That's before the bond, insurance, or a single pole. Here's the 2024 breakdown from the ROC:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (specialty) | $550 |
| License fee (biennial) | $300 |
| Recovery fund assessment | $100 |
| Business management exam | $66 |
| Trade exam (C-11T) | $66 |
| Total upfront fees | $1,082 |
Then the bond. The ROC requires a $4,250 surety bond for a specialty license with gross annual volume up to $100,000. [5] You don't pay $4,250. You pay a premium, usually 1% to 3% a year, so roughly $42 to $128 depending on your credit.
Insurance is the part people underbudget. The ROC sets no minimum for general liability, but most general contractors won't put you on a site without at least $1 million in coverage. Workers' comp is required by state law once you hire anyone. [9]
All in, first-year cost usually lands between $2,000 and $3,000 before equipment. Arizona sits mid-range. Tennessee's license path can run around $1,500 just for the license side. (See our temp power cost in Tennessee for a side-by-side.)
How long does it take to get a temp power license in Arizona?
The ROC says a complete application takes about 30 days to review. [7] The catch is the word "complete." The 30 days starts after you've filed the application, the bond, passing exam scores, and cleared the background check. Not before.
Exams eat the early weeks. You must pass both before you file. You can usually book a PSI testing slot within a week, but studying takes longer. From the day you crack the prep book to the day the license is in hand, plan on 6 to 8 weeks.
Miss a document and the ROC sends a deficiency notice. That resets the clock. The fastest path is boring on purpose: study, pass both exams, then file with every attachment in one packet. Applications go in the order received, and spring peak season can push review to 45 days.
How do I apply for a C-11T license?
Start with the qualifying party. That's the person who takes the exams and vouches for the company's competence, and they need at least four years of experience in temporary power work. They also pass a criminal background check. [11]
Next, study for and pass two exams: the Arizona Statutes and Rules (business management) exam and the C-11T trade exam. Both run through PSI, and you register online. [12] After you pass, fill out the application, attach the bond, proof of insurance, and the qualifying party's experience verification. Pay the fees. File online or by mail.
The ROC reviews and, if the packet is complete, issues the license inside the 30-day window. The license runs two years. Renew before it expires and pay the $300 renewal fee. [10]
Got the license? The next job is finding customers. Read how to start temp power in Arizona for equipment, pricing, and first-client moves.
What bond and insurance do I need?
The bond is not optional. The ROC requires $4,250 for a specialty license with gross volume up to $100,000. Cross that revenue line and the bond climbs. [5] The bond protects your customers if you do faulty work or break the law. You buy it from any surety company licensed in Arizona, and the premium is a yearly cost.
Insurance is where the ROC steps back and the market steps in. The state doesn't mandate general liability for the license. But the bond won't pay for property damage or a bodily injury claim, so you carry your own. Aim for at least $1 million in general liability. Most general contractors treat that as the floor for getting on a site.
Workers' comp is state law the moment you hire anyone. A sole proprietor with no employees is exempt in Arizona, but that exemption ends with your first hire. [9] Ask a broker before you assume you're clear.
Are there local permits I need after getting licensed?
Yes. The state license lets you contract. It doesn't pull the permit for you. Every city and county sets its own permit rules for temporary power poles.
The City of Phoenix requires a separate electrical permit for a temporary power pole. You submit a site plan and the pole's specs. Maricopa County and other jurisdictions run similar fees, and a simple pole permit often issues fast once you show your state license and a clean drawing. Some rural counties are looser.
The rule is simple: call the local building department before you dig in. Permit cost is never bundled into your license fees. California's licensing structure is different from Arizona's (see temp power license in California), but the local-permit hurdle exists there too.
C-11 Electrical vs. C-11T: which is right for you?
If temp power poles are all you'll ever touch and you never plan to run permanent wiring, the C-11T wins. Lower experience bar, cheaper to hold, narrower exam.
The full C-11 Electrical license asks for more: more experience and a higher bond than the specialty tier. [13] It also authorizes every temp power job the C-11T does, plus residential and commercial wiring. So if you think you'll branch into permanent electrical work in a year or two, getting the C-11 now can save you an upgrade later.
Many contractors start narrow with the C-11T, land steady work, then add classifications. Texas has a comparable standalone temp power license if you're weighing states. See our temp power license in Texas guide.
| Feature | C-11T | C-11 Electrical |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Temporary power only | All electrical work |
| Trade exam | Narrower | Broader |
| Best for | Temp-power-only shops | Full electrical contractors |
What are common first-year mistakes?
Cash runs out first. New licensees underestimate the bond premium plus insurance, then can't float the gap before the first check lands. Budget the whole $2,000 to $3,000, more than the license fees.
The second miss is the exam. People skip the prep book, fail the trade exam, and wait 30 days to retake it. That's a month gone.
The third is permits. Some assume the state license covers them everywhere in Arizona, forget the city permit, and eat a fine.
Another one: no reliable supplier. Temp poles and meters must meet the utility's specs, so build a relationship with a local electrical supply house before you need parts on a deadline. And don't price to the floor. A temp power pole installation in Arizona typically runs $300 to $600, pole, labor, and permit included. Charge under $250 and you're paying to work.
What equipment do I need to start?
You need a pole, a meter base, a disconnect, and the right wiring. Many contractors start with a pre-assembled kit that bundles cable, a fuel cell, and a 480V panel so they aren't sourcing parts one at a time.
TempPowerPath sells a $179 one-time Cable + Fuel + 480V Kit that covers a single temporary setup. It's a cheap way to get hands-on before you buy a full inventory.
Beyond that: basic hand tools, a ladder, a truck. Don't cut the safety gear. Hard hat, gloves, arc flash protection. As you grow, add poles and maybe a generator for off-grid sites. Start small, then plow your first job profits back into better gear.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for temp power in Arizona?
Yes. You need a C-11T Temporary Power license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors to install temporary power poles for pay. Homeowners doing their own work don't need one, but anyone who charges for the service must be licensed. Unlicensed contracting is a class 1 misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000.
How much does it cost to get a temp power license in Arizona?
Upfront fees total $1,082: a $550 application fee, $300 license fee, $100 recovery fund assessment, and $132 for two exams. You also need a $4,250 bond, which costs about $42 to $128 a year in premium. Add insurance and equipment, so budget $2,000 to $3,000 for the first year.
How long does it take to get licensed?
The ROC says a complete application takes about 30 days. But you must pass two exams first, which takes weeks to schedule and study for. Plan on 6 to 8 weeks start to finish. Incomplete applications trigger a deficiency notice that resets the clock, and spring peak season can stretch review to 45 days.
Can I do temp power work without a license if I'm just helping a friend?
No, not if money changes hands. Accept any payment or anything of value and you're contracting, which needs a license. Free help that falls under the contracting scope could technically violate the law, though the ROC rarely chases true volunteer work. To stay safe, take no compensation.
What is the penalty for working without a license?
A first offense is a class 1 misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The ROC can also issue a cease and desist order and require restitution to the customer. Repeat offenses can escalate to felony charges.
Do I need a business license in addition to the contractor license?
Yes, in most cases. If you operate as a business, you'll likely need a local business license from the city or county where you're based. The contractor license does not replace it. Check with your city clerk's office before you open for business.
Can I get a C-11T license without experience?
No. The qualifying party must have at least four years of practical experience in temporary power work. The ROC verifies it through employment records, W-2s, or letters from previous employers. If you lack the experience yourself, you can hire a qualifying party who already holds it.
How often do I need to renew my license?
Every two years. The renewal fee is $300, and you must keep your bond and insurance active. The ROC sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration. Late renewals incur a penalty fee, so mark the date.
What is the recovery fund?
It's a state fund that compensates customers harmed by a licensed contractor's defective work or law violation. The $100 assessment you pay at application goes into it. It isn't a deposit, so you don't get it back.
Can I use a temporary power pole from a rental company?
Yes, you can rent poles and equipment. But you're still responsible for installing it correctly and meeting local codes and utility specs. The rental company isn't liable for your installation errors, so inspect what you rent.
Is the C-11T license recognized in other states?
No. Each state runs its own licensing. Arizona has no reciprocity for the C-11T specifically. Plan to work in a neighboring state and you must get licensed there separately.
What if I fail the exam?
You retake it. There's a 30-day wait between attempts, and you pay the exam fee again each time. A prep course helps. The trade exam covers the National Electrical Code and Arizona-specific rules, so study both.
Sources
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-1151: Definition of contractor and requirement to be licensed.
- Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-1154: License required for contracting; penalties for unlicensed work.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors License Classifications: C-11T is the classification for temporary power.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Fee Schedule: Application fee $550, license fee $300, recovery fund assessment $100 for specialty licenses.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Bond Requirements: Specialty license bond amount $4,250 for gross volume up to $100,000.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Examination Information: Exam fees are $66 each for the business management and trade exams.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Application Process: Typical processing time is 30 days for a complete application.
- Industrial Commission of Arizona Workers' Compensation: Workers' compensation insurance is required for employers; sole proprietors without employees are exempt.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Renewal Information: Renewal fee for specialty license is $300 every two years.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors Background Check: Qualifying party must pass a criminal background check.
- PSI Exams Online: Exams are administered by PSI; scheduling can be done online.
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors License Classifications: C-11 Electrical license scope and higher requirements than the C-11T specialty.