Arizona Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-37) Exam Book Package

The Arizona Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-37) Exam Book Package is designed for contractors, qualifying parties, plumbing professionals, pipefitters, hydronic heating technicians, construction supervisors, and business owners preparing for the Arizona CR-37 Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor trade exam. This package brings together the key references used to study plumbing systems, fuel gas systems, mechanical code requirements, fire sprinkler standards, on-site wastewater rules, plumbing math, pipe trade information, boilers, hydronic heating, underground utility awareness, and OSHA construction safety.

The CR-37 classification is a dual residential and commercial plumbing contractor classification in Arizona. This means it allows the scopes of work permitted by both the commercial C-37 Plumbing and residential R-37 Plumbing classifications. Candidates preparing for this license path should understand the installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing systems within both residential and commercial settings.

Plumbing work can include water supply piping, drainage systems, venting, fuel gas piping, fixtures, appliances, pressure vessels, tanks, water heaters, fire sprinkler-related plumbing, hydronic heating, on-site wastewater system provisions, and related equipment common to the plumbing industry. Because the CR-37 classification covers both residential and commercial plumbing scopes, candidates should prepare for a wide range of code, safety, system, and trade knowledge topics.

This package supports a complete study approach for the Arizona CR-37 Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor exam. The included references cover the International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, NFPA sprinkler standards, Arizona on-site wastewater provisions, OSHA safety, pipe trade calculations, hydronic heating, boiler operation, underground utility awareness, and practical pipe trade information.

The Arizona CR-37 exam is an open-book test with specific rules about which references may be brought into the examination center. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references. The testing center does not provide the books. Strong preparation should include reading, highlighting, permanent tabbing, reference organization, and timed lookup practice before exam day.

Exam Details

The Arizona C-37 and CR-37 Plumbing trade exam contains 80 questions. Candidates must earn a minimum passing score of 70%, and the time allowed for the exam is 210 minutes.

The exam content outline includes major plumbing trade areas connected to residential and commercial plumbing work. Candidates should prepare for topics such as:

• General Plumbing Knowledge
• Water Supply Systems
• Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems
• Fuel Gas Systems
• Hydronic Heating and Boilers
• Fire Protection and Sprinkler Systems
• Plumbing Fixtures, Appliances, and Equipment
• Piping, Fittings, Valves, and Supports
• Plans, Estimating, and Calculations
• On-Site Wastewater and Sewage Treatment Provisions
• Excavation, Underground Work, and Utility Awareness
• Safety

General plumbing knowledge may include trade terminology, tools, equipment, materials, installation practices, testing procedures, inspections, troubleshooting, and field conditions. Candidates should understand how plumbing systems are installed and how code requirements apply to real residential and commercial projects.

Water supply questions may involve potable water piping, pressure, flow, pipe sizing, fixtures, valves, backflow prevention, water heaters, tanks, pumps, and related system components. Drain, waste, and vent questions may involve traps, cleanouts, fixture units, venting methods, sanitary drainage, slope, indirect waste, storm drainage, and system testing.

Fuel gas topics may include gas piping materials, gas sizing, pressure, appliance connections, combustion air, venting, shutoff valves, regulators, clearances, pressure testing, and safety procedures. Mechanical and hydronic topics may involve boilers, pumps, heat transfer, expansion tanks, controls, piping arrangements, equipment rooms, and light commercial hydronic systems.

Fire protection topics may involve NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, and NFPA 13R sprinkler system standards. Candidates should understand how these standards apply to different building types, including commercial sprinkler systems, one- and two-family dwelling sprinkler systems, and sprinkler systems for residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height.

Open Book Test

The Arizona Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-37) Exam is an open-book test. Candidates are responsible for bringing their own approved references to the examination center. The references are not provided at the testing center.

The approved exam-room references include:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
• International Mechanical Code, 2018
• International Plumbing Code, 2018
• NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019
• NFPA 13D - Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2019
• NFPA 13R - Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height, 2019
• On-site Wastewater Treatment Facility Provisions in Unified Water Quality Permit Rule, Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9, 2006
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th edition

The following references are listed for study but are not allowed in the examination center:

• IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, Robert A. Lee, 2016
• Boiler Operator’s Guide, 5th Edition
• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
• Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, John Siegenthaler, P.E., 2022

Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator during the exam. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination session. Candidates may not write, highlight, underline, or index references during the exam.

Additional papers are not allowed with approved references. This includes loose papers and attached papers. References may be tabbed or indexed with permanent tabs only. Permanent tabs are tabs that would tear the page if removed. Temporary tabs, including removable sticky notes or Post-It style tabs, are not allowed and must be removed before the exam begins.

Because this exam has a large reference set, candidates should practice choosing the correct book quickly. Plumbing code questions may require the International Plumbing Code. Fuel gas questions may require the International Fuel Gas Code. Mechanical and hydronic questions may involve the International Mechanical Code. Sprinkler questions may involve one of the NFPA 13 standards. On-site wastewater questions may require the Arizona Administrative Code reference. Safety questions may involve OSHA. Math questions may require formulas, tables, and trade calculations.

Licensing Steps

Arizona contractor licensing is handled by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. A candidate pursuing the CR-37 Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor classification should review the current state licensing requirements and application instructions before applying.

The qualifying party for the license must complete the applicable examination requirements for the classification. Arizona contractor applicants may also need to complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, which covers state-specific contractor laws, rules, and regulatory responsibilities.

After the required examination process is completed, the applicant submits the contractor license application and supporting documents to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The application process may include business entity information, qualifying party information, experience documentation, bonding, financial responsibility, background-related forms, and other state-required documents.

Applicants should apply for the classification that matches the work they intend to perform. The CR-37 classification is a dual residential and commercial plumbing classification. It is intended for contractors who need both the residential and commercial scopes connected to plumbing work.

Passing the trade exam does not automatically issue a contractor license. The exam supports the trade competency portion of the process, but the license is issued only after the Arizona Registrar of Contractors approves the complete application for the applicable classification.

State Requirements

Arizona uses contractor license classifications to define the type of work a contractor may legally contract for and perform. The CR-37 Plumbing classification allows the scopes of work permitted by the commercial C-37 Plumbing and residential R-37 Plumbing classifications.

The plumbing scope includes installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing when performed within property lines and within the allowed classification scope. This can include piping, fixtures, appliances, water supply systems, drainage systems, waste systems, vent systems, fuel gas piping, pressure vessels, tanks, water heaters, and equipment common to the plumbing industry.

The residential and commercial plumbing scope may also involve fire protection systems as they relate to water sprinkler systems, sewage treatment systems, and solar applications within the scope of the plumbing classification. Candidates should understand that plumbing work can overlap with mechanical, fire protection, excavation, utility, boiler, and general contracting work. Contractors should operate only within the scope of the license issued to them and use properly licensed subcontractors when work falls outside that scope.

Residential plumbing projects may involve homes, dwelling units, water heaters, fixtures, water supply piping, drainage and vent systems, fuel gas piping, sprinkler systems covered by residential standards, and on-site wastewater provisions. Commercial plumbing projects may involve larger systems, commercial fixtures, equipment rooms, sprinkler coordination, hydronic heating, boilers, backflow prevention, inspections, utility coordination, and more complex code requirements.

The exam book package supports study for the trade exam, while the state licensing process is handled separately through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Applicants should follow the state process for application timing, examination requirements, bonding, entity documentation, and final license approval.

Reference Books

This Arizona Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-37) Exam Book Package includes the following references:

• Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This OSHA construction safety reference covers federal construction industry safety standards. It supports preparation for excavation safety, ladders, scaffolds, personal protective equipment, tools, hazard communication, confined-space awareness, fall protection concepts, and safe jobsite practices.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2018
  This fuel gas code reference supports preparation for gas piping systems, appliance connections, combustion air, venting, sizing, shutoff valves, regulators, pressure testing, materials, and safety requirements.
• International Mechanical Code, 2018
  This mechanical code reference supports study of mechanical systems that may connect with plumbing work, including hydronic systems, boilers, ventilation, equipment rooms, combustion air, piping, and related mechanical code provisions.
• International Plumbing Code, 2018
  This plumbing code reference supports preparation for water supply, sanitary drainage, venting, traps, cleanouts, storm drainage, fixtures, water heaters, materials, pipe sizing, testing, and general plumbing code requirements.
• NFPA 13: Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2019
  This sprinkler standard supports study of sprinkler system installation requirements, system components, water supplies, piping, valves, design concepts, and installation practices.
• NFPA 13D - Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, 2019
  This residential sprinkler standard supports study of sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes, including system concepts, components, installation requirements, and water supply considerations.
• NFPA 13R - Sprinkler Systems for Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height, 2019
  This sprinkler standard supports preparation for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies up to and including four stories in height, including design and installation concepts for covered occupancies.
• On-site Wastewater Treatment Facility Provisions in Unified Water Quality Permit Rule, Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9, 2006
  This Arizona administrative code reference supports preparation for on-site wastewater treatment facility provisions, permitting concepts, sewage treatment requirements, system rules, and wastewater-related plumbing topics.
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th edition
  This math reference supports preparation for plumbing and pipefitting calculations, measurements, formulas, offsets, area, volume, pipe sizing concepts, slopes, and trade math used in plumbing work.
• IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, Robert A. Lee, 2016
  This pipe trades reference supports study of pipe materials, fittings, valves, threads, flanges, welding symbols, tables, formulas, and field information useful for plumbing and pipe trade preparation. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Boiler Operator’s Guide, 5th Edition
  This boiler reference supports study of boiler operation, components, safety, controls, maintenance, combustion, water treatment, and hydronic or mechanical system concepts connected to plumbing work. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Arizona 811 - Arizona Blue Stake Brochure
  This utility awareness reference supports study of underground utility notification, safe digging practices, damage prevention, excavation planning, and Arizona Blue Stake procedures. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.
• Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, John Siegenthaler, P.E., 2022
  This hydronic heating reference supports study of hydronic system design, piping, pumps, controls, boilers, heat transfer, distribution systems, and residential or light commercial heating applications. It is listed for study but is not allowed in the examination center.

Test Information and Study Materials

Preparation for the Arizona CR-37 exam should begin with the exam content outline and the approved reference list. The exam covers a broad plumbing scope, so candidates should divide study time by system type: plumbing code, fuel gas, mechanical systems, sprinkler standards, on-site wastewater, safety, math, pipe trades, boilers, hydronic heating, and underground utility awareness.

The International Plumbing Code should receive significant study time. Candidates should practice locating sections on fixtures, water supply, drainage, venting, traps, cleanouts, pipe materials, slope, storm drainage, indirect waste, water heaters, testing, and inspections. Code navigation is important because many questions require knowing where the rule is located rather than simply remembering the answer.

The International Fuel Gas Code should be studied for gas piping materials, sizing, appliance connections, shutoff valves, regulators, venting, combustion air, pressure testing, and installation safety. Fuel gas questions often require careful reading because small details can affect the correct answer.

The International Mechanical Code, Boiler Operator’s Guide, and Modern Hydronic Heating reference support preparation for hydronic heating, boilers, pumps, controls, equipment rooms, combustion, mechanical coordination, and residential or light commercial heating systems. These topics may appear as part of the plumbing scope when systems involve piping, pressure vessels, water heating, or hydronic equipment.

The NFPA 13, NFPA 13D, and NFPA 13R references should be studied for sprinkler system concepts, system types, installation rules, components, and water supply requirements. Candidates should understand the difference between the standards and the types of occupancies each standard addresses.

The Arizona on-site wastewater reference should be reviewed for sewage treatment and wastewater-related provisions. This is especially important for candidates preparing for the residential and commercial scope because plumbing work may involve on-site wastewater system requirements depending on project location and system type.

Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters should be used for trade math practice. Candidates should review fractions, decimals, measurements, slopes, offsets, area, volume, pipe lengths, fitting allowances, and basic formulas. A calculator may be used during the exam, but candidates still need to understand which formula or method applies.

OSHA preparation should include excavation safety, trenching, personal protective equipment, ladders, scaffolds, hazard communication, tools, material handling, and jobsite hazards. Plumbing work may involve underground piping, confined areas, power tools, hot work, chemical exposure, and coordination with other trades, so safety knowledge is important.

Strong preparation includes organizing the approved references before exam day. Highlight important sections, add permanent tabs, practice using indexes, and complete timed lookup drills. With 80 questions and 210 minutes, candidates need steady pacing and a clear plan for using the right book at the right time.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep helps Arizona contractor candidates prepare with organized study guidance, trade-focused review, reference navigation support, and confidence-building exam preparation structure. For the Arizona Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-37) Exam, preparation should include both plumbing trade knowledge and efficient use of approved code, safety, sprinkler, wastewater, and math references.

This exam covers practical and technical plumbing subjects, including water supply, drainage, venting, fuel gas, mechanical systems, hydronic heating, boilers, sprinkler systems, pipe materials, calculations, on-site wastewater provisions, excavation awareness, and OSHA safety. 1 Exam Prep helps students organize preparation around the major exam categories instead of studying randomly.

For open-book exams, reference navigation is one of the most important skills to develop. Candidates should know how to move through the International Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, NFPA standards, OSHA, Arizona wastewater provisions, and plumbing math references quickly. Organized highlighting, permanent tabs, and repeated lookup practice can help reduce wasted time during the exam.

1 Exam Prep supports students by encouraging practical preparation habits. That includes reviewing the exam outline, reading the references, organizing approved books, practicing timed lookups, and strengthening weak areas before test day. The goal is to help candidates understand the materials and approach the Arizona contractor exam process with a clearer plan.

1 Exam Prep does not guarantee passing, licensing approval, state approval, or exam outcomes. The value of preparation comes from consistent study, correct reference materials, and a focused approach to learning the residential and commercial plumbing trade content tested on the exam.

FAQ Section

What is included in the Arizona CR-37 Plumbing Exam Book Package?

This package includes OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, International Fuel Gas Code 2018, International Mechanical Code 2018, International Plumbing Code 2018, NFPA 13 2019, NFPA 13D 2019, NFPA 13R 2019, Arizona on-site wastewater provisions, Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters 8th edition, IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, Boiler Operator’s Guide, Arizona 811 Arizona Blue Stake Brochure, and Modern Hydronic Heating.

Is the Arizona CR-37 Plumbing exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona CR-37 Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor exam is an open-book test. Candidates must bring their own approved references to the examination center.

Which books are allowed in the CR-37 exam room?

The approved exam-room references include OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, International Fuel Gas Code 2018, International Mechanical Code 2018, International Plumbing Code 2018, NFPA 13 2019, NFPA 13D 2019, NFPA 13R 2019, Arizona on-site wastewater provisions, and Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters 8th edition.

Are all books in this package allowed into the testing center?

No. IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, Boiler Operator’s Guide, Arizona 811 Arizona Blue Stake Brochure, and Modern Hydronic Heating are study-only references and are not allowed in the examination center.

How many questions are on the Arizona CR-37 exam?

The Arizona CR-37 Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor exam contains 80 questions. The minimum passing score is 70%, and candidates are allowed 210 minutes.

Can I highlight and tab my approved books before the exam?

Yes. Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are allowed. Temporary tabs, loose papers, attached papers, and writing in the books during the exam are not allowed.

Can I use a calculator during the exam?

Yes. Candidates may use a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator during the Arizona CR-37 exam.

What work is covered by the Arizona CR-37 Plumbing classification?

The CR-37 classification allows the scopes of work permitted by the commercial C-37 and residential R-37 Plumbing classifications. This can include installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing systems, water supply, drainage, venting, fuel gas piping, fixtures, appliances, pressure vessels, tanks, sprinkler-related plumbing, sewage treatment systems, and related equipment within the allowed scope.

Is this package for residential and commercial plumbing?

Yes. This package is for the Arizona Plumbing Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-37) exam, which is the dual residential and commercial plumbing classification.

How should I study for the Arizona CR-37 exam?

Start with the exam content outline, then study each topic using the correct reference. Focus on plumbing code, fuel gas, mechanical systems, sprinkler standards, on-site wastewater provisions, trade math, OSHA safety, hydronic heating, boilers, excavation awareness, and pipe trade knowledge. Use permanent tabs and timed lookup practice to improve speed with the approved books.