The 1 Package: All-Inclusive Arizona Solar Plumbing, Liquid Systems Only Residential / Commercial Contractor (CR-78) Exam, Licensing & Business Setup Solution

Prepare for the Arizona Solar Plumbing, Liquid Systems Only Residential / Commercial Contractor CR-78 exam while building the licensing and business foundation needed to operate professionally. The 1 Package combines solar plumbing exam preparation, approved code books, supplemental technical references, contractor application assistance, business formation, EIN filing, and contractor compliance guidance in one coordinated solution.

This all-inclusive Arizona CR-78 contractor package is designed for experienced plumbers, solar thermal installers, pipefitters, hydronic-system professionals, qualifying parties, project supervisors, and business owners pursuing authority to install, alter, and repair qualifying liquid-based solar water-heating systems in residential and commercial settings.

The CR-78 classification focuses specifically on solar plumbing systems that use liquid as the heat-transfer medium. Candidates should understand solar collectors, piping, pumps, valves, storage tanks, expansion tanks, heat exchangers, sensors, low-voltage controls, direct systems, indirect systems, thermosyphon systems, solar pool heating, system protection, and practical plumbing principles.

Solar thermal work requires a combination of plumbing knowledge, mechanical-system understanding, construction safety, trade mathematics, and careful system design. Contractors must recognize how collector placement, piping layout, circulation, storage, controls, heat transfer, pressure, temperature, and freeze protection affect system performance.

This classification is limited in scope. It does not provide unrestricted authority for unrelated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work. Candidates should understand the boundaries of the license and coordinate work outside the CR-78 scope with appropriately licensed contractors.

The package includes 1 year of course access, allowing candidates to prepare around employment, active projects, and personal responsibilities. The course supports organized trade review, practice-oriented exam preparation, technical calculations, reference navigation, and confidence-building study.

The 1 Package also supports the licensing and business stages that follow exam preparation. Application Service helps organize the Arizona contractor licensing process. Business Formation establishes an LLC or corporation, EIN Filing supports banking and tax administration, and Contractor Compliance Guidance helps customers understand responsibilities associated with operating an Arizona residential and commercial solar plumbing business.

Exam Details

The Arizona CR-78 Solar Plumbing, Liquid Systems Only classification combines the scopes permitted under the corresponding commercial C-78 and residential R-37R solar plumbing licenses. It supports qualifying liquid-based solar water-heating work in residential and commercial settings.

The scope includes the installation, alteration, and repair of solar water-heating systems operating at temperatures not exceeding 220 degrees Fahrenheit. It includes thermosyphon systems, direct open-loop systems, and indirect closed-loop systems while excluding air as the heat-transfer medium.

Authorized work can include collectors, storage tanks, expansion tanks, heat exchangers, piping, valves, pumps, sensors, and low-voltage controls connected to existing plumbing and electrical stub-outs at the water-tank location.

The classification also includes solar heating systems for swimming pools when those systems connect to and operate from the conventional pool system. Non-solar plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems and components remain outside the classification scope.

Backup and auxiliary heating systems may be included when they are part of the original contract and are integral to the solar collector or storage equipment. Contractors should remain within the exact authority granted by the classification.

The CR-78 trade examination contains 60 questions. Candidates are allowed 150 minutes and must earn a minimum passing score of 70 percent.

The examination content includes general plumbing, pipes and materials, open-loop and closed-loop systems, pumps and storage systems, system design, collectors, and controls. Questions may be based on the approved references, trade knowledge, or general industry practices.

General plumbing preparation may include water distribution, valves, pressure, temperature, fittings, piping arrangements, backflow considerations, system testing, drainage, supports, and code requirements that affect solar thermal installations.

Pipes and materials preparation may include copper, plastic, steel, insulation, fittings, joining methods, compatibility, temperature limitations, pressure ratings, thermal expansion, supports, corrosion, and protection from physical damage.

Open-loop system study may include potable water flowing directly through the solar collector, circulation methods, freeze vulnerability, scale formation, isolation, storage, and system controls. Candidates should understand the advantages and limitations of direct solar water-heating systems.

Closed-loop system study may include a separate heat-transfer fluid, heat exchangers, pumps, expansion control, pressure relief, air removal, freeze protection, fluid compatibility, and separation from the potable water system.

Pump and storage preparation may involve circulators, pump sizing, flow, head, storage tanks, expansion tanks, heat exchangers, valves, controls, and system sequencing. Candidates should understand how component selection affects circulation and heat delivery.

System-design preparation may include collector orientation, tilt, shading, storage capacity, piping layout, insulation, heat loss, pressure, freeze protection, stagnation, overheating, backup heat, maintenance access, and integration with existing plumbing systems.

Passing the examination does not automatically issue the CR-78 license. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors must review and approve the complete application before the business may perform regulated work under the classification.

Open Book Test

The Arizona CR-78 trade examination is an open-book test using approved reference materials. Candidates may consult permitted books during the examination under the testing provider’s current rules regarding editions, highlighting, annotations, indexing, permanent tabs, attachments, and book inspection.

An open-book exam still requires strong preparation. Candidates must recognize the subject of each question, choose the correct reference, locate the applicable provision, interpret the information, and apply it to the solar plumbing condition presented.

All books are highlighted and Tabbed. Highlighting draws attention to useful code provisions, safety standards, piping requirements, formulas, system components, solar design concepts, and installation procedures. Tabs help candidates move between major chapters and frequently researched subjects more efficiently.

The prepared references should be used throughout the course. Repeated navigation practice helps candidates become familiar with indexes, tables, diagrams, definitions, code sections, and permanent tab locations before exam day.

A question involving water distribution, piping materials, valves, pressure, backflow protection, or plumbing-system testing may require the International Plumbing Code. A question involving mechanical equipment, system access, hydronic components, or mechanical installation may require the International Mechanical Code.

Questions involving construction hazards, ladders, roof access, fall protection, tools, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, or material handling may require the OSHA reference.

Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, and the Solar Water and Pool Heating Design and Installation Manual are supplemental study references. They support preparation for trade calculations, pipe data, component selection, solar thermal principles, installation methods, and system design.

The supplemental references are not identified as approved exam-room books for the CR-78 examination. Candidates should take only the approved OSHA, plumbing-code, and mechanical-code references into the testing center unless current instructions specifically state otherwise.

Approved references may be highlighted, underlined, annotated, and indexed before the examination. Permanent tabs are allowed, but temporary or removable tabs are prohibited. Loose papers and unauthorized attached materials are not permitted.

Licensing Steps

1. Confirm the CR-78 classification. Review the liquid-based solar plumbing scope and make sure it matches the residential and commercial services the business intends to offer.
2. Select the qualifying party. Identify the individual who will satisfy the applicable solar plumbing experience and examination requirements.
3. Review the examination requirements. Determine which trade and Arizona Statutes and Rules requirements apply to the proposed qualifying party.
4. Prepare for the CR-78 exam. Use the included course, highlighted and tabbed books, calculation practice, system diagrams, and reference-navigation exercises.
5. Complete the required examination process. Pass the trade examination and complete Arizona’s Statutes and Rules requirement unless an authorized waiver applies.
6. Form the business entity. Use the included Business Formation service to establish an LLC or corporation for the solar plumbing business.
7. Obtain an EIN. Complete the included EIN Filing with the IRS for business banking, tax administration, payroll, employee hiring, and professional operations.
8. Complete applicable background requirements. Follow Arizona’s process for the individuals required to appear on the contractor license application.
9. Prepare the solar warranty documentation. Include the warranty materials required for an Arizona classification containing a solar component.
10. Prepare the contractor application. Organize qualifying-party records, experience documentation, examination results, business documents, and required disclosures.
11. Obtain the contractor license bond. Arrange the bond required for the dual classification and anticipated annual gross volume of work.
12. Address residential financial protection. Complete the applicable Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund requirement or authorized alternative.
13. Submit the application. Provide the completed application and supporting materials to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
14. Wait for license issuance. Do not advertise, bid, contract for, or perform work requiring the CR-78 license until the state approves the application and issues an active contractor license.

State Requirements

The CR-78 classification is an Arizona dual specialty contractor license. It combines the scopes permitted under the commercial C-78 Solar Plumbing, Liquid Systems Only and residential R-37R Solar Plumbing, Liquid Systems Only classifications.

The proposed qualifying party must demonstrate the experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to supervise or perform the work covered by the license. Experience documentation may need to describe solar collectors, storage tanks, piping, pumps, valves, controls, heat exchangers, open-loop systems, closed-loop systems, pool heating, and field supervision.

The classification is limited to qualifying solar plumbing work using liquid as the transfer medium. Air-based solar heating systems and unrelated plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work are outside the authorized scope.

The legal business entity applying for the license must be properly formed and identified. The company name, ownership records, qualifying-party information, EIN documentation, contractor bond, and application should remain consistent throughout the licensing process.

Arizona contractor applicants must complete applicable background requirements and provide the identification, experience, examination, business, and disclosure information required for state review.

Because CR-78 contains a solar component, the application process includes solar warranty documentation. The warranty requirement is separate from the trade examination and should be addressed as part of the licensing file.

A contractor license bond is required. Because CR-78 is a dual classification, the bond amount combines the applicable residential and commercial requirements based on the anticipated gross volume of work.

The residential portion of the license is also subject to Arizona’s residential financial-protection requirements. The applicant must satisfy the applicable Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund obligation or authorized alternative.

Passing the examination is only one part of the process. The applicant may not operate as a licensed CR-78 contractor until the Arizona Registrar of Contractors approves the complete application and issues the active license.

Reference Books

• Included Book: Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
  This construction-safety reference covers fall protection, ladders, roof work, personal protective equipment, electrical hazards, tools, material handling, scaffolds, housekeeping, and general jobsite responsibilities.
• Included Book: International Plumbing Code, 2018
  This code supports study of water distribution, piping materials, valves, backflow protection, water heaters, pressure, temperature, drainage, supports, system testing, and plumbing installation requirements.
• Included Book: International Mechanical Code, 2018
  This code addresses mechanical equipment, hydronic systems, piping, controls, equipment access, installation, safety, testing, and other mechanical requirements that may affect solar liquid systems.
• Included Book: Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, 8th Edition
  This trade mathematics reference supports calculations involving measurements, pipe length, offsets, elevations, area, volume, pressure, flow, capacity, percentages, and practical pipe-trade applications.
• Included Book: IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, Robert A. Lee, 2016
  This field handbook provides pipe dimensions, fitting data, formulas, conversions, material information, pressure data, and practical reference material for plumbing and pipefitting work.
• Included Book: Solar Water and Pool Heating Design and Installation Manual
  This technical manual supports study of solar collectors, storage, pumps, heat exchangers, controls, direct and indirect systems, thermosyphon systems, piping, freeze protection, pool heating, installation, and maintenance.

All books are highlighted and Tabbed. The prepared format supports organized study and faster navigation through the plumbing, mechanical, solar thermal, mathematics, pipe-trade, and OSHA material.

The package includes a $350 refundable book deposit. The deposit is refundable when the books are returned within one year in similar condition.

Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders.

Exam Room Approved Books

The approved exam-room references for the Arizona CR-78 trade examination include:

• Code of Federal Regulations – 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA)
• International Plumbing Code, 2018
• International Mechanical Code, 2018

Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, IPT’s Pipe Trades Handbook, and the Solar Water and Pool Heating Design and Installation Manual are included as supplemental study references. They should not be taken into the examination room unless the current testing instructions specifically authorize them.

Candidates are responsible for bringing their approved references. Books may be prepared before testing with highlighting, underlining, annotations, indexing, and permanent tabs that comply with the testing rules.

Test Information and Study Materials

Effective CR-78 preparation should combine solar thermal principles, plumbing-code navigation, mechanical requirements, piping materials, pumps, storage, system design, controls, mathematics, and OSHA safety.

General plumbing study may include water supply, pressure, valves, piping, supports, insulation, testing, thermal expansion, backflow protection, and connections to existing systems.

Open-loop preparation may include potable water circulation through the collectors, system isolation, freeze risk, mineral buildup, storage, valves, pumps, and direct heat transfer.

Closed-loop preparation may include heat-transfer fluids, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, circulators, air elimination, pressure relief, fluid maintenance, freeze protection, and separation from potable water.

System-design preparation may involve collector orientation, tilt, shading, available roof area, structural coordination, storage capacity, circulation, pipe sizing, insulation, heat loss, overheating protection, freeze protection, and backup heating.

Calculation practice may include area, volume, flow, pressure, temperature change, pipe length, fitting allowances, storage capacity, collector area, and basic system-performance concepts.

Safety study should address roof access, fall protection, ladders, lifting collectors, hot fluids, pressurized systems, electrical hazards, power tools, personal protective equipment, and safe material handling.

How 1 Exam Prep Helps You Reach Your Goal

1 Exam Prep supports Arizona CR-78 candidates through organized study guidance, trade-focused review, practice-oriented preparation, reference navigation, and confidence-building study structure.

The course divides solar plumbing preparation into manageable subjects, including general plumbing, pipes and materials, open-loop systems, closed-loop systems, pumps, storage, system design, collectors, controls, mathematics, and OSHA safety.

Practice-oriented preparation helps candidates apply technical information instead of relying only on reading. Reference-navigation exercises support faster identification of the correct code, chapter, table, formula, system component, or safety requirement.

The highlighted and tabbed books support efficient navigation, but regular use remains essential. Repeated practice helps candidates become familiar with the references and reduces unnecessary searching during the examination.

Application Service supports the Arizona licensing stage by helping organize qualifying-party information, examination records, business documents, and required application materials. Business Formation establishes an LLC or corporation so the customer has a legally structured business entity.

EIN Filing with the IRS provides the federal identification number used to open business bank accounts, manage taxes properly, hire employees, and operate the solar plumbing business professionally. Contractor Compliance Guidance supports a clearer understanding of responsibilities associated with maintaining an Arizona residential and commercial contractor license.

No preparation program or business service can guarantee an examination result, licensing approval, earnings, or business success. The package provides the books, course access, application assistance, and business setup services needed to pursue the Arizona CR-78 licensing path with stronger organization and confidence.

What is included in The 1 Package?

The package includes six code, solar thermal, mathematics, pipe-trade, and safety references, 1 year of course access, Application Service, LLC or corporation formation, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

What is the total cost?

The package cost is $2,365. A $350 refundable book deposit brings the total due to $2,715. The package is all-inclusive with no hidden fees.

How does the refundable book deposit work?

The $350 deposit is refundable when the books are returned within one year in similar condition.

Are all books highlighted and tabbed?

Yes. All books are highlighted and Tabbed to support organized study and faster reference navigation.

How long should I allow for the book order?

Please allow up to 15 business days for The 1 Package book orders.

How many questions are on the CR-78 exam?

The CR-78 trade examination contains 60 questions. Candidates have 150 minutes and must earn a minimum passing score of 70 percent.

Is the Arizona CR-78 exam open book?

Yes. The Arizona CR-78 trade examination is open book using approved references under the testing provider’s current rules.

Which books are allowed in the exam room?

The approved references include OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, the 2018 International Plumbing Code, and the 2018 International Mechanical Code.

Does CR-78 cover residential and commercial work?

Yes. CR-78 combines the authorized commercial and residential Solar Plumbing, Liquid Systems Only scopes.

Does the classification cover air-based solar heating?

No. The CR-78 classification is limited to systems using liquid as the heat-transfer medium and excludes air as the transfer medium.

Does the package include licensing and business setup?

Yes. The package includes Application Service, LLC or corporation formation, EIN Filing with the IRS, and Contractor Compliance Guidance.

Does passing the examination automatically issue the license?

No. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors must review and approve the complete application before issuing the CR-78 contractor license.