What Does the Arizona CR-12 Elevators License Cover?

CR-12 is Arizona's dual residential and commercial elevator contractor classification.

It combines the scopes permitted by the commercial C-12 Elevators license and residential R-12 Elevators license.

The scope includes installation and repair of:

• Elevators.
• Dumbwaiters.
• Escalators.
• Moving walks.
• Moving ramps.
• Stage lifts.
• Orchestra lifts.

This is why the exam reaches far beyond basic elevator mechanics. Candidates need knowledge of electrical equipment, controls, hoisting, accessibility systems, safety codes, inspection, maintenance, and other systems that support vertical transportation.

Step 1: Confirm the Arizona Licensing Requirements

Arizona currently lists CR-12 as requiring four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience.

The classification also requires the applicable:

• Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, or SRE.
• CR-12 Elevators trade examination.

Exam waivers may be available under specific conditions, so applicants should confirm their individual situation with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors before paying for examinations.

Review the Arizona ROC classification requirements before beginning the licensing process.

Step 2: Know the CR-12 Exam Numbers

That is enough time if you know your trade and your references.

It is not enough time to meet each code book for the first time while the timer is running.

Step 3: Learn the Official CR-12 Content Breakdown

The CR-12 examination contains 16 subject areas.

The three largest sections are Clearance and Space Limits, Electrical, and Maintenance and Repairs. Together they account for 24 questions.

Mechanical brings another seven questions, so those four areas should receive a large share of your study time.

Step 4: Master Clearance and Space Limits

Clearance and Space Limits contains eight questions, making it one of the largest exam categories.

Review code requirements involving:

• Hoistways.
• Pits.
• Machine spaces.
• Overhead clearances.
• Car clearances.
• Landing areas.
• Access spaces.
• Working areas.

This is a section where exact dimensions can matter.

When a question asks for a minimum clearance, being "pretty close" does not earn partial credit. Learn how to find the exact requirement in the appropriate ASME code quickly.

Step 5: Make Electrical Knowledge a Priority

Electrical also contains eight questions.

Review:

• Elevator electrical equipment.
• Disconnecting means.
• Motors.
• Controllers.
• Branch circuits.
• Grounding and bonding.
• Machine-room electrical requirements.
• Lighting and receptacles.
• Wiring methods.

The National Electrical Code is one of the approved CR-12 references, so spend time learning elevator-related NEC requirements.

You do not need to memorize the whole NEC. You do need to know where elevator information lives and how to reach it before your coffee wears off.

Step 6: Study Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and Repairs is another eight-question section.

Review:

• Preventive maintenance.
• Adjustment.
• Inspection of components.
• Common wear conditions.
• Repair practices.
• Safety-device maintenance.
• Door equipment.
• Drive equipment.
• Existing elevator systems.

The exam includes ASME A17.3 for existing elevators and escalators, making older equipment and ongoing maintenance an important part of preparation.

Step 7: Review Mechanical Equipment

Mechanical contributes seven questions.

Study elevator mechanical systems involving:

• Drive machinery.
• Sheaves.
• Brakes.
• Guides.
• Cars and counterweights.
• Door systems.
• Hydraulic components.
• Safety devices.
• Mechanical adjustments.

Try to understand how the components interact rather than memorizing isolated definitions.

Elevators are systems. One component does not get to call in sick without affecting somebody else.

Step 8: Learn Wire Rope, Controls, and Operating Limitations

Wire Rope contains five questions, while Controls and Operating Limitations contain four each.

For wire rope, review:

• Construction and terminology.
• Inspection.
• Wear.
• Replacement criteria.
• Handling.
• Connections and fastening.

For controls and operating limitations, review normal operation, safety controls, rated speeds, loads, stopping, leveling, and limitations placed on equipment.

These subjects often connect directly with ASME A17.1 requirements, so learn the code layout instead of relying entirely on memory.

Step 9: Study Testing, Inspection, and Safety

Testing and Inspection contributes five questions, while Safety contributes six.

Review:

• Required tests.
• Inspection procedures.
• Safety-device testing.
• Equipment condition.
• OSHA construction safety.
• Fall protection.
• Electrical hazards.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Hoisting hazards.
• Work around shafts and openings.

Elevator work combines electrical, mechanical, elevated, confined, and hoisting hazards. OSHA has plenty to say about that arrangement.

Step 10: Review Escalators, Moving Walks, and Accessibility Equipment

Escalators and Moving Walkways contributes five questions. Accessibility Equipment adds another five.

For escalators and moving walks, review equipment, safety devices, operating requirements, clearances, and maintenance.

Accessibility equipment may involve:

• Platform lifts.
• Stairway chairlifts.
• Accessible routes.
• Space and clearance requirements.
• Accessible controls.

ANSI A117.1 and ASME A18.1 are especially important references for accessibility-related questions.

Step 11: Do Not Skip Fire Service and Emergency Power

Fire Service contains three questions and Emergency Power contains two.

Together, they represent five questions that can be very important on an 80-question examination.

Review emergency operating conditions, recall functions, emergency operation, standby or emergency power interactions, and code-required behavior when normal building conditions change.

These questions often reward candidates who know exactly where the requirement is located instead of trying to reconstruct it from memory.

Step 12: Study Dumbwaiters

Dumbwaiters contribute two questions.

That may be one of the smallest categories, but the CR-12 scope specifically includes dumbwaiters.

Review basic construction, operating limits, doors, controls, safety requirements, and equipment limitations.

Two questions are still two questions. PSI does not provide bonus points because you studied the larger elevator in the building instead.

Step 13: Prepare for Rigging, Hoisting, and Welding

Rigging and Hoisting contributes five questions, while Welding contributes three.

Review rigging topics such as:

• Hoisting procedures.
• Slings.
• Wire rope.
• Rigging hardware.
• Load handling.
• Inspection.
• Safe lifting practices.

For welding, review basic welding processes, joint preparation, safety, equipment, and common field practices.

Modern Welding is listed as a study reference but is not allowed in the examination center, so use it during preparation rather than expecting it to ride along on test day.

Step 14: Get the Correct CR-12 Exam References

The current PSI CR-12 outline lists the following materials as allowed in the examination center:

• 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA, with the latest available amendments, or PSI's applicable OSHA selections.
• National Electrical Code, 2017 Edition.
• ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, 2009.
• ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 2007.
• ASME A17.3, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, 2011.
• ASME A18.1, Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts, 2008.

Contractor Exam Preps offers an Arizona CR-12 Elevators Residential/Commercial Contractor Exam Book Package for candidates assembling their elevator reference materials.

Always compare any package or individual book with PSI's latest official outline before test day.

Step 15: Know the Study-Only References

PSI also lists several references that may be used to develop examination questions but are not allowed inside the testing center.

They include:

• Modern Welding, 2004 or 2013.
• Elevator Maintenance by Zack McCain, 1999.
• Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook, 2010 or 2015.

These books can strengthen your technical knowledge even though they stay outside during the examination.

Think of them as study coaches. Helpful during training, but they do not get a seat beside you when the clock starts.

Step 16: Prepare Your Open-Book References Correctly

PSI allows approved references to be prepared before the exam.

Approved books may be:

• Highlighted.
• Underlined.
• Annotated.
• Indexed.
• Tabbed with permanent tabs.

Permanent tabs must be attached strongly enough that removing them would tear the page.

Temporary tabs, Post-it notes, and removable markers are not allowed.

Candidates cannot bring unauthorized loose or attached papers with approved references and cannot continue writing or highlighting once the examination starts.

Printed internet references are permitted when properly bound, such as spiral bound or hole punched and placed in a binder.

Step 17: Learn Which Reference to Open

The CR-12 exam becomes much easier when you know which reference is likely to contain the answer.

• OSHA: construction safety and worker protection.
• 2017 NEC: electrical wiring, circuits, disconnects, grounding, and elevator electrical equipment.
• ANSI A117.1: accessibility and usable-building requirements.
• ASME A17.1: elevators, escalators, moving walks, and major safety-code requirements.
• ASME A17.3: existing elevators and escalators.
• ASME A18.1: platform lifts and stairway chairlifts.

During practice, identify the subject before opening the reference.

Choosing the correct book immediately can save more time than trying to become a world champion page flipper.

Step 18: Use a Six-Week CR-12 Study Plan

Step 19: Practice Under the Real 210-Minute Limit

At least some practice sessions should match the real exam.

Set a timer for 210 minutes and work through 80 questions.

Use a three-pass approach:

1. First pass: Answer questions you know immediately.
2. Second pass: Complete straightforward code lookups.
3. Third pass: Return to difficult technical questions and longer reference searches.

Do not allow one difficult clearance question to use ten minutes while easier questions are waiting farther down the test.

Step 20: Know the Current PSI Fees and Retake Rules

PSI's current Arizona bulletin lists the fee for one trade examination at $66.

The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam currently costs $61.

Candidates who fail a trade exam must currently wait 30 days before retaking it.

Candidates receive three attempts. After three failed attempts, the current rules require a 90-day waiting period before another attempt.

Use any diagnostic information after an unsuccessful attempt to target the sections that need improvement instead of repeatedly studying your favorite topic.

Step 21: Passing CR-12 Is Only Part of Getting Licensed

Passing the trade exam does not automatically issue an Arizona contractor license.

The full licensing process may include:

• Selecting the CR-12 classification.
• Designating a qualifying party.
• Documenting qualifying experience.
• Completing the SRE when required.
• Passing the CR-12 trade examination.
• Completing applicable background checks.
• Obtaining the required contractor license bond.
• Providing identification and business information.
• Submitting the Arizona ROC license application.
• Paying applicable licensing fees.

PSI's current bulletin states that applicants should complete licensing requirements and submit the completed application and original score report to the Arizona ROC within two years of passing the required examination.

A Simple Arizona CR-12 Elevators Exam Roadmap

1. Confirm CR-12 matches the residential and commercial elevator work you plan to perform.
2. Verify the current four-year experience requirement.
3. Determine whether any exam waiver applies.
4. Complete or plan for the Arizona SRE.
5. Review PSI's current CR-12 content outline.
6. Obtain the exact approved code references.
7. Separate approved books from study-only references.
8. Prepare approved references with permanent tabs and highlighting.
9. Study Clearance and Space Limits heavily.
10. Spend serious time on Electrical and NEC navigation.
11. Study Maintenance and Repairs.
12. Review Mechanical systems and wire rope.
13. Study inspection, testing, and OSHA safety.
14. Review escalators, moving walks, accessibility equipment, and dumbwaiters.
15. Practice rigging, hoisting, and welding concepts.
16. Review fire service and emergency power.
17. Practice deciding which reference contains each answer.
18. Complete full 210-minute practice exams.
19. Review every missed question and locate its supporting reference.
20. Complete the Arizona ROC licensing process after satisfying all requirements.

Arizona CR-12 Elevators Contractor Exam Prep Resources

The CR-12 exam covers a lot of ground, but the official outline gives you a clear study path.

Clearance and Space Limits, Electrical, Maintenance and Repairs, and Mechanical are the biggest sections. Safety, wire rope, inspection, accessibility equipment, escalators, rigging, controls, fire service, emergency power, dumbwaiters, and welding complete the exam.

The strongest candidates usually combine real elevator-industry knowledge with fast reference navigation. Open-book does not mean open-all-day.

When you are ready to prepare, explore the Arizona CR-12 Elevators Contractor exam preparation resources from Contractor Exam Preps. Strong technical knowledge, organized ASME and NEC references, careful safety preparation, and repeated timed practice can make the Arizona Elevators Contractor exam much easier to manage.