What Is the Arizona KA Dual Engineering License?

Arizona ROC officially calls KA the Dual Engineering classification.

KA combines the scopes of:

• A General Engineering for commercial engineering work.
• B-4 General Residential Engineering for residential engineering work.

That combination gives the KA classification a very broad scope covering both commercial infrastructure and qualifying residential engineering work.

What Does the Commercial A General Engineering Scope Include?

The commercial A General Engineering classification covers major fixed works and public infrastructure.

The Arizona ROC scope includes work involving:

• Fixed works.
• Streets and roads.
• Power and utility plants.
• Dams.
• Hydroelectric plants.
• Sewage and waste-disposal plants.
• Bridges.
• Tunnels.
• Overpasses.
• Public parks.
• Public rights-of-way.

It also includes the work permitted by Arizona's A-4 through A-19 engineering specialty classifications.

What Does the B-4 Residential Engineering Side Add?

B-4 General Residential Engineering covers construction and repair of appurtenances to residential structures.

Its scope includes CR-21 Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems, B-5 General Swimming Pool, and the applicable B-4R subclassifications.

This helps explain why the KA exam contains subjects such as:

• Pools, spas, and hot tubs.
• Hardscaping.
• Sprinkler systems.
• Roofing.
• Insulation.
• Drywall.
• Walls and fences.

The KA exam is broader than the commercial A exam because KA combines commercial engineering authority with residential engineering work.

Step 1: Confirm the Experience Requirements

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for the KA Dual Engineering classification.

The listed examination requirements are:

• Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, or SRE.
• KA Dual Engineering trade examination.

Applicants should confirm whether any applicable examination waiver applies to their particular situation.

Review the Arizona ROC classification requirements before scheduling your exam.

Step 2: Know the KA Exam Numbers

Four hours sounds generous until three questions in a row decide they would like you to search different reference books.

Step 3: Learn the Official KA Exam Breakdown

Step 4: Make Concrete and Paving a Top Priority

Concrete and Paving contains 13 questions, tying for the largest section on the exam.

Review:

• Concrete materials.
• Mixing and placement.
• Reinforcement.
• Forms.
• Slabs.
• Footings.
• Concrete curing.
• Joints.
• Subgrade preparation.
• Aggregate base.
• Hot-mix asphalt.
• Paving equipment.
• Rolling and compaction.

Learn the complete process from site preparation through the finished concrete or paved surface.

Concrete and asphalt are both very good at preserving construction mistakes for future generations.

Step 5: Master Sitework, Excavation, Compaction and Grading

This section also contains 13 questions.

Study:

• Excavation methods.
• Trenching.
• Soil types.
• Moisture and density.
• Compaction equipment.
• Cut and fill.
• Grading.
• Slope calculations.
• Earthmoving equipment.
• Site drainage.
• Backfill.
• Utility-location awareness.

Practice volume, grade, slope, and quantity calculations.

A small calculation error becomes much less small when the unit is cubic yards.

Step 6: Study Sewers

Sewers contributes nine questions.

Review:

• Sewer pipe materials.
• Trenching and bedding.
• Pipe grade and slope.
• Manholes.
• Connections.
• Backfill.
• Compaction.
• Concrete pipe and box culvert installation.
• Testing concepts.

Sewer work connects directly with excavation, pipe laying, compaction, and sitework, so study these areas together rather than as separate islands.

Step 7: Treat OSHA Safety as a Major Section

Safety contributes eight questions.

Review OSHA requirements involving:

• Excavation and trenching.
• Fall protection.
• Ladders.
• Scaffolds.
• Electrical hazards.
• Personal protective equipment.
• Concrete work.
• Heavy equipment.
• Material handling.
• Hand and power tools.

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926 is one of the references currently permitted in the exam center.

Learn how to find exact rules quickly, especially requirements involving distances, depths, fall heights, and protective systems.

Step 8: Prepare for Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs

Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs contributes seven questions.

Review:

• Pool circulation.
• Pumps.
• Filters.
• Pool piping.
• Water treatment.
• Basic pool equipment.
• Installation and maintenance concepts.

The Certified Pool-Spa Operators Handbook is one of PSI's listed study-only references.

This section is one of the clearest examples of how KA differs from the commercial A examination.

Step 9: Study Hardscaping and Sprinkler Systems

Hardscaping and Sprinkler Systems contributes seven questions.

Review:

• Irrigation layout.
• Sprinkler heads.
• Valves.
• Irrigation piping.
• Pressure concepts.
• Landscape grading.
• Hardscape materials.
• Drainage.

PSI lists Simplified Irrigation Design and Landscaping Principles and Practices as study references for this section.

Step 10: Review Water Piping

Water Piping contains six questions.

Study:

• Ductile iron pipe.
• Pipe installation.
• Trenching.
• Bedding.
• Connections.
• Backfill.
• Testing concepts.
• Utility construction procedures.

The DIPRA Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe is included on PSI's study-only reference list.

Step 11: Learn Gas Piping and ASME B31.8

Gas Piping contributes six questions.

PSI currently permits ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2007 or 2014 in the examination center.

Study:

• Gas transmission systems.
• Distribution systems.
• Piping materials.
• Installation.
• Testing.
• Pipeline protection.
• Safety requirements.

Practice using the ASME index and section organization before exam day.

Step 12: Study Roofing

Roofing contributes six questions.

Review:

• Roofing materials.
• Underlayment.
• Flashing.
• Roof drainage.
• Weather protection.
• Roof installation concepts.
• Repair procedures.

Roofing appears because KA includes the residential engineering side of the license, not because somebody accidentally dropped roofing questions into an excavation exam.

Step 13: Review Insulation

Insulation contributes six questions.

Study:

• Insulation materials.
• Thermal resistance.
• Installation methods.
• Moisture considerations.
• Wall and ceiling applications.
• Energy-related construction concepts.

Learn how insulation type, placement, and building conditions affect performance.

Step 14: Prepare for Drywall

Drywall contributes six questions.

Review:

• Gypsum board.
• Wall and ceiling installation.
• Fastening.
• Joint treatment.
• Finishing.
• Moisture-resistant products.
• Basic repair methods.

You do not need to become a drywall specialist overnight, but you should understand common materials and installation practices.

Step 15: Study Walls and Fences

Walls and Fences contributes five questions.

Study:

• Wood fencing.
• Metal fencing.
• Block fencing.
• Fence layout.
• Posts.
• Gates.
• Retaining-wall concepts.

Fences and Retaining Walls by William McElroy is currently listed as a study-only reference.

Step 16: Review Electrical Transmission Lines

Electrical Transmission Lines contributes five questions.

Review:

• Transmission-line construction.
• Poles.
• Structures.
• Conductors.
• Line hardware.
• Installation practices.
• Electrical safety.

PSI lists the Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook as a study-only reference.

Step 17: Prepare for Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic Systems contributes three questions.

Study basic concepts involving:

• PV modules.
• Arrays.
• Mounting.
• System components.
• Basic electrical principles.
• Safety.

PSI identifies Photovoltaic Systems by James Dunlap as a study-only reference.

Step 18: Know the Approved Exam-Room References

PSI currently allows the following references inside the KA Dual Engineering examination center:

• Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR Part 1926 OSHA, with the latest available amendments, or the applicable PSI OSHA selections.
• International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2009, 2012, 2015, or 2018.
• ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems, 2007 or 2014.

Always compare your books with PSI's latest official content outline before test day.

Step 19: Know the Study-Only References

PSI currently identifies several references that may be used to develop exam questions but are not allowed in the examination center.

• Photovoltaic Systems.
• Contractors Guide to Quality Concrete Construction.
• DIPRA Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe.
• Pipe and Excavation Contracting.
• Hot-Mix Asphalt Paving Handbook.
• Concrete Pipe and Box Culvert Installation Manual.
• Lineman's and Cableman's Handbook.
• Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods.
• Arizona 811: Arizona Blue Stake.
• Certified Pool-Spa Operators Handbook.
• Fences and Retaining Walls.
• Simplified Irrigation Design.
• Landscaping Principles and Practices.

These references are still important because the examination may contain questions based on trade knowledge and industry practices.

The lesson is simple: learn the material before test day. Do not build a study plan around bringing every book you own into PSI.

Step 20: Prepare Your Allowed References Correctly

PSI permits candidates to prepare approved references before the examination.

Approved references may be:

• Highlighted.
• Underlined.
• Annotated before the exam.
• Indexed.
• Tabbed with permanent tabs.

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

Temporary tabs such as Post-it notes or removable page markers are not allowed.

Unauthorized loose or attached papers are also prohibited.

Approved material printed from the internet must be properly bound.

For permanent book-organization options, browse Contractor Exam Preps reference tabs.

Step 21: Practice Construction Math

The KA exam covers enough construction areas that basic math can appear in several forms.

Practice:

• Area.
• Volume.
• Cubic yards.
• Slope.
• Grade.
• Concrete quantities.
• Pipe calculations.
• Material quantities.
• Sitework quantities.
• Basic production calculations.

PSI currently permits a silent, nonprinting, non-programmable calculator.

Practice with the type of calculator you plan to use on exam day.

Step 22: Learn Arizona 811 and Utility Safety

Arizona 811 appears on PSI's study-reference list because excavation and underground utility work are major parts of engineering construction.

Review:

• Pre-excavation planning.
• Utility-location awareness.
• Damage prevention.
• Marking concepts.
• Safe excavation around existing utilities.

An excavator bucket is excellent at digging. It is much less impressive as a utility-location device.

Step 23: Use a Six-Week Study Plan

Step 24: Practice Under the Real Four-Hour Limit

Set a timer for 240 minutes and complete 100 practice questions.

Use a three-pass strategy:

1. First pass: Answer questions you know immediately.
2. Second pass: Complete fast approved-reference lookups.
3. Third pass: Return to longer calculations and difficult questions.

Do not spend ten minutes trying to prove one question wrong.

Question 42 does not care about your personal disagreement. The other 99 questions would still like some attention.

Step 25: Know the Current PSI Fees and Retake Rules

PSI currently lists $66 for one Arizona trade examination.

The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam currently costs $61.

Candidates who fail must currently wait 30 days before retaking the failed examination.

Candidates receive three attempts. After three failed attempts, a 90-day waiting period applies before another attempt.

Use your diagnostic report after an unsuccessful attempt to identify exactly which subjects need more work.

Step 26: Remember the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam

The KA trade examination tests technical construction and engineering knowledge.

The Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam focuses on state contractor laws and licensing rules.

The SRE should be treated as a separate subject from the KA technical exam.

Review the Arizona ROC contractor licensing process before submitting your application.

Step 27: Passing the Exam Is Only Part of Licensing

Passing PSI does not automatically issue an Arizona KA contractor license.

The licensing process may also include:

• Selecting the KA Dual Engineering classification.
• Designating a qualifying party.
• Documenting four years of qualifying experience.
• Completing the trade examination.
• Completing the SRE unless an approved waiver applies.
• Completing required background checks.
• Obtaining the required contractor license bond.
• Providing identification and business information.
• Submitting the Arizona ROC license application.
• Paying applicable licensing fees.

Always use the latest Arizona ROC application instructions when completing your actual license application.

Arizona A-KA / KA Dual Engineering Exam Roadmap

1. Confirm that KA Dual Engineering matches your intended commercial and residential engineering work.
2. Verify your four years of qualifying experience.
3. Confirm your SRE and trade-exam requirements.
4. Review PSI's current KA content outline.
5. Obtain OSHA, the approved IRC edition, and ASME B31.8.
6. Study the trade-only references before test day.
7. Prepare allowed books with permanent tabs and highlighting.
8. Make Concrete and Paving a top priority.
9. Study Sitework, Excavation, Compaction and Grading heavily.
10. Review Sewers and Safety.
11. Study Pools, Spas, Hardscaping, and Irrigation.
12. Review Water and Gas Piping.
13. Study Roofing, Insulation, and Drywall.
14. Review Walls and Fences.
15. Prepare for Electrical Transmission Lines and Photovoltaic Systems.
16. Practice construction math.
17. Practice fast reference lookups.
18. Complete full four-hour practice exams.
19. Review every missed question.
20. Complete the Arizona ROC licensing process.

Arizona KA Dual Engineering Exam Prep Resources

KA is a broad examination because the license combines commercial A General Engineering with residential B-4 General Residential Engineering.

Strong preparation combines heavy civil construction knowledge with residential engineering topics, organized references, construction math, OSHA safety, and full-length timed practice.

Conclusion: How to Pass the Arizona A-KA / KA Dual Engineering Exam

The Arizona KA Dual Engineering exam is challenging because it combines two broad areas of construction authority. Candidates need knowledge of commercial general engineering along with residential engineering and appurtenance work.

Start with the official exam breakdown instead of trying to study every construction topic equally. Concrete and Paving contains 13 questions, while Sitework, Excavation, Compaction and Grading contains another 13. Together, those two categories represent more than one-quarter of the entire exam.

Sewers contains nine questions and Safety contains eight. Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs and Hardscaping and Sprinkler Systems contain seven questions each. Those areas should form the next level of your study plan.

Water Piping, Gas Piping, Roofing, Insulation, and Drywall each contribute six questions. Walls and Fences and Electrical Transmission Lines contribute five each, while Photovoltaic Systems completes the exam with three questions.

One of the biggest preparation mistakes would be assuming that the exam is completely open book. PSI currently allows only specific approved references inside the testing center. OSHA, the listed IRC editions, and the listed ASME B31.8 editions are permitted, while many books covering concrete, paving, irrigation, pools, excavation, electrical transmission, and other subjects are study-only.

That means you need to learn much of the trade material before the exam. The books you cannot bring with you still matter because PSI uses them to develop questions.

Prepare the approved references carefully. Use permanent tabs, highlighting, indexing, and annotations where PSI permits them. Practice OSHA, IRC, and ASME lookups under a timer so you know exactly where to search.

Full-length practice matters too. One hundred questions in four hours gives you about two minutes and 24 seconds per scored question. Answer familiar questions first, handle fast reference searches second, and save difficult calculations for the final pass.

Remember the licensing side as well. Arizona currently lists four years of qualifying experience for KA Dual Engineering. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable SRE, qualifying-party, background-check, bonding, and application requirements.

The best preparation plan looks a lot like a good engineering project. Know the scope, handle the largest problems first, organize the tools, test the system before launch, and do not discover on exam morning that your favorite reference book is not allowed through the door.

Plain-Language Summary

The Arizona KA Dual Engineering license combines commercial A General Engineering with B-4 General Residential Engineering. This gives the classification a broad scope that covers major infrastructure along with qualifying residential engineering work.

PSI currently labels the exam link A (KA) General Engineering (Commercial), but the examination outline itself is titled KA Dual Engineering.

Arizona currently requires four years of qualifying hands-on and/or managerial experience for KA. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam and trade-exam requirements.

The current KA trade exam has 100 questions, allows 240 minutes, and requires a 70% passing score.

Concrete and Paving and Sitework, Excavation, Compaction and Grading are the two largest exam categories with 13 questions each. Sewers has nine questions and Safety has eight.

Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs and Hardscaping and Sprinkler Systems each contain seven questions. Water Piping, Gas Piping, Roofing, Insulation, and Drywall each contain six questions.

Walls and Fences and Electrical Transmission Lines each contribute five questions, while Photovoltaic Systems contributes three.

Candidates should begin with the largest subjects and then work through the smaller categories. Study excavation, soils, grading, concrete, asphalt paving, underground piping, pools, irrigation, roofing, insulation, drywall, fencing, electrical transmission, solar systems, and OSHA safety.

PSI currently allows OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, specified editions of the International Residential Code, and specified editions of ASME B31.8 inside the examination center.

Many additional books are study-only. These include references covering concrete, pipe installation, excavation, paving, pools, irrigation, landscaping, transmission lines, photovoltaic systems, fencing, and Arizona 811.

Candidates should therefore learn most of the trade material before the exam while also becoming fast at using the approved references.

A good study plan includes permanent book tabs, construction math, reference lookup drills, full 100-question practice tests, and careful review of every missed question.

Passing the trade exam is only part of becoming licensed. Applicants must still meet applicable Arizona ROC requirements involving experience, the qualifying party, the SRE, background checks, bonding, business information, and the formal license application.

For Arizona contractor exam books and preparation resources, browse the Contractor Exam Preps Arizona collection.