Arizona CR21 Hardscaping & Irrigation Systems Practice EXAM
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Arizona CR21 Hardscaping & Irrigation Systems Practice Exam
EXAM COVERAGE OVERVIEW (10 Key Points)
1. License Classification: The CR-21 license consolidated the former C-21 (Commercial) and
R-21 (Residential) classifications into a single dual license covering both residential and
commercial hardscaping and irrigation work .
2. Licensing Authority: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) issues and regulates
the CR-21 license, with examinations administered by PSI Services .
3. Experience Requirement: Applicants must have 4 years of verifiable landscaping
experience (up to 2 years may be substituted with technical training) .
4. Examination Requirements: Candidates must pass both the CR-21 Trade Exam and the
Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE), with a 70% passing score required on each .
5. License Scope: CR-21 covers landscape irrigation systems, paving, retaining walls, patios,
walkways, and other external hardscape features, excluding structural work over 6 feet .
6. Bonding Requirements: Surety bond amounts range from $2,500 to $15,000 based on
expected annual revenue, with a $2,500 bond for gross volume under $150,000 .
7. Application Process: The application fee is approximately $580 with a typical processing
time of 20-30 days .
8. Backflow Prevention: Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies are required for
irrigation systems connected to potable water supplies due to high hazard potential . A
PVB must be installed at least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler head .
9. Permeable Hardscapes: Interlocking concrete pavers with gaps are commonly used for
permeable hardscape designs, and edge restraints are essential to prevent paver
spreading .
10. Water Conservation: Smart controllers with weather-based adjustments are required for
most new installations. The "cycle and soak" method is most efficient for Arizona's soils .
SECTION 1: LICENSING AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (Questions 1-35)
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1. Which of the following best defines "hardscaping" in the context of the CR-21 license?
A) The planting and maintenance of vegetation
B) The design and installation of non-plant features in a landscape
C) The application of fertilizers and pesticides
D) The installation of swimming pools and spas
Answer: B) The design and installation of non-plant features in a landscape
Rationale: Hardscaping involves non-living landscape components such as patios, retaining
walls, pavers, walkways, and other structural elements. The CR-21 license specifically covers
these features along with irrigation systems .
2. What does the "CR" designation in CR-21 license stand for?
A) Commercial Residential
B) Contractors Registered
C) Dual License (Commercial and Residential)
D) Certified Registered
Answer: C) Dual License (Commercial and Residential)
Rationale: The "CR" designation indicates a Dual License, allowing the contractor to perform
both commercial (C-21) and residential (R-21) hardscaping and irrigation work .
3. Which Arizona state agency issues and regulates the CR-21 license?
A) Arizona Department of Water Resources
B) Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC)
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C) Arizona Department of Agriculture
D) Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Answer: B) Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC)
Rationale: The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) issues and regulates all contractor
licenses, including the CR-21 for hardscaping and irrigation systems .
4. What is the minimum required experience for a CR-21 license applicant?
A) 1 year of relevant experience
B) 2 years of relevant experience
C) 4 years of relevant experience
D) No specific experience requirement
Answer: C) 4 years of relevant experience
Rationale: Arizona requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for the CR-21 license.
Up to 2 years may be satisfied through technical training at an accredited institution .
5. Which license classifications were consolidated to create the current CR-21 license?
A) C-21 and R-21
B) A-21 Landscaping and Irrigation Systems, L-26 Landscaping, L-44 Irrigation Systems, C-21
Landscaping and Irrigation Systems
C) C-21 only
D) R-21 only
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Answer: B) A-21 Landscaping and Irrigation Systems, L-26 Landscaping, L-44 Irrigation
Systems, C-21 Landscaping and Irrigation Systems
Rationale: As of July 1, 2014, the Registrar consolidated multiple prior licenses including A-21, L-
26, L-44, C-21, and C-21R into the CR-21 classification .
6. What is the minimum dollar threshold for requiring a contractor's license in Arizona?
A) $500
B) $1,000
C) $5,000
D) $10,000
Answer: B) $1,000
Rationale: In Arizona, a contractor's license is required when the project costs $1,000 or more
(including labor and materials) or when a permit is required .
7. Which two exams are required to obtain the CR-21 license?
A) Business Management and Law
B) Trade Exam (CR-21 classification) and Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE)
C) General Engineering and Safety
D) Plumbing and Electrical
Answer: B) Trade Exam (CR-21 classification) and Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE)
Rationale: Candidates must pass both the Trade Exam for the CR-21 classification and the
Statutes & Rules Exam (SRE), both administered by PSI .