Arkansas splits contractor licensing between the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (commercial and residential general contracting) and trade-specific boards. Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). Issues a commercial contractor license for projects at or above a published threshold and a residential contractor license for new-home construction and remodeling. Applicants submit a financial statement, pass Business and Law plus a trade/classification exam, and post a license bond set by board rules. Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners (under AR Department of Labor and Licensing). Issues Master, Journeyman, Residential Master, Residential Journeyman, Air Conditioning Electrician, and Industrial Maintenance Electrician licenses. Journeyman: 8,000 hours OJT plus 576 hours classroom. Master: 1 year (2,000 hours) as AR Journeyman. Exam fee $56 paper or $80 computer; minimum 70 percent passing. Journeyman annual fee $25; Master annual fee $50. CE: 8 hours per NEC code cycle (3 years). Arkansas HVAC-R Licensing Board (under AR Department of Labor and Licensing). Issues HVAC-R Contractor license with classes A (unlimited) through E. Class A fee $200; Class B $150; Class C $100; D and E verify current fee. 2 years of experience required (or approved equivalent education). Exam fee $55 via Prov. CE: 8 hours per code cycle for all classes. Arkansas Department of Health Plumbing and Natural Gas program. Issues Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Apprentice, and gas-fitter licenses. Journeyman exam $75; Master exam $125. Journeyman license $75 per year; Master license $200 per year. No CE currently required. Business registration. LLCs and corporations register with the Arkansas Secretary of State. Arkansas requires an annual franchise tax report due May 1 each year. LLC franchise tax is a flat $150 per year. Failure to file by May 1 triggers a $25 penalty plus interest. Municipal layer. Local building departments handle permits and may impose additional registration.
AR · Contractor licensing
Contractor licensing in Arkansas
State contractor license requirements, bond, and insurance minimums.
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