HVAC Technician licensing in Arkansas

Scope of work

The Arkansas HVAC-R Licensing Board issues a single HVAC-R Contractor license with sub-classifications that set capacity limits. Source: AR DOL HVAC-R (https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/hvac-r/); HVACR 2022 Rules (https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/HVACR-2022.pdf).

Classifications.

- Class A: HVAC-R work without limitation on BTUH or horsepower capacity. - Class B: air conditioning systems with no more than 15 tons of cooling capacity. - Class C, D, and E: additional sub-classifications with more limited scope.

Source: AR DOL HVAC-R (https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/hvac-r/).

Experience and training

Applicants must have at least 2 years of work experience to qualify for one of the six contractor license classifications. The Board may substitute board-approved HVAC-related education for experience, provided the applicant submits transcripts for board review. Source: AR HVACR 2022 Rules (https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/HVACR-2022.pdf).

Exam

Administered by Prov Exams. Exam fee is $55. A minimum passing score per vendor rules applies. Source: AR DOL HVAC-R (https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/hvac-r/); HVAC Contractor Application (https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/HVAC-Contractor-Application-2023.pdf).

Fees

Annual license fee by class: Class A $200; Class B $150; Class C $100 (Classes D and E verify current fee with AR DOL). Renewal fees are 25 percent of the initial fee. Source: AR DOL HVAC-R (https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/hvac-r/).

Renewal and CE

All HVAC-R license classes (A, B, C, D, E) require 8 hours of continuing education each code cycle for renewal. Source: AR DOL HVAC-R (https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/hvac-r/).

EPA 608 federal overlay

An Arkansas HVAC-R license does not substitute for federal EPA Section 608 Technician Certification required for any technician who services regulated refrigerant equipment. Section 608 certifications do not expire. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608).