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Construction Work Regulated?

Who Regulates Construction?

Requirements?

Reciprocal Agreements

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Construction Work Regulated?

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board regulates commercial construction projects with a total value of $50,000 or more, including labor and materials. Residential construction projects exceeding $2,000 are regulated by the Residential Building Contractors Committee, which operates under the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Specialty trades are regulated by separate state agencies. Electrical and HVACR work fall under the oversight of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, while plumbing work is regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health. Contractors seeking to perform public highway work for the state must complete the required prequalification process before bidding on or performing the work.

Who Regulates Construction?

Residential and Commercial contractor application and licensing information may be obtained from:

Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
4100 Richards Road
North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501)372-4661 Fax (501)372-2247
https://www.arkansas.gov/clb

Prequalification applications and information may be obtained from:

Arkansas Department of Transportation
Program management Division
Post Office Box 2261
Little Rock, AR 72203-2261
(501)569-2261 Fax (501)569-2623
https://www.ardot.gov

Electrical applications and licensing information may be obtained from:

Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners
900 W. Capitol Ave. Ste 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)682-4500
https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/electrical-inspection-and-licensing/

Applications and licensing information for plumbing and gas fitting may be obtained from:

Arkansas Department of Health
Slot #24
Protective Health Codes
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)661-2642 Fax (501)0661-2671
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov

Applications, certifications, and licenses related to asbestos abatement, underground storage tank systems, and demolition activities are administered through the appropriate Arkansas state agency. This includes licensing and certification for individuals involved in asbestos abatement, as well as those who install, repair, upgrade, or close underground storage tank systems containing regulated substances. Licensing requirements may also apply to individuals and companies performing demolition work, licensing may be obtained from:

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
5301 Northshore Drive
Little Rock, AR 72218-5317
(501)682-0744 Fax (501)682-0880
https://www.adeq.state.ar.us

Applicants and licensing information for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration work and lead abatement may be obtained from:

Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing HVAC/R Division
900 W. Capitol Ave. Ste 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)682-4513 Fax (501)682-4562
https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/hvac-r/

Applications and Licensing information on boiler installation may be obtained from:

Arkansas Department of Labor Boiler Division
900 W. Capitol Ave. Ste 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)682-4513 Fax (501)682-4562
https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/boiler-inspection-licensing-and-permits/

Applications and licensing information on elevator installation may be obtained from:

Arkansas Department of Labor Elevator Safety Board
900 W. Capitol Ave. Ste 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)682-4538 Fax (501)682-1765
https://labor.arkansas.gov/labor/code-enforcement/boiler-inspection-licensing-and-permits/

Applications and licensing information on sprinkler fire protection systems and portable/fixed fir protection may be obtained from:

Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board
900 W. Capitol Ave. Ste 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)661-7903 Fax (501)603-3540
https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/fire-protection-licensing-board/

Applications and licensing information on fire and burglar alarms may be obtained from:

Arkansas State Police Private Investigators
Security-Alarm Installation and Monitoring
One State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501)618-8600 Fax (501)618-8125
https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/

Requirements?

Contractors must generally obtain a license before submitting a bid. For projects funded directly by the federal government, a contractor is not required to hold a license at the time of bidding; however, a license application must be on file with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board before the bid is submitted. A license must be issued before the contract is executed or work begins.

Subcontractor Registration

Subcontractors working under a properly licensed contractor may choose to obtain a Registration Certificate instead of a full contractor license. To qualify as a subcontractor, the contract must be with a licensed prime contractor. Any contractor who contracts directly with the project owner is considered a prime contractor and must hold the appropriate license. If the prime contractor is not properly licensed, subcontractors may be required to obtain a commercial contractor license.

Commercial Contractor Licensing

Commercial contractor applicants must demonstrate experience in their trade, typically five years for major classifications and one year for specialty classifications. Applicants must submit the required financial statements and file a $10,000 surety bond or cash bond with the Contractors Licensing Board. They must also pass an open-book business and law examination with a minimum score of 70%.

Commercial licenses are issued for one year and require a $100 application fee. Renewal applicants must submit updated financial statements, proof of workers' compensation coverage, and a $50 renewal fee ($100 if renewed late).

Commercial Contractor Registration

Eligible subcontractors may register instead of obtaining a license. Registration does not require proof of experience, financial statements, or examinations. The registration fee is $100.

Residential Builder Licensing

Residential builder applicants must have at least four years of experience, submit a compiled financial statement, provide proof of workers' compensation coverage when required, and pass the open-book business and law examination with a score of 70% or higher. The application fee is $100, and licenses are valid for one year.

Residential Remodeler Licensing

Residential remodeler applicants must have at least two years of experience and pass the business and law examination with a minimum score of 70%. For projects valued at $50,000 or more, applicants must also submit a compiled financial statement and proof of workers' compensation coverage. The application fee is $50.

Residential Specialty Contractor Licensing

Applicants for residential specialty licenses must demonstrate experience in their trade. For projects of $50,000 or more, they must submit a compiled financial statement and proof of workers' compensation coverage. The application fee is $50.

Residential License Renewals

Residential builders must submit a renewal application, a compiled financial statement, proof of workers' compensation coverage, and a $50 renewal fee ($100 if late).

Residential remodelers and specialty contractors must submit a renewal application and a $25 renewal fee ($50 if late). For projects of $50,000 or more, updated financial statements and proof of workers' compensation coverage are also required.

Federal Government Projects

Licensing requirements may be waived for contracts and bids involving federal government projects performed on federal property.

Residential Roofing Registration

Effective January 1, 2022, residential roofing contractors are required to register with the Residential Contractors Committee rather than obtain a Home Improvement Roofing License. This registration applies only to roofing work. Contractors performing additional residential construction services must maintain the appropriate Home Improvement License.

Roofing registrants must submit a registration application, pay a $20 fee, provide a $15,000 surety bond, and maintain proof of workers' compensation coverage.

ARDOT Contractor Prequalification

Contractors wishing to bid as prime contractors on Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) projects must complete the Prequalification Questionnaire and receive approval before submitting bids for ARDOT lettings. The questionnaire is available through the Department's website.

Financial statements must be prepared by an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Registered Public Accountant (RPA). ARDOT only accepts reviewed or audited financial statements that include an accountant's opinion letter. When a reviewed or audited financial statement is provided, certain financial documents within the prequalification package may be omitted.

A contractor's prequalification remains valid for one year from the date of the financial statement, plus a four-month grace period. Extensions beyond the grace period are not permitted.

Contractors should allow at least five business days for the Department to review and process a prequalification application. Questions regarding the prequalification process may be directed to ARDOT's Prequalification and Materials Division.
Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners Requirements

All electrical license applicants must pass the applicable trade examination with a minimum score of 70%. New applications are typically processed within one week, and licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Master Electrician

Applicants for a Master Electrician license must either hold a degree in electrical engineering and have at least two years of related experience, or possess six years of residential and commercial electrical construction experience, including at least two years as a journeyman electrician.

Residential Master Electrician

Applicants must have at least three years of experience wiring one- and two-family dwellings, plus one year of experience as a residential journeyman electrician.

Residential Journeyman Electrician

Applicants must have at least two years of experience wiring one-family residential dwellings.

Air Conditioning Electrician

Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of experience wiring HVACR equipment.

Industrial Maintenance Electrician

Applicants must have at least four years of supervised experience maintaining electrical conductors and equipment in an industrial environment.

Journeyman Electrician

Applicants who have completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor must provide documentation of successful completion. Acceptable documentation includes:

A "Released for Test Completion" form approved by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education; or
Certification of apprenticeship completion from the U.S. Department of Labor or the appropriate state agency for apprenticeship programs completed outside Arkansas.

The Board may approve applicants without a "Released for Test" form in certain extenuating circumstances.

Applicants seeking licensure through reciprocity must provide verification from the state in which they are currently licensed showing that:

They hold a current journeyman electrician license in good standing;
They have held that license for at least one year; and
They successfully passed the licensing examination in that state.

Applicants who have not completed a Board-approved four-year apprenticeship program must document at least eight years (16,000 hours) of electrical construction experience or other training approved by the Board. Qualifying experience may include electrical work performed during military service.
Arkansas Department of Health Requirements
Plumbing Licenses

Applicants for both Master Plumber and Journeyman Plumber licenses must pass a trade examination with a minimum score of 75%.

Master Plumber applicants must have at least five years of plumbing experience.
Journeyman Plumber applicants must have at least four years of plumbing experience.
Apprentice Plumbers must complete a total of 8,000 hours of combined classroom instruction and on-the-job training before qualifying for advancement.
Lead Abatement

Lead abatement contractors must submit a completed application, proof of liability insurance, a letter of declaration, and a disclosure statement as part of the licensing process.

Since June 2, 2011, lead abatement activities in Arkansas have been regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Asbestos Abatement Licensing Requirements

Applicants seeking an asbestos abatement contractor or consultant license, or those renewing an existing license, must submit an application to the Arkansas Department of Health through the SEEK online portal.

The application package must include:

A completed application form.
Payment of the applicable annual licensing fee.
Proof that the asbestos abatement contractor employs at least one Department-certified Contractor/Supervisor in the appropriate discipline.

A completed Disclosure Statement on the Department's approved form.
Proof of at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage issued by an insurance company authorized to conduct business in Arkansas.

The insurance certificate must verify coverage for all asbestos-related services performed by the company, including inspection and abatement activities. It must also include a provision requiring the insurance carrier to notify the Department in writing within 10 days of any significant policy changes, including cancellation, non-renewal, or reductions in coverage limits.

Underground Storage Tank (UST) Licensing Requirements

Contractor applicants must submit a completed application, a nonrefundable $300 application fee, and a $25,000 surety bond.

To qualify, contractor applicants must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Be in good standing with all applicable licensing authorities.
Hold a current contractor license when required.
Have no history of suspended business or occupational licenses.
Employ at least one licensed individual who will be physically present on-site during underground storage tank (UST) work.

Individuals seeking a UST license must also:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Be in good standing with all licensing authorities.
Pass the required written examination.
Demonstrate at least one year of field experience within the three years immediately preceding the application.

Individual license applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $150 application fee.

Both contractor and individual licenses must be renewed every two years. Additional requirements can be found in Arkansas Regulation 12.

HVACR Licensing Board – Department of Labor Requirements

HVACR contractor applicants must pass the required trade examination with a minimum score of 70% and demonstrate at least two years of qualifying work experience.

Licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.

The Arkansas HVACR Licensing Program offers reciprocity for licenses issued by states with licensing standards and requirements comparable to those of Arkansas.

Boiler Division – Department of Labor Requirements

Applicants seeking a Boiler Operator license must pass the required examination and provide proof of at least six months of on-the-job training.

Individuals applying for a boiler repair license must demonstrate that they possess the necessary qualifications and experience to perform boiler repair work.

Before installing any boiler, pressure vessel, or power piping system in Arkansas, licensed companies must obtain the appropriate installation permits. All installations are subject to inspection and approval before the equipment may be placed into operation.

The complete laws, regulations, and application forms are available through the Arkansas Department of Labor's Boiler Inspection Division.

Elevator Licensing Requirements
Elevator Inspector

Applicants for an Elevator Inspector license must submit a Board-approved application and meet the following requirements:

Have at least four years of verified experience in the design, installation, maintenance, or inspection of elevators and other conveyances.
Hold certification as a Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) by successfully passing the ASME-accredited elevator inspector examination.
Have no financial interest in any company that manufactures, installs, repairs, modifies, or services conveyances. This restriction does not apply to employees of insurance companies that insure conveyances in Arkansas.
Maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 for bodily injury or death and $500,000 for property damage.
Pay a $100 licensing fee.

License renewals must be submitted by January 31 each year and include the renewal fee, proof of insurance, an annual financial disclosure statement, and proof of eight hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years.

Elevator Contractor

Elevator contractor applicants must:

Maintain a permanent office in Arkansas or be registered with the Arkansas Secretary of State and designate an agent authorized to receive legal notices.
Employ at least one licensed elevator mechanic.
Maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 for bodily injury or death and $500,000 for property damage.
Pay a $250 licensing fee.

Renewals are due annually by January 31 and require proof of insurance and payment of the $250 renewal fee.

Elevator Mechanic

Applicants for an Elevator Mechanic license must:

Have at least three years of verified experience constructing, maintaining, servicing, or repairing conveyances.
Pass a Board-approved written examination.
Pay an annual licensing fee of $75.
Accessibility Technician (Restricted Elevator Mechanic)

A restricted Elevator Mechanic license, known as an Accessibility Technician license, allows work only on vertical platform lifts, wheelchair lifts, inclined stairway chair lifts, and similar accessibility equipment covered by ASME A18.1.

Applicants must:

Have at least three years of verified experience working on covered accessibility conveyances.
Pass the Board-approved examination for the restricted license.
Pay an annual licensing fee of $75.

Renewal applications are due by January 31 of the expiration year and require a $150 fee for a two-year renewal period, along with proof of eight hours of approved continuing education every two years.

Emergency and Temporary Elevator Mechanic Licenses

The Board may issue temporary or emergency elevator mechanic licenses when a shortage of licensed mechanics exists due to emergencies, strikes, lockouts, or project-specific workforce needs.

Licenses may be issued without meeting standard examination requirements.
Each license is valid for up to 30 days.
Licenses may be renewed if the conditions that justified issuance continue.
The fee for an emergency or temporary license is $75.
Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board Requirements
Sprinkler System Installation, Repair, and Inspection

Individuals performing sprinkler system installation, repair, or inspection must be employed by an Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board (AFPLB) licensed sprinkler contractor. Applicants must submit an application and pass both the sprinkler examination and the rules and regulations examination before a license can be issued.

Applications must include:

Proof of company insurance with at least $1,000,000 in coverage.
Sample copies of the company's service tag, red tag, yellow tag, and hydraulic placard.
A copy of the applicant's NICET certification or Bachelor of Science degree.
A letter from a licensed sprinkler contractor supporting the Responsible Managing Employee application.

Sprinkler contracting companies must employ at least one full-time individual who holds either:

NICET Level III certification; or
A Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering or Fire Protection Engineering Technology, along with documented fire sprinkler layout experience verified by a licensed Arkansas sprinkler contractor.

Companies performing sprinkler inspections must employ at least one licensed sprinkler inspector. Individuals seeking inspector licensure must pass the sprinkler inspector examination with a minimum score of 90%.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Systems

Companies seeking to install, repair, or inspect portable fire protection systems in Arkansas must submit a Certificate of Registration application along with the required fees.

Companies that do not hold a Class A or Class B Hydrostatic Testing license must provide a letter from a company licensed by the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board confirming it will perform all required hydrostatic testing on their behalf.

Applications must also include samples of all service tags and labels used by the company. Any future changes to tags or labels must be submitted to the Board for approval.

A company cannot be licensed until at least one employee has passed the examination required for the services being offered. The scope of a company's license is limited to the qualifications of its licensed employees, and employees cannot perform work beyond the scope of the company's license.

Fixed Fire Suppression Systems

Companies seeking to install, repair, or inspect fixed fire suppression systems must be an authorized distributor for each system brand for which they are applying. If the company is not a distributor, it must submit an Affidavit of Supplying Parts and Manuals from an authorized distributor. The distributor must agree to provide current manuals, replacement parts, and product updates and must include proof of distributorship.

A company may only be licensed for system types and brands supported by a properly licensed employee.

Applications must include:

Proof of company liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000.
Samples of service tags, red tags, service collars, and maintenance labels.
A current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) authorization letter when applying for a Class A Hydrostatic Testing license.
If not applying for a Class A or B Hydrostatic Testing license, a letter from a licensed hydrostatic testing company agreeing to perform testing services.
A current distributorship certificate or an approved Affidavit of Supplying Parts and Manuals for each brand and system type.

The Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board's rules, regulations, and governing statutes provide additional requirements for licensing and operation.

Arkansas State Police – Alarm Installation and Monitoring Requirements
Fire and Burglar Alarm Companies

Alarm installation and monitoring businesses must be licensed through the Arkansas State Police. For sole proprietorships, the owner or designated manager must qualify for the license. Corporations must submit an officer application, articles of incorporation, photographs, and fingerprint records as part of the licensing process.

Class "E" license holders are required to maintain public liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000.

The manager of each alarm systems business applying for a Class "E" license must complete approved industry training and certification programs. Acceptable credentials include designated courses and certifications from organizations such as the Electronic Security Association (ESA), National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA), Elite CEU, and other Board-approved providers.

In addition to meeting training requirements, all managers must pass an examination administered by the Arkansas State Police covering Act 393 and the state's Security Alarm Installation and Monitoring Rules.

License and Registration Terms
Class "E" alarm company licenses are valid for two years.
Alarm system monitor, agent, and technician registrations are valid for two years.
Accepted Training and Certifications

The Arkansas State Police recognizes a variety of approved training programs and certifications, including:

ESA Level I certification
NESA certifications
NICET certifications
Complete Electrical Academy Level I
Elite CEU certifications
Security Level I and Security Level II programs
Advanced Burglary Alarm Installation (ABAI)
Advanced Fire Alarm Installation (AFAI)
Burglar Alarm Technician certification through approved providers such as MyCEUs.com

Applicants should ensure their training and certifications meet current Arkansas State Police licensing requirements before applying.

Reciprocal Agreements

Reciprocal Agreements for Arkansas Licensing Boards
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board maintains examination waiver agreements with Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee for contractors who hold licenses in comparable classifications. Applicants should contact the Board for specific eligibility requirements and details.

Arkansas State Police – Private Investigators, Security, and Alarm Installation & Monitoring

Reciprocity is available only for Private Investigator licenses and applies to applicants licensed in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners

The Board maintains separate reciprocity agreements based on license type.

Journeyman Electrician reciprocity is available with:

Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Master Electrician reciprocity is available with:

North Dakota and Oregon

Arkansas Elevator Safety Board

The Arkansas Elevator Safety Board may issue licenses to qualified elevator inspectors, elevator mechanics, and elevator contractors without requiring an additional examination when the applicant holds a license from another jurisdiction with licensing standards substantially equivalent to those required in Arkansas.