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Construction Work Regulated?

Who Regulates Construction?

Requirements?

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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.