Licensing Guides
Arkansas Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Arkansas
Electrical, AR
April 10th, 2026
Deborah Goldman
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Arkansas
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Arkansas?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrical License in Arkansas?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrical Contractors License in Arkansas?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrical License Exam in Arkansas?
Does My Arkansas Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrical License in Arkansas?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Arkansas?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Arkansas.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 8,670 in Arkansas.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Arkansas is projected at 10%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Arkansas in August 2024 totaled 67,200, an increase of 3,800 (6.0%) from August 2023
and an increase of 13,900 or 26% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Arkansas
Is a license required for electricians in Arkansas? Yes.
To begin the licensure process, apprentices must fill out an application with the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners for registration as an electrical apprentice and pay a $10 application fee. To qualify, you must provide proof of enrollment in a training course for electrical apprenticeships. The course must be certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Apprenticeship applications must be renewed each year.
For a journeyman electrician license, applicants must have completed a 4-year electrical apprenticeship program approved by the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, must pass an examination and pay a fee.
For a master electrician's license applicants must either:
Have a degree in electrical engineering plus two years of construction related experience; or
Complete USDOL apprenticeship 12,000 hours qualifying OJT or 16,000 hours qualifying OJT in an outside state, unless jurisdiction has a reciprocal agreement with Arkansas.
And must pay a fee.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Arkansas
Must be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or GED.
Have a valid driver’s license.
Pass one course in algebra, along with a drug test and aptitude test.
Complete a training program.
Apply for, take and pass the appropriate electrical licensing exam.
Obtain your electrician license from the state board.
Consider becoming an independent electrical contractor.
How to Become an Electrician in Arkansas
OBTAIN NECESSARY TRAINING: The job training required in Arkansas varies by license type.
Electrical Apprentice: To register as an electrical apprentice in the construction industry in Arkansas you must:
Be at least 18 years old, with a high-school diploma or GED
Have a valid driver’s license
Have a passing algebra grade
Pass a drug screening and aptitude test.
Residential Journeyman Electrician: To be eligible for an Arkansas residential journeyman electrician license, you must:
Complete a 2-year USDOL Apprenticeship and 4,000 hours qualifying OJT. This license does not reciprocate.
Journeyman: To be eligible for an Arkansas journeyman electrician license you must:
Complete a USDOL Certified Apprenticeship and 8,000 hours OJT or out of state 16,000 hours qualified OJT in a licensed jurisdiction unless the applicant is in a state that reciprocates with Arkansas.
Residential Master Electrician: To be eligible for an Arkansas residential master license, you must:
Complete a 2-year USDOL Apprenticeship and 8,000 hours qualifying OJT. This license does not reciprocate.
Master Electrician: To be eligible for an Arkansas master electrician license, you must:
Complete a USDOL apprenticeship and 12,000 hours qualifying OJT or 16,000 hours qualifying OJT in an outside state jurisdiction unless jurisdiction has a reciprocal agreement with Arkansas.
Air Conditioning Electrician: To be eligible for an Arkansas air conditioning license, you must:
Have two years of experience in wiring heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, or any combination of experience approved by the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners; and
Have an HVACR electrician’s license issued by an Arkansas municipality, or an HVACR Class A or Class B license, issued by the state HVACR licensing board.
Industrial Maintenance Electrician Licensee: To be eligible for an Arkansas industrial maintenance electrician license, you must:
Have four years of supervised experience under a master electrician, engineer, journeyman electrician, or industrial maintenance electrician in the maintenance of electrical conductors and equipment.
Military Related Experience: Attach DD214 and military service record of job duties and training certifications. Credit for hours worked to be decided by the board.
APPLY FOR LICENSING EXAM: You must schedule Arkansas electrical exams in advance. Exams can be taken via computer, or traditional paper-and-pencil method. Exams can be scheduled online, or over the phone by calling or texting 801-733-4455.
To take the exam, you must submit an application to the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners. Applications must be received by the state board at least five days before the board’s regularly scheduled meetings. Exams will be offered every six months and are administered by Prov. Inc.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The journeyman electrician, master electrician, and residential master electrician licensing exams each contain 60 questions that must be answered within three hours. The exams are open book, and a passing score equals at least 70%. The residential journeyman electrician licensing exam contains 40 questions that must be answered within two hours. Also an open-book exam, it requires a passing score of 70%.
OBTAIN YOUR ELECTRICIAN LICENSE: After you pass the exam, you must pay a state licensing fee to obtain your license. Journeyman electrician, residential journeyman, air conditioning, and industrial maintenance electrician licenses each cost $25. The price for master and residential master electrician licenses totals $50. Licenses must be renewed each year, and you have the option to pay in advance for up to three years of renewals. The cost for yearly renewals is the same as the licensing fees.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: Both journeyman and master electricians must complete at least eight hours of continuing education for each National Electrical Code (NEC) cycle. An updated National Electrical Code is published every three years, with 2023 being the most recent edition.
PROOF OF INSURANCE: Electricians in Arkansas must carry electrical contractors’ insurance, which includes liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Additional insurance options include Errors and Omissions insurance, which protects against negligent claims that may be filed against you, or those that suggest you failed to perform a promised service.
Commercial property insurance can protect your business building and its contents, while commercial auto insurance covers company vehicles and their contents while traveling to jobs.
CONSIDER BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: To be an independent electrical contractor in Arkansas, you must hold a master electrician's license with five years of experience or employ someone with a master electrician license. Arkansas contractors also must pass the business and law exam. The test contains 50 questions and must be completed in two hours. The open-book exam covers the following topics:
Business Organization
Electrical Licensing
Estimating and Bidding
Contract Management
Project Management
Insurance and Bonding
OSHA Record-Keeping
Personnel Regulations
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Lien Laws
After passing the electrical contractor exam, you need to submit several documents before you can begin servicing the public. Those documents include:
Evidence of passing the Business and Law Exam
A surety bond of $10,000 to the State of Arkansas
Proof of workers' compensation insurance
Three references from former employers accounting for five years of experience
A financial review, no more than one year old, from a Certified Public Accountant
In Arkansas, an independent electrical contractor’s license must be renewed once per year.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Arkansas
What are the different types of electrician licensing in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Labor provides the following definitions for its electrician licenses:
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE: A registered person working under the supervision of a licensed journeyman electrician or master electrician to obtain necessary training to apply and receive their own electrician license.
RESIDENTIAL JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN: Licenses and electrical work of journeyman electricians limited to the installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, or renovation of electrical facilities for one- and two-family dwellings.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN: An individual who possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to install, maintain, and extend electrical conductors and equipment. He or she must be capable of doing such work in accordance with plans and specifications, furnished in accordance with standard rules governing the work.
RESIDENTIAL MASTER ELECTRICIAN: Licenses and electrical work of master electricians limited to planning and supervising the installation, maintenance, and extension of electrical facilities for one- and two-family dwellings.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN: An individual who possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to plan, lay out, and supervise the installation, maintenance, and extension of electrical conductors and equipment.
AIR CONDITIONING ELECTRICIAN: Limited to a license classification possessing the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge for the installation, maintenance, and extension of electrical conductors and equipment, solely for the purpose of supplying heating and air conditioning, and refrigeration units.
INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN: Possesses the necessary qualifications, training, and technical knowledge to maintain and extend electrical conductors and equipment for electrical power and control systems, on or within industrial, manufacturing, or similar types of facilities. Must be capable of doing such work in accordance with standard rules governing that work.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Arkansas
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Arkansas.
First and most important, it is required by law in Arkansas to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Arkansas?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Arkansas is $52,860, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Arkansas those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $56,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $65,700
Senior (4-7 years): $70,800
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrical License in Arkansas?
The cost of a license varies in Arkansas depending on the level. The exams through Prov cost $80 each for computer administration and $56 each for paper/pencil administration.
Journeyman electrician, residential journeyman, air conditioning, and industrial maintenance electrician licenses each cost $25. The price for master and residential master electrician licenses is $50.
Licenses must be renewed each year, and you have the option to pay in advance for up to three years of renewals. The cost for yearly renewals is the same as the licensing fees.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrical Contractors License in Arkansas?
It will take at least 2 years to get the experience you need for the two electrician licenses in Arkansas that have the least demanding experience requirements — residential journeyman and air conditioning electrician.
To become a licensed electrician at either the journeyman or residential master electrician level takes at least four years; to become licensed at the master electrician level it will take another two beyond that.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Arkansas Electrical Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs that provide training to become an electrical professional in Arkansas.
Arkansas offers several union-based programs known as Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs). There are training locations in El Dorado, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Little Rock.
A non-union program is available through the Mid-South Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors. You can also search the Arkansas Apprenticeship Directory.
Some top Arkansas electrical schools include:
University of Arkansas Electronics Technology — Associate Program, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Pulaski Technical College Electrical Systems – Certificate Program, Little Rock, Arkansas
Arkansas State University Electrical Apprenticeship – Certificate Program Beebe, Arkansas
Program Prerequisites: Program prerequisites vary. Most programs, however, require you to be 18 years old, have a high-school diploma or GED, hold a valid driver’s license, show a passing algebra grade, pass a drug screening, and aptitude test.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will gain an understanding of electrical standards, as well as math and scientific principles. Electricians need keen eyesight and good hand-eye coordination, as well as proper time management skills. They also need to demonstrate good customer service skills, be able to work independently, have good physical endurance, and use logical problem-solving techniques. Electricians also learn how to read blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Arkansas, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Arkansas: The Ultimate Guide.
Arkansas Electrical Licensing Exam Details
In Arkansas, there are various exams, depending on the type of electrician license you desire. A passing score of 70% is required for all tests. The details for each of the exams can be found in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Master Electrical Exam: Contains 60 questions that must be completed within three hours. Applicants may use the 2023 National Electric Code.
Topics covered in the exam:
Grounding and Bonding
General Knowledge of the Electrical Trade and Calculations
Service, Feeders, Branch Feeders, and Overcurrent Protection
Raceways and Enclosures
Conductors
Motors and Controls
Utilization and General Use Equipment
Special Occupancies and Equipment
Low Voltage Circuits, Including Alarms and Communications
Safety
Journeyman Electrician Exam: Contains 60 questions that must be completed within three hours. Applicants may use the 2023 National Electric Code. Topics covered in the exam are the same as those included in the Master Electrical Exam.
Residential Master Electrical Exam: Contains 60 questions that must be completed within three hours. Applicants may use the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC).
Topics covered in the exam are as follows:
NEC-Chapter 1 through Chapter 7
Safety
General Theory
Residential Journeyman Electrical Exam Prep: Contains 40 questions that must be completed within two hours. Applicants may use the 2023 National Fire Code. Topics covered in the exam include NEC-Chapter 1 through 7, and General Theory.
Industrial Maintenance Electrical Exam Prep: Contains 50 questions that must be completed within two hours. Applicants may use the following reference materials: 2023 National Fire Code, and Industrial Maintenance Electrical and Instrumentation Levels 1-4.
Topics covered in the exam are as follows:
Basic Safety
Introduction to Construction Math
Introduction to Test Instruments
Hazardous Locations
Specialty Transformers
Electrical Safety
Hand Bending
Electrical Theory: Two
Electrical Test Equipment
Introduction to Electrical Blueprints
Wiring: Commercial and Industrial
Grounding
Conductor Terminations and Splices
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Motor Controls
Standby and Emergency Systems
Electrical Heating and Air Conditioning Exam Prep: Contains 60 questions that must be completed within three hours. Applicants may use the 2023 National Fire Code during the exam.
Topics covered in the exam are as follows:
NEC-Chapter 1-4
NEC-Chapter 9
Box Fill
Efficiency Power Factor & Neutral Loads
General Theory
Motors and Branch Circuit
Motor Feeders
Motor Protection
Service
Voltage Drop
How Can I Prepare for the Electrical License Exam in Arkansas?
You must gain the required amount of work experience before being permitted to sit for the exam. The exams are most often administered on a computer, and a passing grade of at least 70% is required for each test. There are prep classes and study guides available, but if you are in an apprenticeship program, your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination.
You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC). The test is open book and allows for you to have permanent tabs in the NEC so you can easily navigate it during the exam. You can also take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
Who Issues Electrical Licenses in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners issues and renews all electrician licenses in the state.
Does My Arkansas Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your Arkansas electrical license will allow you to become licensed in several other states. The State of Arkansas Electrical Examining Board has reciprocal licensing agreements with Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Your Arkansas license will serve as evidence of your experience and successfully passing the examination.
You will still need to fulfill administrative steps to apply for a license if you choose to work in any of those states and possibly some additional requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrical License in Arkansas?
As stated above, the State of Arkansas Electrical Examining Board has reciprocal licensing agreements with Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
A Master license from the list above can only be reciprocated with a Journeyman's license except for Oregon and North Dakota, where Arkansas has a Master License reciprocal Agreement.
*Wyoming will only reciprocate a journeyman’s license with an individual that has completed a USDOL approved apprenticeship program of at least 576 hours of classroom time.
You can find all the particulars for each state listed here.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrical Scholarships in Arkansas?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Arkansas for students pursuing an education in electrical engineering, the electrical trades, and apprenticeships. These options are available through trade organizations, electrical cooperatives, universities and community colleges.
The independent Electrical Contractors Foundation (IECF) Scholarship Fund is offered to IEC students, members, and their immediate families who plan to pursue postsecondary education in college or state accredited apprenticeship programs. In 2025, the foundation introduced the EmpowerHER Scholarship, which aims to specifically support women pursuing careers in the electrical industry.
First Electric Cooperative awards nine $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors living in the co-op’s five districts each year. They are funded through the member-supported Operation Round-Up program.
To be eligible for the scholarships, an applicant must be a high school senior whose parents or guardians have their primary residence served by First Electric Cooperative. They must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average through their senior year of high school and then attend an accredited institute of higher learning in Arkansas on a full-time basis, which includes technical career programs.
Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation accepts applications each spring for the AVECC Senior Scholarship. High school seniors whose parents or guardians are AVECC members may apply for one of two $2,500 scholarships that the cooperative will award each year.
Several scholarship opportunities for aspiring electrical workers in Arkansas are available through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and its related programs. Eligibility may vary by program, with some scholarships open to all IBEW members or their families, while others are specific to a local union.
Nationally, the IBEW Founders' Scholarship is offered to working IBEW members who wish to continue their education. It awards up to $24,000 per person over eight years for associate, bachelor, or postgraduate degrees in a field that furthers the electrical industry.
Arkansas is part of the IBEW's 10th District, which also includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. For the most direct path to discovering local scholarship opportunities, prospective and current members should contact the IBEW local unions that serve their specific area in Arkansas
How Can Someone Verify My Electrical License in Arkansas?
Your electrical license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Arkansas through the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (DWS) website. One of the online services on the website is an online license search where anyone can search individual or contractor licenses or verify the status of a license.
When Can an Electrical License Be Suspended in Arkansas?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. An electrical license in Arkansas can be suspended for violations of the Arkansas Electrical Code, failure to complete continuing education requirements, or engaging in unsafe or illegal electrical practices. The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing enforces these rules to protect public safety, and licensees may also face suspension for other violations, such as failure to pay required fees or license renewal issues.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arkansas electrician and electrical contractor license regulations you can refer to the Administrative Rules of the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, performing unlicensed electrical work can lead to significant penalties, including fines and the inability to sue for non-payment. A client can also sue to recover money already paid to an unlicensed contractor as work performed without a license can have safety implications.
The Board can assess civil penalties for unlicensed work in the following amounts:
$250 for a first offense;
$750 for a second offense;
$1,000 for a third offense.
Each day of a continuing violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation of the penalties associated with unlicensed electrical work in Arkansas, refer to the Administrative Rules of the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners.
Continuing Education
Both journeyman and master electricians must complete at least eight hours of continuing education (CEU) for each National Electrical Code (NEC) cycle. An updated National Electrical Code gets published every three years, with 2023 being the most recent edition. You must complete your CEUs through an approved provider before renewing your license through the online portal.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
