Licensing Guides
Arkansas Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Arkansas
Plumbing, AR
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Arkansas
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Arkansas?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Arkansas?
Does My Arkansas Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Arkansas?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Arkansas?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that impacts the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Arkansas employs 3,080 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Arkansas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is the same, at 5% for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
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 July 2025 totaled 65,200, a decrease of 1,800 (-3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 11,900 or 22% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Arkansas has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Arkansas
Is a license required for plumbers in Arkansas? Yes.
It is mandated from the very beginning.
In the state of Arkansas, to legally perform plumbing work of any kind, you must be licensed. The state licenses every level of this workforce including apprentices, technicians, journeymen, masters, and contractors.
The Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section, in Little Rock, is responsible for the licensing and regulation of plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors. It also licenses HVAC workers.
Under the Protective Health Codes Division, both the Arkansas Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVACR) Board and the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners established and administer the Arkansas Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas Codes, which represents the minimum standards for installation, alteration, and repair of mechanical and plumbing equipment and systems within the State of Arkansas.
If you plan to be a general contractor, you will need a contractor's license issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. If you will be doing the plumbing on the project, you will still need a trade license—either a journeyman plumber license or a master plumber license.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Arkansas
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Arkansas?
There are three main plumbing licenses in Arkansas.
Apprentice Plumber — An apprentice plumber in Arkansas is a trainee registered under a licensed master plumber and enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program. The apprentice assists in installing, altering, and repairing plumbing and gas systems under direct supervision. Typical duties include measuring, cutting, threading, and bending pipes to specifications; learning to join piping systems; installing plumbing fixtures and appliances; and testing systems for leaks.
An apprentice plumber in the final year of an apprenticeship may engage in plumbing without the direct supervision of a master plumber or journeyman plumber if he or she is working under the indirect supervision of a master plumber or journeyman plumber.
Journeyman Plumber — After completing a plumbing apprenticeship, a journeyman plumber is authorized to perform full-scale plumbing installations on residential and commercial systems.
Journeymen can work independently, read blueprints, determine material needs, install piping, fixtures, and gas systems, troubleshoot and repair issues.
Master Plumber — A master plumber oversees the planning, supervision, and execution of plumbing work. They’re responsible for designing complex plumbing systems and ensuring compliance with state codes. They can supervise up to three apprentices, overseeing their training, ensuring work quality, and providing guidance on techniques and safety practices. Master plumbers also manage entire projects, handle client consultations, and coordinate with other trades.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED diploma.
Must be registered with the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
May only perform work under the supervision of a licensed master or journeyperson. An apprentice must not knowingly perform work for an unlicensed contractor.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Must file an application and submit appropriate fees.
Must accumulate four years of experience as a registered apprentice to qualify for a journeyman license.
Must complete a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Must pass the Journeyman exam and pay the $75 exam fee.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Must work under the supervision of a master licensed in the discipline of the work being performed in the design, installation, and repair of plumbing, mechanical, HVAC-refrigeration, or hydronic systems. A journeyperson must not knowingly perform work for an unlicensed contractor.
Must file an application and submit the $75 license fee.
Must work as a licensed Journeyman Plumber for at least one year to qualify for licensure as a Master plumber.
Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, including a full explanation.
Must pass the Master exam and pay the $125 exam fee.
Must file an application and submit the $200 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Arkansas
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or have a GED diploma.
Enroll in an apprentice program registered with the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section and US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
Complete four-year apprenticeship working under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Apply for and pass the Journeyman plumbing exam.
Apply for a Journeyman license and pay all fees.
Receive Journeyman Plumber license.
Gain one year of work experience as a licensed journeyperson working under the supervision of a licensed master.
Apply for and pass the Master exam.
Apply for a Master license and pay all fees.
Receive Master Plumbing license.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Arkansas
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Arkansas plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Arkansas to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Arkansas?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Arkansas is $51,630, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Arkansas those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $49,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,700
Senior (4-7 years): $70,100
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.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Arkansas?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Arkansas is fairly low. The initial application fee is $25, and there is no required testing for apprentice plumbers. Apprentice licenses expire every year and incur a $25 renewal fee. The benefit of working as an apprentice is you earn money while you work, rather than accumulating debt.
Many apprenticeship programs cover all costs for hands-on and classroom training so long as you comply with program rules and fulfill your commitment.
Other apprenticeships, such as the 4-year Plumbing Apprenticeship offered through Arkansas State University Mountain Home, charge a low fee of $300 per year and cover fees for all books and study materials.
Union apprenticeships, like Local 155 Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Arkansas, offers an apprenticeship program in El Dorado, Van Buren, and Little Rock. The program incurs a $25 application fee and $40 program fee.
Each of the other licenses have different fees. The Journeyman Plumbing license includes a $75 exam fee and $75 initial license fee. The Master Plumbing license application incurs a $125 exam fee and $200 initial license fee.
How to Get a Plumbing License in Arkansas
Becoming a plumbing professional in Arkansas isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. The state requires everyone who wants to join this profession to become an apprentice and complete an apprenticeship that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to the Department of Health, the term of apprenticeship shall be a minimum of four years, or consisting of eight periods of 1,000 hours of practical work experience and eight periods of 80 hours (each running concurrently) of related classroom instruction in technical and supplemental subjects related to the trade or as approved by USDOL/OA. When an apprentice successfully completes the required term of apprenticeship, he/she will be eligible to take the state journeyman plumbers examination as administered by the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After fulfilling 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training and gaining approval from the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners, you become eligible to take the Journeyman Plumber exam. The exam fee for the Journeyman Plumbing license is $75.
To qualify for a Master license, you must work for at least one year as a licensed Journeyman Plumber and pass the Master Plumber examination. The fee is $125.
The examinations for both the Journeyman License and the Master License are given monthly, and the dates are published on the Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section website.
If you want to obtain a General Contractor license, you only need to take the Business and Law exam.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing an examination, you can apply for your license:
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession and include a full explanation.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If, after earning your Master license, you choose to apply to be a general contractor rather than work for a licensed contractor, you need a Contractor's license issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. If you will be doing the plumbing on the project, you will still need a trade license—either a journeyman plumber license or a master plumber license. To qualify, you must have a minimum of three references, pass a Business and Law exam, obtain a surety bond, and register your business with the Secretary of State’s Office.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Arkansas?
It will take a minimum of four years (8,000 hours) to complete a registered apprenticeship and then become eligible for a Journeyman license in Arkansas. It will take an additional one year to meet the eligibility requirements to test for a Master license. If you choose to become a general contractor, you’ll need to meet additional requirements.
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 be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
Arkansas Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. Since the state of Arkansas requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you for an apprenticeship in plumbing.
Arkansas State University Mountain Home offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship that fulfills the necessary training to take the Journeyman Plumber exam. The program website states, “During the program, apprentices will work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber while also attending weekly classes. Classes meet on Tuesdays for two hours of in-class instruction and two hours of homework.”
Arkansas State University offers a one-year Foundations of Plumbing course that accounts for 145 hours of training. According to the course description, “You will learn specialized plumbing skills and terminology for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems. In addition, this course teaches the math, geometry, and physical principles needed to work on plumbing systems.”
Apprenticeship: There are many other kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Arkansas, too. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Local 155 Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Arkansas, which offers an apprenticeship program in El Dorado, Van Buren, and Little Rock.
UA Local 155, in Little Rock, offers a five-year training program that prepares candidates for the Journeyman exam.
You can also choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association of Arkansas. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: For any of these paths, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Arkansas, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Arkansas.
Arkansas Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The State Committee of Plumbing Examiners meets monthly to review applications to sit for the licensing exams. The examinations for both the Journeyman License and the Master License are given monthly, and the dates are published on the Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section website.
Both exams are open book and consist of 100 questions with a three-hour time limit. You must score a 70% or higher to pass each of the exams.
Both exams cover:
Drainage waste
Venting
Hangers and supports
Water supply systems
Backflow prevention
Storm drainage systems
Plumbing fixtures, including water heaters
General knowledge and regulations
Interceptors and traps
Isometric analysis
Septic and sewer
Joints and connections
You only need to take a Business and Law exam if you plan to apply for a general contractor's license.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Arkansas?
All Plumbing, Gas Piping, and Mechanical licenses are issued through the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section. You can find more license information at the agency's webpage atArkansas.gov.
Does My Arkansas Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No, Arkansas does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other states at this time. Plumbers from other states can apply with the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners.
Journeyman plumbers from out-of-state will use the same form as those applying from in-state. You must list your previous licensing and what agency can verify your work history in your previous state.
Master plumbers from out-of-state will use the same form as those applying from in-state. You must list your previous licensing and what agency can verify your work history in your previous state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not have any reciprocal agreements for plumbers with any other states. If you are licensed in another state, you will still need to meet the educational and experience requirements in Arkansas. If you’ve completed a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship elsewhere, that should be no problem, but you will still need to pass the Journeyman or Master licensing exam.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Arkansas
While most states allow plumbers to renew their licenses online, Arkansas requires plumbers to mail their renewal application to the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section at 4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR, 72205-3867. Renewal notices are mailed in late November or early December.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Arkansas?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Arkansas. Scholarships are awarded through trade organizations and through the state itself.
For example, the Associated General Contractors Arkansas offers scholarships for students pursuing construction-related programs, including plumbing, at accredited technical or trade schools. The scholarship grants up to $1,000 per semester per year for students who are enrolled in 15 college hours in an in-state college, are residents of Arkansas, and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Programs such as Arkansas Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provide financial assistance toward trade programs, including plumbing. These typically offer tuition support, supplies, and sometimes additional support services.
The following Arkansas community colleges don’t offer plumbing-related scholarships, but do provide financial assistance for students obtaining degrees in plumbing:
The Arkansas Workforce Challenge offers plumbing scholarships up to $800 per year. To qualify, you must:
Be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Be an Arkansas resident.
Be accepted for admission in a program of study at an approved institution of higher education that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Arkansas?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Arkansas via the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing website.
Visit the link above
Click “License Search”
Search by license number, permit number, last name, or business name
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Arkansas?
A suspended license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that an Arkansas plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Arkansas plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official rules from the Arkansas Department of Health.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Arkansas?
Performing plumbing work in Arkansas without a license is illegal. According to Arkansas Code § 17‑38‑102, unlicensed plumbing work is a misdemeanor punishable by:
Fine between $100-$500
Up to 30 days in county jail
Both fine and jail, at the court’s discretion
Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation of this process refer to the official rules from the Arkansas Department of Health.
Continuing Education
The State of Arkansas does not require any continuing education to renew your license.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
