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State files updated Oct 27, 2026
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Arkansas contractor licenseRequirements, cost, exam

Arkansas licenses general contractors through the Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing). A commercial contractor license is required for any job of $50,000 or more in labor and materials, other than a single-family home.1

Arkansas · general contractor

State license required

Experience
For a main classification you need at least 5 years of appropriate experience or a passing exam score.1
Exam
The person who qualifies the company must pass the board's exam, either a business and law exam or a trade exam, before the license is issued.1
Bond
You must send a reviewed financial statement with every application and renewal…1
Insurance
Arkansas sets no general liability insurance minimum for a contractor license.1
Fees
The application fee is set by the board and capped at $100 by law.1
Renewal
Commercial licenses run one year from the day issued.1

Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing)

How do you get an Arkansas contractor license?

  1. Check that you need a license

    A commercial contractor license is required for any job of $50,000 or more in labor and materials, other than a single-family home.1

  2. Meet the experience rule

    For a main classification you need at least 5 years of appropriate experience or a passing exam score.1

  3. Apply to the board

    The application fee is set by the board and capped at $100 by law.1

    Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing) site
  4. Pass the exam

    The person who qualifies the company must pass the board's exam, either a business and law exam or a trade exam, before the license is issued.1

    What's on the exam
  5. File the bond and insurance

    You must send a reviewed financial statement with every application and renewal… Arkansas sets no general liability insurance minimum for a contractor license.1

    Arkansas bond and insurance rules
  6. Get the license, then renew

    Commercial licenses run one year from the day issued.1

    Renewal and CE

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses in Arkansas

Which license class do you need in Arkansas?

Commercial licenses are issued by classification: heavy construction, highway/railroad/airport, municipal and utility, building, light building, mechanical, electrical, and specialties.1

Does Arkansas have license reciprocity?

The board may make reciprocal agreements with other states.1

Do you need workers' comp?

Required.1

Arkansas insurance and bonds

Sources

  1. Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing): who needs a license (labor.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)
  2. Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing): Residential Law revised July 2025 (labor.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)
  3. Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing): NEW Home Imp App 1 2025 (labor.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)
  4. Contractors Licensing Board (Dept of Labor and Licensing) (labor.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)
  5. Dept of Labor - Electrical licensing (labor.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)
  6. Dept of Health - Plumbing and Food Service Plan Review (healthy.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)
  7. HVACR Licensing Board (labor.arkansas.gov, 2026-10-27)