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Arkansas HVAC License: How to Become a Certified HVAC Contractor in AR

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Andrew Robichaud
Sep 13, 2024 8 min read
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Getting your HVAC license in Arkansas is one of the best decisions you can make if you’re looking for a career in an expanding industry.

Across the country, the demand for HVAC is growing, and there are no signs that will change anytime soon. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the industry is projected to grow  6% across the country and  in Arkansas over the next decade. That’s an additional  37,700 new HVAC jobs nationally and 350 in Arkansas every year until 2032.

The increased demand also drives up compensation for HVAC workers due to the abundance of opportunities. HVAC professionals in Arkansas with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $38,165. For those who advance to become HVAC service managers, the average salary increases significantly to $72,899—a 91% increase. 

So, if you’re curious about getting your HVAC license in Arkansas without knowing where to begin, don’t worry. This guide covers everything you need to know:

  1. Do you need an HVAC license in Arkansas?
  2. Types of HVAC licenses in Arkansas
  3. Arkansas HVAC license requirements
  4. How to get an HVAC license in Arkansas?
  5. Arkansas HVAC license exam
  6. Does my Arkansas HVAC license work in any other states?
  7. How much is an HVAC license in Arkansas?
  8. Arkansas HVAC license renewal
  9. What happens if my HVAC license expires? 
  10. Requirements for business owners
  11. Does an HVAC license in Arkansas increase your earning potential? 

Make sure you bookmark this guide if you’re serious about getting your HVAC license in Arkansas! It will help you answer questions you have about the HVAC licensing process.

Do you need an HVAC license in Arkansas?

Yes, to be an HVAC contractor, you need to have an HVAC license in Arkansas. The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing’s HVAC Licensing Board oversees all of the HVAC licensing throughout the state.

Depending on the license you have and the area of HVAC you’re interested in, you can install, maintain, and repair one or more of the following systems types:

  • Air conditioning
  • Full heating
  • Forced air
  • Hydronic heating
  • Refrigeration
  • Ventilation

The HVAC licensing structure in Arkansas includes limitations on licenses, which determine what types of projects HVAC contractors can work on.

Types of HVAC licenses in Arkansas

Unlike other states, Arkansas HVAC licenses do not follow the typical apprentice, journeyman, master career path.

Instead, you’ll first work without a license as an HVAC technician under an already licensed HVAC contractor. From there, you’ll have the option between the 6 types of HVAC licenses offered in Arkansas:

HVAC License TypeDescription
Class ALicensee can install, maintain, and repair all HVAC and refrigeration systems with no limitations to British Thermal Units per Hour (BTUH) or horsepower (HP)
Class BLicensee can install, maintain, and repair systems with a maximum of 15 tons of cooling capacity or 1 million BTUH heating input, and not more than 15HP refrigeration systems
Class CLicensee can maintain and repair systems specifically for the public with a maximum of 15 tons of cooling capacity or 1 million BTUH heating input, and not more than 15HP refrigeration systems
Class DLicensee can perform HVAC-related sheet metal work with no limitations to BTUH or horsepower; not allowed to sell, install, or service HVAC systems and equipment
Class ELicensee can perform services on refrigeration systems with no limits on system capacity; not allowed to sell, install, or service HVAC systems and equipment used for comfort
Class LLicensee has a “lifetime license” that allows them to maintain and repair systems with a maximum of 15 tons of cooling capacity or 1 million BTUH heating input, and 15HP refrigeration systems; not allowed to install original equipment or replace existing

Other common certificates for HVAC contractors include:

EPA Certification: Based on Section 608 of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air act, HVAC contractors are required to have this certification if they handle, service or dispose of potentially harmful refrigerants.

NATE Certification: While not mandatory for licensing, the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is a way for HVAC contractors to showcase their knowledge of HVAC systems and equipment. The certification needs to be renewed every two years, so you can keep your knowledge up to date as the HVAC industry evolves.

READ MORE:2024 HVAC industry trends and statistics: Tips to stay ahead

Arkansas HVAC license requirements

If you’re interested in getting into HVAC, you must meet certain licensing requirements. Here are the requirements to get your HVAC license in Arkansas:

HVAC License TypeRequirements
Class A, B, C, D, E• At least 18 years old
• 2 years of experience as an HVAC contractor or employee of an HVAC contactor, or 2 years of HVAC education in approved course
• Minimum of 70% on the associated license exam
• General liability insurance of $250,000 minimum
Class L• Be at least 65 years old
• Hold an existing Class A, B, C, D, or E HVAC license

As of this writing, Arkansas does not require continuing education for HVAC licensees.

How to get an HVAC license in Arkansas?

Getting an HVAC license in Arkansas will typically take 2 years to complete all the requirements needed.

Here’s how to get an HVAC license in Arkansas:

  1. Complete 2 years of work as an HVAC contractor or under the employment of an HVAC contractor, or finish 2 years of HVAC education approved by the Arkansas HVAC board
  2. Apply for the HVAC licensing exam through the forms found on the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing website
  3. Schedule your HVAC exam and pass with at least a 70%
  4. Obtain the proper general liability insurance requirement with a minimum coverage of $250,000

All applications will need to be notarized. Once your application is approved, you’ll have 1 year to complete the exam.

Mail all Arkansas HVAC license applications to the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing to:

900 W Capitol, Suite 400, 

Little Rock, AR 72201

Arkansas HVAC license exam

All of the Arkansas HVAC licensing exams are scheduled online through the state boards testing vendor, Prov.

Arkansas has 8 testing centers where applicants can take the HVAC licensing exams:

  • Conway
  • El Dorado
  • Fayetteville
  • Fort Smith
  • Jonesboro
  • Little Rock
  • Paragould
  • Searcy

All HVAC licensing exams cost $100 if taken online and $55 if taken by paper/pencil. There are 5 exams in total and you must earn 70% or higher to pass. There is no exam required to obtain the HVAC Class L license.

HVAC License ExamDescription
Class A HVAC Exam• 100 questions on general knowledge, systems & sizing, equipment, piping, refrigeration systems, electrical, plan reading, estimating & math, and law and administration
• 4-hour time limit
Class B HVAC Exam• 50 questions on general knowledge, systems & sizing, equipment, piping, refrigeration systems, electrical, maintenance, law and administration
• 3-hour time limit
Class C HVAC Exam• 40 questions on general knowledge, systems & sizing, equipment, piping, testing, inspection, maintenance, law and administration
• 2-hour time limit
Class D HVAC Exam• 60 questions on plan reading, estimating & math, general knowledge, layout & fabrication, install HVAC, air properties and distribution, air distribution accessories, chimneys, flues, exhaust, law and administration
• 3-hour time limit
Class E HVAC Exam• 60 questions on plan reading, estimating & math, general knowledge, systems & sizing, piping, maintenance, law and administration
• 3-hour time limit

Does my Arkansas HVAC license work in any other states

Some states offer reciprocity agreements that allow a state’s HVAC license to be valid in other states.

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing’s State HVAC/R Board has no reciprocal licensing agreements with any other state contractors licensing board for HVAC/R licensing at this time.

However, there is an opportunity for licensees from other states to fast-track their way to an HVAC license in Arkansas. The Arkansas contractors licensing board is willing to issue an A,B,C,D and E to a licensed general contractor from another state that has similar HVAC laws and license requirements. Contractors from other states must also satisfy the following additional requirements:

  • Has a valid license in good standing
  • Has not had their license taken away for breaking rules, laws, or behaving unethically, and their license is not currently suspended or on probation
  • Is competent in their job
  • Has paid necessary license fees

How much is an HVAC license in Arkansas?

Your primary expense for getting your HVAC license in Arkansas will come from licensing fees. These will cost anywhere between $100-$200. Here are the costs of HVAC licenses depending on your license type:

HVAC License TypeCost
HVAC Technician Registration Fee$25
Class A$200
Class B$150
Class C$100
Class D$150
Class E$150
Class LNo fee

Arkansas HVAC license renewal

All HVAC licenses need to be renewed each year from the date they were issued.You can renew your license online at the HVAC Individual Licence Renewal Portal. License renewal fees are the same as the initial fee to obtain your license.

What happens if my HVAC license expires? 

If you think your HVAC license has expired or will soon, check your license status on the HVAC Licensing Renewal Portal.

You cannot legally operate as an HVAC contractor until you have a valid, up-to-date license. You can be fined up to $250 for each violation.

If your license has expired or is about to expire, use the online portal to renew.

You’ll be charged a $50 late fee if you renew your application past the expiration date.

Requirements for business owners

What do you need to do to become an HVAC business owner in Arkansas?

After obtaining your HVAC license and getting all the insurance you need, you’re ready to start your own business. You’ll then need to perform the following steps: 

  1. Make sure to license, register, and insure your business
  2. Secure funding for your Arkansas HVAC business
  3. Figure out which HVAC services you’ll provide and how to price them
  4. Invest in all necessary HVAC equipment

Of course, there are plenty of other things you need to do before your HVAC business is fully ready to go.

Find out what it takes to start your HVAC business Arkansas in 8 detailed steps.

Does an HVAC license in Arkansas increase your earning potential? 

Yes, being an HVAC contractor in Arkansas can increase your earning potential. As you gain more experience in the field, your earning potential rises.

You can expect your salary to jump from $31,225 to almost $50,000 within the first 10 years of your career, climbing to $52,184 for experienced HVAC contractors. Your salary will jump even higher if you decide to go into management, with an average salary of $72,899 nationwide.

Our Essential HVAC Salary Guide has up-to-date, crowdsourced salary information so you can identify where you can use this in-demand skill set.

Originally published in January 2023. Last updated on September 13, 2024.

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