Arkansas General Contractor License Requirements

Official classification: Commercial Contractor License (Unrestricted) · Issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

🏗️ General ContractorAR ✔ Verified 2026-06-26

In Arkansas, general contractors must hold the Commercial Contractor License (Unrestricted), issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed general contractor in Arkansas

Follow these steps to earn your Commercial Contractor License (Unrestricted). Every figure is verified against the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. 5 years of construction experience required for Unrestricted Commercial Contractor License; 1 year minimum for Commercial Specialty licenses
Pass the Arkansas Business & Law Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Arkansas requires $10,000 surety bond required.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Yes; criminal history reviewed on case-by-case basis
Meet the credit / financial requirement. Minimum net worth of $50,000; minimum cash on hand of $25,000
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board — Up to $100 (statutory cap, Ark. Code Act 546 / 033.00.71) application fee, plus a Included in the application fee license fee. Processing time: 3-6 weeks for complete applications.
Keep the license active. Renew annual.

License types

Commercial Contractor (Restricted) — Restricted commercial projects; limited scope of work
Commercial Contractor (Unrestricted) — Unrestricted commercial contractor license for any non-single-family commercial project valued at $50,000 or more in labor and materials

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	5 years of construction experience required for Unrestricted Commercial Contractor License; 1 year minimum for Commercial Specialty licenses
Application fee	Up to $100 (statutory cap, Ark. Code Act 546 / 033.00.71)
License fee	Included in the application fee
Renewal fee	$50 if filed on time; $100 if filed within 30 days after expiration (per 033.00.00 Ark. Code R. 001)
Renewal period	Annual
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	$10,000 surety bond required
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if contractor has one or more employees
Background check	Yes; criminal history reviewed on case-by-case basis
Credit requirement	Minimum net worth of $50,000; minimum cash on hand of $25,000
Reciprocity	Alabama; Louisiana; Mississippi; Tennessee
Processing time	3-6 weeks for complete applications

Exams

Arkansas Business & Law Exam	Provider: Board-approved testing vendor · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: Set by the board-approved testing vendor (not published by the board)

Preparing for the General Contractor exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Arkansas divides contractor licensing into Commercial and Residential categories. Commercial licenses are for non-single-family projects valued at $50,000+. Residential Builder licenses govern single-family home construction. No statewide general contractor umbrella license exists. Exam is open-book format (50 questions, 2-hour time limit).

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Arkansas general contractor license cost?

Application: Up to $100 (statutory cap, Ark. Code Act 546 / 033.00.71). License: Included in the application fee. Renewal: $50 if filed on time; $100 if filed within 30 days after expiration (per 033.00.00 Ark. Code R. 001).

Do general contractors in Arkansas need a surety bond?

$10,000 surety bond required

What experience is required for a Arkansas general contractor license?

5 years of construction experience required for Unrestricted Commercial Contractor License; 1 year minimum for Commercial Specialty licenses

Is insurance required for general contractors in Arkansas?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: Required if contractor has one or more employees

How often must a Arkansas general contractor license be renewed?

Annual.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-26 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board before applying. This is not legal advice.