Arkansas HVAC License Requirements

Official classification: HVAC-R Contractor License · Issued by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - HVAC/R Licensing Board.

❄️ HVACAR ✔ Verified 2026-06-26

In Arkansas, HVAC contractors must hold the HVAC-R Contractor License, issued by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - HVAC/R Licensing Board, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed HVAC contractor in Arkansas

Follow these steps to earn your HVAC-R Contractor License. Every figure is verified against the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - HVAC/R Licensing Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. At least 2 years of experience as an HVACR contractor or an employee of one; the Board may substitute Board-approved HVACR-related educational training for experience (17 CAR 261). Proof can be records, affidavits or evidence from current or former employers.
Pass the HVAC-R Licensing Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: $250,000. Workers' compensation: Required if contractor has employees.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - HVAC/R Licensing Board — $25 registrant fee (for employees working under a licensed contractor); no separate contractor application fee in the statute application fee, plus a Class A $200 / Class B $150 / Class D $150 / Class E $150 / Class L no charge, annually (Class C was removed by the 2025 statute), per Ark. Code 17-33-204 license fee. Processing time: Not publicly available.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Annual — one year from the date of issuance. Continuing education: 8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle, in Board-approved courses on HVACR work or the current International Mechanical Code (17 CAR 261-120).

For the general path in every state, see the HVAC guide →

Arkansas HVAC contractor license lookup

To confirm an HVAC contractor is properly licensed in Arkansas — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Verify a license now: Search the official labor.arkansas.gov database →

License types

Class A — Unlimited capacity HVAC-R work
Class B — Air conditioning up to 25 tons cooling or 1,000,000 BTUH heating input per unit, and refrigeration systems of 15 hp or less (Ark. Code 17-33-203)
Class D — Sheet metal and ductwork only
Class E — Refrigeration work only
Class L — Lifetime license for current Class A, B, D or E holders aged 65+ who have been licensed for 10 consecutive years; service and maintenance only, on systems up to 15 tons cooling, 1,000,000 BTUH heating and 15 hp refrigeration (17 CAR 261)

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	At least 2 years of experience as an HVACR contractor or an employee of one; the Board may substitute Board-approved HVACR-related educational training for experience (17 CAR 261). Proof can be records, affidavits or evidence from current or former employers.
Application fee	$25 registrant fee (for employees working under a licensed contractor); no separate contractor application fee in the statute
License fee	Class A $200 / Class B $150 / Class D $150 / Class E $150 / Class L no charge, annually (Class C was removed by the 2025 statute), per Ark. Code 17-33-204
Renewal fee	Full annual license fee for the class (no percentage-discount renewal; the '25%' figure was incorrect)
Renewal period	Annual — one year from the date of issuance
Continuing education	8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle, in Board-approved courses on HVACR work or the current International Mechanical Code (17 CAR 261-120).
Bond required	No surety bond appears in the Arkansas HVAC-R statute or rules (Ark. Code Title 17 Ch. 33).
Liability insurance	$250,000
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required if contractor has employees
Background check	None
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	The Board may license by reciprocity, without an exam, an applicant who holds a substantially similar HVACR license in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction and has had no license revoked or suspended (17 CAR 261-112). · compare all states
Processing time	Not publicly available

What an Arkansas hvac license costs

Application fee	$25 registrant fee (for employees working under a licensed contractor); no separate contractor application fee in the statute.
License fee	Class A $200 / Class B $150 / Class D $150 / Class E $150 / Class L no charge, annually (Class C was removed by the 2025 statute), per Ark. Code 17-33-204.
HVAC-R Licensing Exam	$100 per exam for Class A, B, D or E (17 CAR 261 fee schedule).
Surety bond	No surety bond appears in the Arkansas HVAC-R statute or rules (Ark. Code Title 17 Ch. 33).
Renewal fee	Full annual license fee for the class (no percentage-discount renewal; the '25%' figure was incorrect).
Renewal period	Annual — one year from the date of issuance.

Exams

HVAC-R Licensing Exam	Provider: Prov · Passing: 70% · Fee: $100 per exam for Class A, B, D or E (17 CAR 261 fee schedule)

Renewing an Arkansas HVAC contractor license

The HVAC-R Contractor License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - HVAC/R Licensing Board. Finish the continuing-education requirement before you file — boards generally will not process a renewal without it. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Annual — one year from the date of issuance
Renewal fee	Full annual license fee for the class (no percentage-discount renewal; the '25%' figure was incorrect)
Continuing education	8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle, in Board-approved courses on HVACR work or the current International Mechanical Code (17 CAR 261-120).
Where to renew	Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - HVAC/R Licensing Board

Local / municipal notes

Arkansas requires general liability insurance proof during license renewal. Annual renewal is mandatory for all license classes except Class L (lifetime).

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Arkansas hvac license cost?

Application: $25 registrant fee (for employees working under a licensed contractor); no separate contractor application fee in the statute. License: Class A $200 / Class B $150 / Class D $150 / Class E $150 / Class L no charge, annually (Class C was removed by the 2025 statute), per Ark. Code 17-33-204. Renewal: Full annual license fee for the class (no percentage-discount renewal; the '25%' figure was incorrect).

How do I look up a hvac license in Arkansas?

Search the official license database at labor.arkansas.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do hvacs in Arkansas need a surety bond?

No surety bond appears in the Arkansas HVAC-R statute or rules (Ark. Code Title 17 Ch. 33).

What experience is required for an Arkansas hvac license?

At least 2 years of experience as an HVACR contractor or an employee of one; the Board may substitute Board-approved HVACR-related educational training for experience (17 CAR 261). Proof can be records, affidavits or evidence from current or former employers.

Is insurance required for hvacs in Arkansas?

Liability: $250,000. Workers' compensation: Required if contractor has employees.

How long does it take to get an Arkansas hvac license?

Processing time: Not publicly available.

How often must an Arkansas hvac license be renewed?

Annual — one year from the date of issuance. Continuing education: 8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle, in Board-approved courses on HVACR work or the current International Mechanical Code (17 CAR 261-120).

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