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. Minimum 2 years of on-the-job HVAC-R experience, or completion of an approved HVAC-R program with minimum 6 months hands-on experience
Pass the HVAC-R Licensing Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($250,000), and workers' compensation coverage.
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. Renew annual — one year from the date of issuance, completing The board may require up to 8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle (~3 years); whether CE is currently required is not published.

License types

Class A — Unlimited capacity HVAC-R work
Class B — Up to 15 tons cooling capacity and 1M BTUH heating per unit
Class C — Service and repair work only
Class D — Sheet metal and ductwork only
Class E — Refrigeration work only
Class L — Lifetime license for individuals age 65+; service and maintenance only

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Minimum 2 years of on-the-job HVAC-R experience, or completion of an approved HVAC-R program with minimum 6 months hands-on experience
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	The board may require up to 8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle (~3 years); whether CE is currently required is not published.
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	None
Processing time	Not publicly available

Exams

HVAC-R Licensing Exam	Provider: Prov · Passing: 70% · Fee: $80 (computer-based) or $56 (paper-pencil)

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

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 a 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).

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 a Arkansas hvac license?

Minimum 2 years of on-the-job HVAC-R experience, or completion of an approved HVAC-R program with minimum 6 months hands-on experience

Is insurance required for hvacs in Arkansas?

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

How often must a Arkansas hvac license be renewed?

Annual — one year from the date of issuance. Continuing education: The board may require up to 8 hours per International Mechanical Code cycle (~3 years); whether CE is currently required is not published.

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.