Arkansas Plumber License Requirements

Official classification: Journeyman / Master Plumber License · Issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section.

🔧 PlumberAR ✔ Verified 2026-07-09

In Arkansas, plumbers must hold the Journeyman / Master Plumber License, issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed plumber in Arkansas

Follow these steps to earn your Journeyman / Master Plumber License. Every figure is verified against the Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Journeyman: minimum 4 years of plumbing experience. Master: minimum 5 years of experience, including at least 1 full year held as a licensed journeyman plumber (Ark. Admin. Code 007.04.19-008)
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination and Master Plumber Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (—).
Clear the background check. Candidate Background Affidavit required with the exam application
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section — $75 journeyman exam fee; $125 master exam fee application fee, plus a $75/year journeyman; $200/year master license fee. Processing time: Not published by the board.
Keep the license active. Renew annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1.

Arkansas plumber license lookup

To confirm a plumber 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 adhplumbinghvacrlookup.arkansas.gov database →

License types

Journeyman Plumber — Perform plumbing work under a master plumber's supervision
Master Plumber — Perform and supervise all plumbing work; required to contract plumbing services

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Journeyman: minimum 4 years of plumbing experience. Master: minimum 5 years of experience, including at least 1 full year held as a licensed journeyman plumber (Ark. Admin. Code 007.04.19-008)
Application fee	$75 journeyman exam fee; $125 master exam fee
License fee	$75/year journeyman; $200/year master
Renewal fee	$75/year journeyman; $200/year master
Renewal period	Annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1
Continuing education	None required by state rule
Bond required	None required — the state plumbing rules contain no surety-bond provision
Liability insurance	—
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	—
Background check	Candidate Background Affidavit required with the exam application
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	Ohio; Texas; Louisiana; Oklahoma
Processing time	Not published by the board

Exams

Journeyman Plumber Examination	Provider: Arkansas Department of Health · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $75
Master Plumber Examination	Provider: Arkansas Department of Health · Passing: Not published by the board · Fee: $125

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

Local / municipal notes

Some Arkansas cities (e.g. Little Rock) impose additional local bonding or permit requirements on plumbing contractors on top of the state license.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Arkansas plumber license cost?

Application: $75 journeyman exam fee; $125 master exam fee. License: $75/year journeyman; $200/year master. Renewal: $75/year journeyman; $200/year master.

How do I look up a plumber license in Arkansas?

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

Do plumbers in Arkansas need a surety bond?

None required — the state plumbing rules contain no surety-bond provision

What experience is required for an Arkansas plumber license?

Journeyman: minimum 4 years of plumbing experience. Master: minimum 5 years of experience, including at least 1 full year held as a licensed journeyman plumber (Ark. Admin. Code 007.04.19-008)

Is insurance required for plumbers in Arkansas?

Liability: — Workers' compensation: —

How often must an Arkansas plumber license be renewed?

Annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-07-09 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section before applying. This is not legal advice.