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, which the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners may waive in cases of extreme hardship (Arkansas Department of Health plumbing rules, Section II(a), effective 2024-09-05)
Pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination and Master Plumber Examination exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Clear the background check. Candidate Background Affidavit required with the exam application
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. Renewal: Annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1.

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

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, which the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners may waive in cases of extreme hardship (Arkansas Department of Health plumbing rules, Section II(a), effective 2024-09-05)
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 (Master Plumber only); Texas; Louisiana; Oklahoma · compare all states
Processing time	Not published by the board

What an Arkansas plumber license costs

Application fee	$75 journeyman exam fee; $125 master exam fee.
License fee	$75/year journeyman; $200/year master.
Journeyman Plumber Examination	$75.
Master Plumber Examination	$125.
Surety bond	None required — the state plumbing rules contain no surety-bond provision.
Renewal fee	$75/year journeyman; $200/year master.
Renewal period	Annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1.

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

Renewing an Arkansas plumber license

The Journeyman / Master Plumber License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1
Renewal fee	$75/year journeyman; $200/year master
Continuing education	None required by state rule
Where to renew	Arkansas Department of Health, Protective Health Codes Section

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, which the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners may waive in cases of extreme hardship (Arkansas Department of Health plumbing rules, Section II(a), effective 2024-09-05)

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

Processing time: Not published by the board.

Is a background check required for plumbers in Arkansas?

Background check: Candidate Background Affidavit required with the exam application.

How often must an Arkansas plumber license be renewed?

Annual — licenses expire December 31 and must be renewed by February 1. Continuing education: None required by state rule.

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.