How to Get Your
Arkansas Plumbing License
Your complete guide to becoming a licensed plumber in Arkansas. Learn about requirements, exams, costs, and the step-by-step process to launch your plumbing career.
Arkansas Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
16 years (Apprentice)
Experience Required
4 years for Journeyman, 5 years for Master
License Fee
$25 - $200
Licensing Body
Arkansas Department of Health
Renewal Period
Annual (December 31)
Exam Required
Journeyman & Master only
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Arkansas?
The governing authority in Arkansas for providing plumbing licenses is the Plumbing and Natural Gas Section of the Arkansas Department of Health.
Arkansas Licensing Authority
Plumbing and Natural Gas Section, Arkansas Department of Health
Arkansas Department of HealthIssues all plumbing licenses in Arkansas (apprentice, journeyman, and master). For contractor licenses, contact the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Plumbing contractor licenses are governed by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, not the Department of Health.
What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in Arkansas?
There are 4 types of plumbing licenses, each representing the experience and authority a plumber has in the trade:
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Apprentice Plumber License
An apprentice plumber is one who has just started to learn and provide plumbing services under the guidance of a journeyman or master plumber. Must be enrolled in a state-approved apprentice program.
Key Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old
- Get accepted into a state-approved apprenticeship program
- Register within 30 days of starting plumbing job
Journeyman Plumber License
A journeyman plumber represents the one (apart from a master) who is engaged in the practical installation of plumbing. It is the middle of your journey, which allows you to provide plumbing service without any supervision.
Key Requirements
- 4 years of field experience in plumbing
- Complete state-approved apprenticeship program
- Pass the journeyman examination
Master Plumber License
A master plumber is a person who is skilled in planning, supervising, and providing plumbing services. Must be familiar with the laws, rules, and regulations governing plumbing in Arkansas.
Key Requirements
- 5 years total field experience (apprentice + journeyman)
- Hold journeyman license for at least 1 year
- Pass the master plumber examination
Plumbing Contractor License
A plumbing contractor is licensed to take contracts for providing plumbing services and hiring other plumbers. This license is governed by Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Key Requirements
- Licensed to take contracts for plumbing services
- Can hire and manage other plumbers
- Governed by Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
What are the Requirements to Get a Plumbing License in Arkansas?
Before you can be eligible for various plumbing licenses, you have to meet certain requirements.
Arkansas Department of Health Requirements
Arkansas Plumbing License Requirements
1Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level requirements
Apprentice Plumber License
Entry-level requirements
- Be at least 16 years old
- Submit an apprenticeship application
- Get accepted into a state-approved apprenticeship program
- Register within 30 days of starting your plumbing job
- Pay a $25 license fee every year
2Journeyman Plumbing License
Mid-level requirements
Journeyman Plumbing License
Mid-level requirements
- Gather 4 years of field experience in plumbing
- Completion of the state-approved apprenticeship program
- Submit an application for a journeyman plumber along with the $75 application fee
- Pass the journeyman exam (details below)
- Pay a $75 license fee every year
3Master Plumbing License
Advanced requirements
Master Plumbing License
Advanced requirements
- Gather 5 years of total field experience in plumbing (apprentice + journeyman)
- Hold your journeyman license for at least a year
- Submit an application for a master plumber along with the $125 application fee
- Pass the master plumber exam (details below)
- Pay a $200 license fee every year
Remember: Each license expires every 31st of December. So renew it before the due date to avoid penalties or lapses in your licensing status.
What is the Approximate Cost of Becoming an Arkansas Licensed Plumber?
Here's the approximate cost of becoming an Arkansas Licensed Plumber:
State Fees
Arkansas Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | — | $25 | $25 |
| Journeyman | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Master | $125 | $200 | $200 |
Additionally, you will also have to pay for the apprentice program. But the good news is that it won't cost you a fortune. You can easily manage the cost as you get to earn while working as an apprentice.
Arkansas Plumbing Exams
There are no exams to become a registered apprentice in this state. However, you need to clear an open-book exam each for both licenses - journeyman and master.
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Open-book examination
Arkansas Journeyman Plumbing Exam
100 questions covering plumbing theory, codes, and practical application
Master Plumber Exam
Open-book examination
Arkansas Master Plumbing Exam
100 questions covering advanced plumbing, planning, supervision, laws, and regulations
Both exams are open-book exams with 100 questions each, a 3-hour time limit, and require a 70% passing score.
Steps to Get Your Plumbing License in Arkansas
Follow these steps to get started as a plumber in Arkansas and move on to become a master:
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Find an Apprentice Position
Once you reach 16 years of age, find a job as a plumbing apprentice from any employer.
Enroll in Apprenticeship Program
Enroll in a state-approved plumbing apprenticeship program.
Register as an Apprentice
Register yourself as an apprentice from the plumbing board, along with paying a $25 license fee.
Download Apprentice ApplicationComplete Experience & Training
Gather 4 years of experience. And meanwhile, also complete your apprentice training program to be eligible for the journeyman exam.
Apply for Journeyman License
Apply for the journeyman plumber license along with the application ($75) and license fees ($75).
Download Journeyman ApplicationPass the Journeyman Exam
Once your application is approved, pass the journeyman exam (100 questions, 70% passing score, 3-hour open-book exam).
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Journeyman!
Now you are a licensed journeyman plumber and can provide plumbing services without supervision.
Gain Journeyman Experience
Get one year of experience as a journeyman. This will take your total experience as a plumber to 5 years, which is the minimum to be eligible for the master plumber exam.
Apply for Master Plumber License
Apply for the master plumber license along with the application ($125) and license fees ($200).
Download Master Plumber ApplicationPass the Master Plumber Exam
Once your application is approved, pass the master's exam (100 questions, 70% passing score, 3-hour open-book exam).
Congratulations! You're a Licensed Master Plumber!
Now you are a licensed master plumber in Arkansas, skilled in planning, supervising, and providing plumbing services.
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Start Your FREE TrialFrequently Asked Questions
None. You need to be licensed first to provide any plumbing services in Arkansas. It is mandatory to have an appropriate license to provide any plumbing service in the state.
Your application can take a month on average to get processed. So, submit it carefully to avoid rejections and delays in getting your license.
You can earn around $26.95 an hour on average as a plumber in Arkansas, according to recent data from Indeed. Once you are registered, you can start making money in Arkansas as a plumber right from the beginning as an apprentice.
No. There are no exams to become a registered apprentice in Arkansas. However, you will need to pass exams to become a journeyman or master plumber.
A journeyman plumber can provide practical plumbing installation services without supervision after 4 years of experience. A master plumber requires 5 years of total experience (including at least 1 year as a journeyman) and is skilled in planning, supervising, and providing plumbing services, as well as being familiar with laws, rules, and regulations.
Conclusion
Now, you are ready to be launched as a plumber in Arkansas. Once you get going with it, you can earn around $26.95 an hour on average, as per recent data from Indeed.
So, start with getting employed as an apprentice and enrolling in a plumbing program. Once you are registered, you can start making money in Arkansas as a plumber right from the beginning.
Start early and stay committed. The path from apprentice to master plumber takes 5+ years, but you'll be earning money throughout the journey. With dedication and the right training, you can build a successful plumbing career in Arkansas.
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