Electricians continue to be in high demand in Arkansas, so if you’re ready to start your career in the industry, you need to get an Arkansas electrical license first. We’ll cover the process from electrical license requirements, insurance coverage, reciprocity and renewals.
Learn more about how to climb the ladder from journeyman’s, master’s and contractor’s license. Jump ahead to learn more about:
In Arkansas, you need a license to be an electrician. The Arkansas State Board of Electrical Examiners is responsible for overseeing electrical licensure. They offer several different types of licenses:
If you want to become a licensed contractor, the Arkansas Contractor Licensing Board oversees this. They offer commercial contractor licenses with an electrical classification. Or, if you don’t want to get a full contractor license, you can register as a subcontractor.
You can protect your business with business insurance in Arkansas and find the right electrician insurance for your needs. Your needs may vary based on whether you have employees or not.
If you have a contractor’s license, you can have employees. You’re required to have workers’ compensation insurance if you have one or more employees in Arkansas. This coverage can help cover costs related to workplace injuries and work-related illnesses. It can help cover things like lost pay and medical expenses.
Learn more about workers’ compensation for contractors.
While contractors in Arkansas aren’t required to have general liability insurance as a licensing requirement, it’s useful coverage to carry. This policy can help cover your business from accidents, such as property damage to someone else’s property or the medical expenses around injury to non-employees like clients. It can also help protect against personal and advertising injuries.
Learn more about general liability insurance for contractors.
If you have a property you rent or own, you can protect your workspace with commercial property insurance — it helps cover your structure, furniture and equipment from covered events like fires or theft.
A business owner’s policy, or BOP insurance, provides general liability and commercial property coverage combined in a single, cost-efficient bundle. It helps cover damage that you or your employees may inadvertently cause to another person’s property and helps protect your business inventory in the event of a fire or other covered event.
You depend on your tools and equipment. Ensure they are protected with tools and equipment insurance, which helps cover damaged, lost or stolen tools and equipment.
You can get commercial auto insurance if you drive a vehicle for work. It can help cover accident-related repairs and other costs.
In the state of Arkansas, coverage minimums are:
Individuals can begin their electrical work careers by getting trained through a formal apprenticeship program or by gaining Board-approved training under a licensed electrician.
If you go the electrical apprenticeship route, you must complete a 4-year apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. If you opt not to complete an approved apprenticeship program, you must obtain 8 years (16,000 hours) of electrical construction experience or training approved by the Board.
Each licensing level has a similar process for applying for an electrician license. The requirements are as follows:
You need 8,000 hours of documented training to get a journeyman license. You also need 800 hours in the classroom.
To get a residential journeyman electrician license, you’ll need:
Once you’ve obtained these hours and fulfilled the requirements, the Board will review your application and determine your eligibility for the journeyman exam.
Prov administers the electrician exams are administered. They are open-book, timed and based on a recent National Electrical Code (NEC) edition. You must score at least 70% to pass.
You have a few options to become a master electrician in Arkansas:
You can also submit a similar combination to the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners for approval.
To get a residential master electrician’s license, you’ll need:
Prov also administers the master-level exams. You must score at least 70% to pass.
To get an industrial maintenance license:
To get an air conditioning electrician license:
To get a specialist sign electrician license:
If you want to own your own business, you can become an electrical contractor. Requirements include:
You must also have proof that you’re a licensed master electrician or that you employ a licensed master electrician.
PSI administers the Business and Law exam. There are 50 questions, and you must pass with a 70%.
Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with several states. You can only obtain a reciprocal license with an original license from an approved state. Here are the states that have a reciprocal agreement for journeyman licenses:
If you have a master’s license from any of the states above, it will transfer to Arkansas as a journeyman license. Arkansas only recognizes reciprocity for master electrical licenses with Oregon and South Dakota.
Arkansas requires you to renew your license each year. For convenience, you can pay for renewals up to three years in advance. Both journeyman and master electrical licenses require completing eight hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
NEXT focuses on helping small businesses with their insurance. Since we insure over 1,300+ professions, we can help you get reliable, affordable electrician insurance to protect your business.
You can complete the process entirely online. Apply for coverage and get your certificate of insurance in just a few minutes. Your application for your state license will be easy to fill out.
Start a free instant quote with NEXT.
Do you want to work as an electrical contractor in another U.S. state? Learn what states require licenses in our guide to electrician license requirements.
This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.
Jessica spent over a decade working in education before moving into content marketing. She has worked on content marketing campaigns in the edtech, real estate, and personal finance sectors. She has a passion for working with companies that take the time to educate their customers. When she’s not working, she’s probably outside with her two kids.
