Electrician License Requirements in Arkansas
| Licensing Authority | Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners (BOEE) |
| License Type | Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician |
| Experience Required | 4 years (8,000 hours) electrical work for Journeyman; 6 years total including time as licensed Journeyman for Master. Residential Journeyman: 3 years; Residential Master: 4 years. |
| Education Substitute | Approved electrical program may substitute for a portion of experience hours |
| Exam Required | Yes — Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam |
| Bond Required | No |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours 1 year |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Exam Fee | $80 |
| Initial License Fee | $50 |
| Est. Initial Total | $155 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Master renewal | $50 |
| Journeyman renewal | $25 |
Renewal: $50 every 1 year
Exam Requirements
Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam
Exam provider: Board of Electrical Examiners
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredElectrician Exam Secrets Study GuideFull review of the National Electrical Code, electrical theory, and safety practices for the journeyman and master electrician exams — concept breakdowns and practice questions built for a first-try pass.See the study guide →Set up the business before you apply in Arkansas
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Arkansas. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→License Tiers
Apprentice Electrician
Entry level — must work under supervision
Exam: Not required
Journeyman Electrician
4 years (8,000 hours) electrical work experience
Exam: Required
Master Electrician
6 years total including time as licensed Journeyman
Exam: Required
Residential Journeyman
3 years residential electrical work
Exam: Required
Residential Master
4 years including time as Residential Journeyman
Exam: Required
License Reciprocity
This state has reciprocity agreements with 16 states. View full reciprocity details — You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.
Notes
- Open book exam
- 2026: 8 hours CE required covering NEC code changes
- Master Electrician renewal is $50/year; Journeyman renewal is $25/year
You're licensed in Arkansas as an electrician — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners issues the Journeyman Electrician / Master Electrician; the business that invoices Arkansas customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Carry general liability insurance.
Arkansas does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck electrician businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every year at $50. Continuing education: 8 hours every year.
Other licenses in Arkansas
- General Contractor license in Arkansas
Statewide license required · $180 in initial government fees · ACLB
- Plumber license in Arkansas
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · ADH
- HVAC Technician license in Arkansas
Statewide license required · $290 in initial government fees · ADLL
- Roofing Contractor license in Arkansas
Statewide license required · $130 in initial government fees · ACLB
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an electrician license in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas requires a statewide electrician license through the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners.
How much does an electrician license cost in Arkansas?
The estimated initial cost is $155, including application, exam, and license fees.
What experience do I need for an electrician license in Arkansas?
4 years (8,000 hours) electrical work for Journeyman; 6 years total including time as licensed Journeyman for Master. Residential Journeyman: 3 years; Residential Master: 4 years. Education substitute: Approved electrical program may substitute for a portion of experience hours
What exams are required for an electrician license in Arkansas?
You must pass the Journeyman/Master Electrician Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Board of Electrical Examiners.
Does Arkansas have electrician license reciprocity?
Yes, Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with 16 states that may apply to electricians. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
How long does it take to get an electrician license in Arkansas?
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for electricians in Arkansas?
Yes, 8 hours per 1 year is required for license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for electricians in Arkansas— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: BOEE