General Contractor License Requirements in Arkansas

Licensing Authority	Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB)
License Type	Commercial / Residential Building
Experience Required	Commercial: 5 years minimum with $50,000 net worth. Residential Building: 4 years minimum with $10,000 net worth. Residential Remodeler: 2 years minimum. Must provide 3 professional references verifying experience.
Education Substitute	Construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience
Exam Required	Yes — Arkansas Business and Law Exam
Bond Required	Yes — $10,000
Insurance	General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education	Not required
Processing Time	4-8 weeks

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee	$100
Exam Fee	$80
Est. Initial Total	$180

Related & additional fees

Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.

Residential Remodeler/Home Improvement filing fee

$50

Renewal: $100 every 1 year

Exam Requirements

Arkansas Business and Law Exam

50 questions2 hoursPass: 70%

Arkansas construction lawLien lawsSafety regulationsBusiness management

Exam provider: PSI

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License Tiers

Commercial Contractor

5 years experience; $50,000 minimum net worth; projects $50,000+

Exam: Required

Residential Building Contractor

4 years experience; $10,000 minimum net worth

Exam: Required

Residential Remodeler

2 years experience

Exam: Required

Home Improvement Specialty

Varies by specialty

Exam: Not required

License Reciprocity

This state has reciprocity agreements with 4 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.

tennesseeReciprocity for contractor licenses; Tennessee contractors must have held a valid license for at least 3 years. Must complete reciprocal application form and pay standard fees.

mississippiReciprocity for contractor licenses; Mississippi contractors must have held a valid license for at least 1 year

alabamaReciprocity for contractor licenses; Alabama contractors must have held a valid license for at least 1 year

louisianaReciprocity for contractor licenses; Louisiana contractors must have a valid license in good standing

Notes

Home Improvement Specialty licensees are exempt from the exam requirement
Financial statement from a CPA required for Commercial ($50,000 net worth) and Residential Building ($10,000 net worth)
License expires 1 year from date of issuance

Local requirements on top of your Arkansas license

The ACLB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Arkansas. On top of it, most Arkansas cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a general contractor license in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas requires a statewide general contractor license through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

How much does a general contractor license cost in Arkansas?

The estimated initial cost is $180, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.

What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Arkansas?

Commercial: 5 years minimum with $50,000 net worth. Residential Building: 4 years minimum with $10,000 net worth. Residential Remodeler: 2 years minimum. Must provide 3 professional references verifying experience. Education substitute: Construction management degree may substitute for up to 2 years of experience

What exams are required for a general contractor license in Arkansas?

You must pass the Arkansas Business and Law Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Arkansas?

Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. $10,000 surety bond required for Commercial contractors. Residential contractors may not need a bond but must show financial statements from a CPA.

Does Arkansas have general contractor license reciprocity?

Yes, Arkansas has reciprocity agreements with 4 states that may apply to general contractors. 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 a general contractor license in Arkansas?

Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for general contractors in Arkansas?

No, Arkansas does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.

Next steps

You know the requirements for general contractors in Arkansas— here's how to actually pass and apply.

Pass the exam →What to study, prep courses, and first-try strategies for the contractor license exam.General Contractor requirements in every state →Compare apprenticeship hours, exams, fees, and the full path to getting licensed.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: ACLB