Arkansas Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
Arkansas licenses electricians through the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee under the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing — a statewide system applicable from Little Rock and Fort Smith to Fayetteville and Jonesboro. See our Arkansas state exam prep page for practice questions aligned to the Arkansas journeyman exam.
This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step for 2026 — verified against the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee's official information.
Disclaimer: Requirements and fees change. Always verify current details directly with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing before applying.
Overview: Arkansas Electrical Licensing
Arkansas's electrical licensing program is administered by the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee. The state adopted NEC 2023 as its current electrical code. Arkansas's largest employment centers for licensed electricians include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville/Springdale (Northwest Arkansas), and Jonesboro.
Types of Arkansas Electrician Licenses
Arkansas issues the following electrical license types:
| License | Experience Required | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Electrician | Enrolled in approved program | Work under direct licensed supervision |
| Journeyman Electrician | 8,000 hours OJT | Perform electrical work under licensed supervision |
| Master Electrician | Hold Journeyman + additional experience | Plan, supervise, and direct electrical installations |
Electrical contractors must additionally hold a contractor license through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB). Verify at aclb.arkansas.gov.
Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
To qualify for an Arkansas Journeyman Electrician license:
Work Experience: At least 8,000 hours of on-the-job electrical training under a licensed electrician. Experience must be verified by employers.
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Application: Submit a completed application with experience documentation and fees to the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee.
Examination: Pass the journeyman exam with a score of at least 70%.
The Arkansas Electrician Exam: Format & Preparation
Arkansas's journeyman exam is administered at authorized testing locations in the state.
Exam Details:
- Format: Multiple-choice, open book
- Code Reference: NEC 2023 (bring a tabbed, highlighted copy)
- Passing Score: 70%
- Scheduling: Contact the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee after application approval
Preparation Tips:
- Focus on NEC Articles 100, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 300, 310, 410, and 430
- Practice residential load calculations under Article 220
- Learn Tables 310.16, 250.122, and 220.12
- Tab and highlight your NEC codebook thoroughly
- Take timed practice exams before your test date
Our NEC 2023 practice questions are tailored to the Arkansas journeyman exam content areas.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Accumulate 8,000 hours of documented OJT under a licensed electrician
- Complete the application from the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee
- Submit your application with experience documentation and fees
- Schedule your exam after application approval
- Pass the exam (70% or higher)
- Receive your Arkansas license — renew annually
Fees
Verify all fees with the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee before submitting:
| Fee | Where to Verify |
|---|---|
| License Application Fee | labor.ar.gov |
| Exam Fee | Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee |
| Annual Renewal Fee | labor.ar.gov |
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Arkansas electrician licenses renew annually. Verify the current renewal fee and any CE requirements with the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee before your renewal date.
Reciprocity & Endorsement
Arkansas may recognize comparable licenses from other states. Contact the Arkansas Electrical Examining Committee directly to determine eligibility and required documentation for endorsement.
Arkansas Electrical Market Outlook
Arkansas's electrical market is driven by several sectors:
- Little Rock metro — state government facilities, healthcare construction, commercial development
- Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Springdale/Bentonville) — one of the fastest-growing metros in the South; retail and logistics construction tied to Walmart's headquarters
- Fort Smith — manufacturing and industrial facility construction
- Jonesboro — medical and university-related construction
- Agriculture-related infrastructure — grain processing and agricultural facility electrical work
A valid Arkansas journeyman license is the legal prerequisite to work in these markets.
Official Resources
- Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing: labor.ar.gov
- Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board: aclb.arkansas.gov
- NEC 2023 Codebook: Available at NFPA.org or major electrical supply houses
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Try Free Questions →Related reading: How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician License? | Journeyman vs. Master Electrician: What's the Difference? | How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
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