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Arkansas Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed

Everything you need to know about the Arkansas electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare

Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to Arkansas.

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Quick Answer

For the Arkansas electrician license exam, expect 60 questions with a limit of 180 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2023. The exam is delivered by Prov and the fee is $80. Arkansas electricians earn about $45,170 per year ($21.72 per hour), per the BLS.

Last verified: March 26, 2026 Sources: Arkansas Licensing Board

Exam Format

Journeyman Electrician

  • Vendor:Prov
  • Questions:60
  • Time Limit:180 minutes (3 hours)
  • Passing Score:70%
  • Exam Fee:$80
  • Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)

What's Covered on the Exam

  • Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
  • Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
  • Load Calculations (Article 220)
  • Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
  • Box Fill & Conduit Fill
  • Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
  • Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
  • Services & Feeders (Article 230)

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Detailed Explanations

Every question includes step-by-step solutions with NEC article references

Arkansas Electrician License Overview

Arkansas licenses electricians through the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Electrical Division. Arkansas issues statewide journeyman and master electrician licenses, and electrical contractors must also be licensed. Arkansas's construction market is anchored by Little Rock and Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas, with a growing logistics and manufacturing sector. The state's agricultural infrastructure and rural construction create additional electrical employment opportunities outside of the major metros.

Arkansas Electrician License Types

Arkansas Journeyman Electrician

Statewide license for electrical work under master supervision.

Requirements: 8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Must pass the Arkansas Journeyman exam (open book, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Apply through the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.

Arkansas Master Electrician

Can supervise journeymen, pull permits, and take full charge of electrical work.

Requirements: Must hold an Arkansas Journeyman license. Additional experience. Must pass the Master exam.

Electrical Contractor

Business license for electrical contracting in Arkansas.

Requirements: Qualifying party must hold a Master license. Meet insurance requirements.

Experience & Education Requirements

Journeyman Requirements

8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Verify current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.

Master Requirements

Must hold a valid Arkansas Journeyman license. Pass the Master exam.

Apprenticeship Programs

Arkansas has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Little Rock (IBEW Local 295) and Fort Smith (IBEW Local 700). Programs run 4–5 years.

License Reciprocity

TennesseeMississippiLouisianaTexasOklahomaMissouri

Arkansas participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing to confirm current eligibility.

License Renewal Requirements

Renewal Period

1 year (annual)

Continuing Education

Verify current CE requirements with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

Renewal Fee

Approximately $30–$60 annual renewal

Important Notes

Arkansas electrical licenses renew annually.

ArkansasElectrician Salary & Job Outlook

Average Salary

$45,170/year

$21.72/hr

Salary Range

Entry-level: $29,680 (10th percentile)

Experienced: $63,940 (90th percentile)

Arkansas employs approximately 9,000 electricians. Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville/Fayetteville) has become one of the fastest-growing metros in the country due to Walmart and the retail supply chain ecosystem, this is driving significant commercial construction and electrical demand. Little Rock's healthcare and government sector adds additional employment.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024

How to Register for Your Exam

  1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
  2. Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
  3. Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with Prov
  4. Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with Arkansas-aligned questions
  5. Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day

Arkansas Electrician License FAQ

Does Arkansas have a statewide journeyman license?

Yes. Arkansas issues statewide Journeyman and Master Electrician licenses.

Is the Arkansas electrician exam open book?

Yes. Arkansas exams are open book and NEC-based. The passing score is 70%.

How much do electricians make in Arkansas?

The statewide average is about $45,170/year. Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville/Fayetteville) is the fastest-growing market and pays more than the state average, with experienced electricians earning $55,000–$64,000+.

Does Arkansas have reciprocity with Tennessee or Louisiana?

Arkansas participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Department of Labor and Licensing to confirm current terms.

How long does it take to get an Arkansas electrician license?

Plan on 4 years (8,000 hours) of supervised OJT, typically through an apprenticeship program.

Common Questions About the Arkansas Electrician License

How much does the Arkansas electrician license exam cost?

The Arkansas electrician exam fee is $80, paid to Prov when you register.

Who administers the Arkansas electrician license exam?

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing oversees electrician licensing in Arkansas, and the exam is delivered by Prov.

How much do electricians make in Arkansas?

Arkansas electricians earn about $45,170 per year ($21.72 per hour). Entry level pay is around $29,680 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $63,940 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Arkansas?

8,000 hours of supervised OJT. Verify current requirements with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.

Does Arkansas have electrician license reciprocity?

Arkansas participates in limited reciprocity with some neighboring states. Contact the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing to confirm current eligibility.

Compare Exam Requirements

See how Arkansas's electrician exam compares to nearby states:

NEC Code Study Guides

Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the Arkansas exam.

NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations

Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.

NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits

GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.

NEC Article 220, Load Calculations

Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.

NEC Article 230, Services

Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.

NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity

Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).

NEC Article 430, Motors

Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.

NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection

Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.

NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding

Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.

NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations

Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.

NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill

Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.

Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide

Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.

NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods

Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.

NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles

15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.

NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)

Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.

NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes

What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.

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