If you are looking to get your Arkansas contractors license, you are definitely not alone. There are thousands of people across the country looking to get their contracting license in the states that they plan to do business in. The one thing that they all have in common though, is that they all have a single problem…
The information on getting your license is hard to come by!
The information that is found is either outdated, is legit but only half of it is there, or it points you to another place to find the info and then that place points you to another and you end up with 10 tabs open, and 0 questions answered!
We’re here to change that. We’re going to give you the current info…all of it. In this case, specifically for those of you looking to get your license in Arkansas! So let’s get into it!
Arkansas Contractor License – What To Know
Before you begin the process, there are a few things to know!
The construction industry in Arkansas is controlled and regulated by requiring any general contractor to have a license, as long as you are working on any project that is $2,000 or more. So unless you are just building fancy bird houses, you’re probably going to need a license. Everything you do as far as getting your license will be through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, or the Residential committee.
Even though we are talking specifically about general contractors, it’s important to note that if you are a subcontractor that is working under a licensed general contractor, you will not need a license.
See general contractor licensing information in nearby states
- Oklahoma contractors license
- Missouri contractors license
- Tennessee contractors license
- Mississippi contractors license
- Louisiana contractors license
- Texas contractor license
- General contractors license information for all states
AR Contractors License: Your Options
Like most other states, Arkansas has different types of licenses you can get. These different licenses are called “classifications” and whichever one you get will determine what you are able to build, not build, building limitations, etc. Let’s look at those real quick!
- Commercial Contractors License – This license will be issued to you through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, and allows general contractors to work on projects that are $20,000 or more. That price includes the money paid through labor as well. This classification allows for grading in both private and public sections, and working on condos, apartments, utilities, and even sewers!
- Residential Builder License – This is a license that will be issued by the residential committee. It will allow you to work on single family homes, with 4 units or less.
- Residential Remodeler License – Again, this type of license will be issued to you through the Residential Committee. It is exactly what it sounds like. A license that allows you to remodel and repair residential properties as long as they are single-family and 4 units or less. However, there are 2 different types of these licenses:
- Limited Residential Remodeler License – Only allowed to work on projects that are $20,000 or less. Labor and materials are included in that price.
- Unlimited Residential Remodeler License – May work on projects of any value as long as they fall under the category of the specialty that you choose.
Think a little bit about what you really want to be doing in the construction industry, and let that allow you to make the best decision on which classification to go with. Each classification will require pretty much the same process, but will have some slight variations between them.
So, choose which one you would like to do, and let’s get on with the steps that will get you from where you are now, to having your Arkansas contractors license!
Arkansas Contractor License: What’s Needed
Alright, since each classification can be a little different in terms of what is needed, we will point out what is needed for each particular one. That sounds a bit confusing, but just keep reading. It’s easier than you think to follow along with:
1. Work Experience:
- Commercial contractors – Those of you who are applying for this classification of license, will need to have, at minimum, 5 years of work experience. This experience will need to be verifiable and be in the field of contracting that you are applying for ( sewer work, highway work, etc.).
- Residential Builders – For those who are looking to be building residential properties, you are going to need a minimum of 4 years of work experience. This work experience can be in the residential building industry, or in the commercial industry.
- Residential Remodelers – For those looking to do remodels and improvements on residential properties, you will need at least 2 years of work experience. This 2 years can be in the commercial contracting industry, or in the remodeling or building industry itself.
2. Take & Pass The Exam:
- All contractors, no matter which classification you are applying for, will need to take and pass the Business and Law Exam that is given by a company called Prometic Inc. This exam is only 50 questions, is open book, and has a 2 hour time limit.
- What’s known as a “qualifying party” can be appointed to take this test for you, if you yourself would rather not take it for whatever reason. Anyone who plays a role in the day to day activities (and will continue to do so) can be appointed to be your qualifying party.
- Everything about this exam from how to register, to who to call, can be found on this printable PDF file.
3. Acquire The Proper Type of Bonds & Insurance
- Commercial Contractors – Commercial contractors must have a $10,000 surety bond to include in their mail packet that they are sending to the board. On top of that, you will need to get workers compensation insurance if you plan to employ workers for your contracting business.
- Residential Builders – For residential builders, you will just to need to get workers compensation insurance, if you plan on hiring employees for your business.
- Residential Remodelers (Limited & Unlimited) – If you are applying for an unlimited license, you will need to have workers compensation insurance if you plan to hire employees. Limited licenses are not required to submit proof of having workers compensation insurance, but it is highly encouraged to have it anyway, to protect yourself and others.
4. Complete the Application
- All contractors need to print, fill out, and submit their application. Each classification will require a different application, but all applications can be printed from right here.
- After you have printed out your application, and filled it out, you will need to submit it along with some other documents. The documents you need to include will depend on which type of license you are going for, which leads us to the last part…
5. Submit The Application
Submitting the application sounds like a simple process, but the documents that are required for each type of application, are different.
There is somewhat of a checklist to go by for the application that you are submitting. Instead of writing out the checklist all over again, I will just give you the link to the checklist that already exist, and comes straight from the state of Arkansas, and is also on the applications!
- Commercial Contractors License – Look on the first few pages of this PDF here to read about what documents are required to submit with your commercial contracting application.
- Residential Builders License – Check out the 2nd page of this PDF file to see the checklist of documents you will need if you plan on applying for a residential builders license.
- Residential Remodelers License – Look at pages 3 & 4 of this PDF application to look at the checklist of documents and items you will need to submit with your application, whether you are applying for limited or unlimited either one.
Arkansas Contractors License: Final Thoughts
After you have opened up whichever PDF file above that fits you the best, looked at the checklist, and went through it, you should be more than ready to go on starting your contracting business up.
Remember to think pretty seriously about which one of these classifications you would like to go with. It will decide a whole lot about what type of business you can and can’t do, so it’s pretty important to make the decision that’s right for you
Now that you know what is required of you, what needs to be done, and what needs to be turned in with your application, what are you waiting on?? Go follow your dreams, get your Arkansas contractor license, and get your own business running!
AR General Contractor Licenses and Regulations
Category: State Licenses and Permits
For more information, visit: http://www.state.ar.us/clb/
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.
Details: Arkansas law requires a state contractor’s license for all projects that cost $20,000 or more.
Arkansas Business Licensing Information for Electricians
AR Electrician Licensing Information
Category: State Licenses and Permits
For more information, visit: http://www.ark.org/labor/divisions/electricalexam_p1.html
Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners.
Details: Arkansas law requires state licenses for electrical contractors and electricians.
Arkansas Business Licensing Information for Plumbers
AR Mechanical, Plumbing and HVAC Licenses
Category: State Licenses and Permits
For more information, visit: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/environmentalHealth/ProtectiveHealthCodes/Pages/default.aspx
Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Protective Health Codes.
Details: Arkansas requires a state license to perform plumbing work except when work is being performed on an individual’s own residence or on an agricultural building outside city limits and not connected to public water, sewer or gas lines.
Additional Business Licensing Information for all Arkansas Businesses
AR Business and Occupational Licenses
Category: State Licenses and Permits
For more information, visit: http://portal.arkansas.gov/business/Pages/businessProfessionals.aspx
Details: Information about how to obtain business and occupational licenses and permits.
Arkansas Business Tax Information
Business Tax Registration
Category: Tax Registration
For more information, visit: http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/incomeTax/Pages/default.aspx
Details: Businesses that operate within Arkansas are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller’s permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the following agency for more information about business registration and your tax obligations:
General Tax Information and Forms
Category: Tax Registration
For more information, visit: http://portal.arkansas.gov/business/Pages/businessTaxCenter.aspx
Details: Businesses that operate within Arkansas are required to register for one or more tax-specific identification numbers, licenses or permits, including income tax withholding, sales and use tax (seller’s permit), and unemployment insurance tax. Contact the following agency for more information about business registration and your tax obligations:
Arkansas Insurance Requirements for Businesses
Get Unemployment Tax Requirements for AR
Category: Employer Requirements
For more information, visit: http://www.arkansas.gov/esd/Employers/index.htm
Details: Businesses with employees are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes under certain conditions. If your business is required to pay these taxes, you must register your business with your state’s workforce agency:
Find Workers’ Comp Requirements for AR
Category: Employer Requirements
For more information, visit: http://www.awcc.state.ar.us/employerbasicfacts.html
Details: Businesses with employees are required to carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage through a commercial carrier, on a self-insured basis, or through the state Workers’ Compensation Insurance program.
Arkansas New Hire Reporting Requirements for Businesses
Report New Hires in AR
Category: Employer Requirements
For more information, visit: http://newhire-reporting.com/AR-Newhire/default.aspx
Details: All employers are required to report newly and re-hired employees to their state’s Directory of New Hires within 20 days of their hire or re-hire data.
I’m trying to get license to be able to install commercial hollow metal frameand door and hardware
Hi Floyd, Arkansas has four kinds of licenses for projects over $20,000 — if you are doing commercial work, they have a separate license for that, as well as licenses for residential building, remodeling and home improvement. If you follow the first link in the guide on this page it will take you directly to the list of requirements and application forms. Good luck!
How difficult is it to get a business license in Arkansas?
Not difficult at all! The tricky part is when you need professional licensing. In Arkansas, all construction projects over $20K require a contractors license. Anyone performing HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other work all require a license. Beyond construction, many fields in Arkansas require licensing, such as appraisers, architects, athletic trainers, barbers, collection agencies, public accountings, geologists and others require special licenses. Follow the links on this page to find out what’s required for your particular profession.
Yes my name is Zach. I’m inquiring what exactly or who exactly I need to talk to so I can get this license to start my carpentry business. I have the name part taken care of just need that liscense to start my llc.