Arkansas Plumber Licensing FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Arkansas plumber licensing and continuing education

How to get an Arkansas Journeyman Plumber License

  1. Complete and submit an application & fee
    1. Submit evidence of 4 years work experience
  2. Pass required exams
  3. Pay required licensing fees

How to get an Arkansas Master Plumber License

  1. Complete and submit an application & fee
    1. Submit evidence of 5 years work experience
  2. Pass required exams
  3. Pay required licensing fees

Arkansas Plumber Renewal Requirements

Renewal Deadline: Master, Journeyman & Apprentice plumbers licenses expire on December 31st every year.

Restricted plumbers licenses and plumbing and/or Gas Inspector’s certificates expire on June 30th every year.

Continuing Education: There is currently no continuing education requirement for Arkansas plumbers

Getting Licensed

Who needs to be licensed for plumbing in Arkansas?

Anyone engaged in work as a master, journeyman, or apprentice plumber (as defined by the Arkansas Plumbers Law) must be licensed.

What are the types of plumbing licenses available in Arkansas?

  • Apprentice Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Master Plumber
  • Restricted Plumber
  • Plumbing and/or Gas Inspector

Does Arkansas have reciprocal licensing with other states?

Applicants licensed in other states may be granted reciprocal licensing provided the requirements for licensure in the other state are substantially similar to the requirements for licensure in Arkansas.

The applicant must submit a completed application for licensure as well as evidence that the other jurisdiction has similar requirements.

What fees are associated with becoming a plumber in Arkansas?

Apprentice

  • Application: $0
  • License: $25

Journeyman

  • Application: $75
  • License: $75

Master

  • Application: $125
  • License: $200

Lifetime Master

  • Application: $0
  • License: $0

Renewing a License

When do I need to renew my Arkansas plumbing license?

Master, Journeyman & Apprentice plumbers licenses expire on December 31st every year.

Restricted plumbers licenses expire on June 30th every year.

Plumbing and/or Gas Inspector’s certificates expire on June 30th every year.

Do I need continuing education to renew my plumbing license in Arkansas?

There are no active continuing education requirements for plumbers in Arkansas.

My Arkansas plumbing license has expired — how do I get it reinstated?

The Department of Health may renew a license after the thirty day grace period if there is sufficient reason for not renewing the license in the time specified and after payments of penalties as described by regulation.

If your license has been expired for less than five years you may submit an application for reinstatement.

Reinstatement is granted by the board, and after it has been granted there are additional fees to pay in addition to any backfees and penalties.

If the license has been expired for more than five years, the above rules apply, and you must also submit a new verification of work experience.

How do I get my journeyman plumbing license in Arkansas?

Journeyman plumbers need a minimum of four years experience

  1. Complete and submit an application & fee
    a. Submit evidence of 4 years work experience
  2. Pass required exams
  3. Pay required licensing fees

What fees are associated with becoming a journeyman plumber in Arkansas?

• Application: $75
• License: $75

How do I get my master plumbing license in Arkansas?

Master plumbers need a minimum of five years experience

  1. Complete and submit an application & fee
    a. Submit evidence of 5 years work experience
  2. Pass required exams
  3. Pay required licensing fees

What fees are associated with becoming a master plumber in Arkansas?

  • Application: $125
  • License: $200

What is professional development?

Things in the plumbing industry change often. As a professional in your trade it is important to keep your knowledge base up to date so you can make practical decisions for your business. Professional development courses are designed to help you improve your industry knowledge. Whether you are looking for information on new avenues to pursue in your business, wanting to brush up on best practices, or are just interested in learning about a particular topic: professional development is for you!

Is professional development the same as continuing education?

Professional development is different from continuing education. Continuing education courses are mandatory courses that your licensing body wants you to take in order to maintain your license.

Arkansas Department of Health
Plumbing & Natural Gas
4815 W. Markham
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 661-2642
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/plumbing-natural-gas

Once I order the course, how long before I can start?

You may begin immediately! Simply click the Login button in the upper right-hand corner on your desktop or in the upper-right menu on mobile. Once you’ve entered your login and password, you will be taken to your courses. Follow the instructions and enjoy!

Once I start an online course, will I be able to start and stop at any time?

Our courses are available online 24/7 and you are able to log in and log out at any time during the course. If you are going to be away from your computer for more than 10-15 minutes, simply log out. When you log back in, you will be able to re-enter the lesson you were last in.

How long do your continuing education courses take to complete?

Continuing education requirements vary by state. Each course lists a minimum number of credit hours required to complete the course.

How long do your exam prep courses take to complete?

This question really depends on your learning style and comfort level with the topics we cover. There is no set time for completing exam prep courses — you get to go at your own pace! Many plumbers like to re-watch materials, some like to just re-take the practice tests. Our recommendation is for you to go through the course as many times as you need to be comfortable with the material and any applicable reference books. The more familiar you are with the materials, the better you will do on your exam!

How long do I have the courses?

We allow up to 6 months for you to complete the courses. During the six months you have unlimited, 24/7 access. If you need additional time, please contact our offices to arrange an extension (please note: a fee may apply).

Are there tests in the courses?

This varies depending on whether the course is continuing education or exam prep.

There are no quizzes for continuing education courses in Michigan. All other states with continuing education require quizzes to check completion progress.

In exam prep courses there will be a short quiz at the end of each lesson and there is also a longer practice test at the end of each course. These quizzes and tests will help you practice taking an exam and identify areas you may wish to study more.

If I fail a practice test, do I have to take it again?

Practice tests are just that: for practice. You will have the opportunity to retake the practice tests until you do pass. The practice tests are there to help you get used to the process of using your reference materials and finding the correct answers during an exam. If you don’t pass on the first try, take the time to note what sections of the material you need to review.

Once I complete a course, can I still go back and review the lessons and quizzes?

You are able to review the lessons and quizzes at any time during the six months you’ll have access to the courses.