How to Get an Arkansas Electrician License: A 2025 Guide

Navigating the licensing process can feel complex, with different requirements for various career stages. This guide provides a clear overview of the license types, experience requirements, and examination processes governed by the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners to help you successfully level up your career in 2025.

Understanding Arkansas Electrician License Types

The path to becoming a licensed electrician in Arkansas is structured, with distinct license types that define the scope of work you can perform. Each level comes with its own set of requirements for on-the-job training hours and examination. The Board of Electrical Examiners is the primary governing body for these licenses. Here’s a breakdown of the main licensing tiers.

Residential Electrician License (Journeyman & Master)

A residential electrician license is tailored for professionals who focus on one- and two-family dwellings.

• Residential Journeyman Electrician: To qualify, you need two years of verifiable experience in residential wiring. This experience can come from direct work or an approved combination of training, like a formal electrical apprenticeship program. After approval, you must pass the Residential Journeyman exam, a 50-question test completed within three hours.
• Residential Master Electrician: To reach this level, you need three years of experience in residential wiring, including at least one year as a licensed Residential Journeyman. This license requires passing the 60-question Residential Master exam, which has a three-hour time limit.

Journeyman Electrician License

The journeyman electrician license is a common goal for electricians starting their careers in commercial and industrial settings. A Journeyman can install and maintain a wide range of electrical systems but must work under the supervision of a Master Electrician. The primary requirements include:

• Four years (or 8,000 hours) of on-the-job training. Many candidates meet this through a registered apprenticeship which combines fieldwork with classroom instruction.
• Passing the Journeyman Electrician exam, which consists of 80 questions with a four-hour time limit.

Master Electrician License

Achieving a master electrician license signifies the highest level of expertise and autonomy in the field. A Master Electrician can plan, supervise, and perform all types of electrical work and is qualified to pull permits. The prerequisites are more stringent:

• Four (4) years of experience as a licensed journeyman electrician.
• Alternatively, a degree in electrical engineering plus two years of construction-related experience can qualify an applicant.
• Passing the Master Electrician exam, a 100-question test with a four-hour time limit.

Specialized Licenses: Industrial Maintenance and More

Arkansas also offers specialized licenses, such as the industrial maintenance electrician license. This is intended for electricians working exclusively on the premises of an industrial facility, performing maintenance on existing equipment. This license requires four years of relevant experience, as outlined by the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners. Other specialty licenses include Air Conditioning Electrician and Sign Specialist.

Your Path to Licensure: A Step-by-Step Overview

While the specific hours and experience vary, the overall journey follows a consistent path. For a general overview of the process nationwide, see our guide on how to become a licensed electrician.

1. Gain Experience Through an Electrical Apprenticeship Program: The foundation of any electrical career is hands-on experience. Arkansas requires thousands of on-the-job training hours. Enrolling in an apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor is the most structured way to meet this requirement, as it combines paid work experience with required classroom learning.
2. Consider Electrician School or Online Courses: While not a replacement for OJT, enrolling in an electrician school can provide foundational knowledge of theory, safety, and code that is essential for exam success. Flexible online electrical courses can be a great way to supplement your field training.
3. Apply For and Pass the State Exam: Once you meet the experience requirements, you must apply to the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners for approval to test. The exams are administered by Prov, Inc. Success hinges on thorough electrical exam prep, with a deep understanding of the currently adopted National Electrical Code (NEC) being critical, as all exams are open-book.
4. Advance to an Electrical Contractor: For those with entrepreneurial goals, the next step after becoming a Master Electrician is obtaining an electrical contractor license. This license, issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, allows you to own and operate an electrical business. It typically requires passing a separate business and law exam and showing proof of bonding and insurance. Learn more about the next steps in our guide to starting an electrical business in Arkansas.

Maintaining Your License: Arkansas Electrical License Renewal

Once you are licensed, maintaining your status through timely renewal is crucial. Licenses in Arkansas must be renewed annually. A key part of the Arkansas electrical license renewal process is completing mandatory continuing education.

According to the Rules of the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners, all licensed Master, Journeyman, Residential Master, and Residential Journeyman electricians must complete 8 continuing education hours during each three-year NEC cycle. While licenses renew annually without requiring yearly CE, the 8 hours must be completed before the end of each 3-year NEC cycle (e.g., by December 31, 2026, for the current cycle) to maintain eligibility for subsequent annual renewals. These hours must be focused on the current edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). For the current code cycle, courses must be based on the 2023 NEC, which Arkansas adopted effective January 1, 2024. When your renewal date approaches, be sure to browse state-approved courses to meet your requirements.

Working Across State Lines: Arkansas License Reciprocity Agreements

For electricians licensed in other states, Arkansas offers a path to licensure without re-examination through license reciprocity agreements. Arkansas has agreements with a number of states, though the terms vary. For example, the state has broad reciprocity for journeyman licenses with states like Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and others. However, master electrician reciprocity is more limited, with agreements in place with states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. As reciprocity terms can change, you must consult the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners for the most current agreements and to confirm that your original license from a partner state qualifies, as reciprocated licenses cannot be transferred again. For more on this topic, read about electrician license portability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in Arkansas?
It typically takes about four years to become a licensed journeyman electrician, as this is the length of most apprenticeship programs required to gain the necessary 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.

What is the current National Electrical Code (NEC) in Arkansas?
As of 2025, the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners has adopted the 2023 edition of the NEC as the standard for all electrical work and for continuing education. However, since adoption dates are subject to change, it is critical to confirm the currently enforced edition directly with the Board before beginning any work or training.

Where do I take the Arkansas electrical exam?
The licensing examinations are administered by a third-party vendor, Prov, Inc. After your application is approved by the Board, you can schedule your exam at one of their testing centers or through their remote proctoring service.

Ready to meet your continuing education requirements? ExpertCE offers board-approved courses to help you complete your continuing education hours and successfully manage your Arkansas electrical license renewal. Browse our courses today to stay compliant and current.