Does a master electrician license allow me to start a business in Arkansas?

Yes, operating as a licensed electrical contractor requires the applicant to be a licensed master electrician or to employ a licensed master electrician as the superintendent or manager.

Upgrading to a Master Electrician License in Arkansas: Is It Worth It?

Q: What is the average electrician salary in Arkansas?

According to May 2023 BLS data, the annual mean wage for electricians in Arkansas is $49,800, and $48,180 in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area.

Q: What is the format of the Arkansas Master Electrician exam?

The Candidate Information Bulletin lists the Arkansas Master Electrician exam as a 60-question test with a 3-hour time allowance using the 2023 NEC as a reference.

For any ambitious journeyman electrician in Arkansas, there comes a point when you look at the horizon and ask, “What’s next?” You’ve put in the years, mastered your craft on countless job sites, and built a reputation for quality work. But the ceiling for a journeyman, while high, is still a ceiling. The next major step in your career—the one that can expand your legal responsibilities and business options—is earning the Arkansas master electrician license. This isn’t just another certification; it can represent a meaningful shift in your professional standing. The question is, considering the requirements and added responsibility, is the upgrade worth the effort? National employment projections reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provide perspective on industry demand; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for electricians to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032.

The Financial Incentive: A Clear Bump in Earning Potential

Let’s start with the most straightforward benefit: the money. State and metropolitan mean wage figures for electricians are available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; according to May 2023 BLS data, the annual mean wage for electricians in Arkansas is $49,800, and $48,180 in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area. The BLS does not separate wages by license level, so any higher pay for master electricians reflects market factors and employer pay practices rather than a BLS wage category. This license isn’t just a title—it’s a gateway to higher-value work. As a master, you are typically considered for more complex projects, which can command higher pay. This is the first step toward maximizing what you can make in the field. For more ideas on ways to increase your income, see smart ways electricians can boost their earning potential and our complete electrician salary guide for broader context on pay trends.

Beyond the Paycheck: New Authority and Opportunities

While the salary bump is attractive, the value of an Arkansas master electrician license often lies in the expanded scope of authority it can help provide. This is where your career trajectory can change from technician to leader.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Many employers expect masters to guide and supervise journeymen and apprentices on larger commercial or industrial projects; specific supervisory duties depend on the employer and project.
Permitting and local rules: Permit authority varies by local jurisdiction. The Arkansas Candidate Information Bulletin explains the Board’s role in licensing and directs candidates to consult the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners and local building officials for exact permitting rules and who may sign permit applications.
Qualifying for an Electrical Contractor License: Operating as a licensed electrical contractor requires the applicant to be a licensed master electrician or to employ a licensed master electrician as the superintendent or manager.

For licensing process details and contact information, the Arkansas Candidate Information Bulletin instructs applicants to complete the application with the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners and to contact the Board for licensing questions. For more on starting a business in Arkansas see start an electrical business in Arkansas. With demand for skilled leadership on more complex, energy-intensive projects, becoming a master electrician positions you to pursue those roles.

Mapping the Path: The Journeyman Electrician Upgrade

The journey from journeyman to master is a significant undertaking, and Arkansas candidates should rely on the Arkansas Board’s application instructions. The Arkansas Candidate Information Bulletin explains the process: you must first complete the appropriate application with the Arkansas Board of Electrical Examiners and receive Board approval before scheduling your exam with the testing vendor. Once the Board approves an application, candidates are eligible to schedule their examination and that the candidate will typically be eligible to take the exam for six (6) months after approval.

What Exams and Format to Expect

The Candidate Information Bulletin lists the Arkansas examination categories and notes that “All exams are open book and are timed.” The bulletin’s Exam Descriptions section provides the number of questions and time allowed for each Arkansas exam. For example, the bulletin lists the Arkansas Master Electrician exam as a 60-question test with a 3-hour time allowance using the 2023 NEC as a reference. If you plan to pursue contractor or business qualifications after passing the trade exam, check with the Arkansas Board about any additional business or contractor testing or approval steps required to operate a company in Arkansas.

The Ultimate Goal: Starting Your Electrical Business in Arkansas

For many, the primary motivation for pursuing a master license is entrepreneurship. If your goal is to become the qualifying individual for an electrical contracting business, the Arkansas Board is the authority to confirm exactly which licensed classification and individual must serve in that role. See start an electrical business in Arkansas for related entrepreneurship guidance, and consult the Arkansas Board and local permitting authorities for the legal and business steps required to operate as a licensed electrical contractor in Arkansas.

Staying Current: License Renewal and Continuing Education

Achieving master status is an important milestone. For license renewal, Arkansas Master electricians are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education for each National Electric Code (NEC) cycle.

Your Arkansas electrical license expires on the last day of the month, one year following the date of issue. All licenses originally issued prior to the adoption of this rule shall continue to expire as indicated on the license. Licenses can be renewed, via the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board website, for one (1) year in the last year of an NEC cycle, two (2) years in the second year of an NEC cycle, or three (3) years in the first year of an NEC cycle.

Is the Upgrade Right for You?

The path to an Arkansas master electrician license is demanding, requiring experience, demonstrated competency, and successful testing as determined by the Arkansas Board. However, the rewards—higher pay opportunities, expanded authority, and the possibility of business ownership—can be substantial. If you are a journeyman electrician with ambitions beyond your current role, contacting the Arkansas Board is the critical next step to understand the specific eligibility and licensing pathway for your situation.

Arkansas Continuing Education Courses

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between a journeyman and master electrician in Arkansas?: A journeyman electrician can install and maintain electrical systems under supervision, while a master electrician typically has the qualifications to supervise projects, work as the on-site responsible licensed individual, and meet requirements for higher responsibility—specific duties and legal responsibilities depend on Arkansas Board rules and local permitting.
What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal?: Arkansas electrical license expires on the last day of the month, one year following the date of issue. All licenses originally issued prior to the adoption of this rule shall continue to expire as indicated on the license. Licenses can be renewed, via the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board website, for one (1) year in the last year of an NEC cycle, two (2) years in the second year of an NEC cycle, or three (3) years in the first year of an NEC cycle.