Plumbing License Arkansas: How to Become a Plumbing Contractor in AR 

To become a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must meet certain requirements and complete the necessary education, training, and certification exams. Here are the steps to become a plumbing contractor in Arkansas:

1. Meet the minimum requirements: To become a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have at least four years of experience in the plumbing trade.
2. Complete education and training: To become a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must complete a plumbing apprenticeship program or have equivalent experience. You must also complete 6 hours of continuing education each year to maintain your license.
3. Pass the journeyman plumber exam: Before becoming a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must obtain a journeyman plumber license by passing the journeyman plumber exam. The exam covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques.
4. Obtain liability insurance: As a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must obtain liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients in the event of accidents or damages.
5. Pass the plumbing contractor exam: Once you have obtained your journeyman plumber license and liability insurance, you can apply for your plumbing contractor license by passing the plumbing contractor exam. The exam covers topics such as business management, contract administration, and bidding.
6. Apply for your plumbing contractor license: After passing the plumbing contractor exam, you can apply for your plumbing contractor license with the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board. You must submit an application, proof of liability insurance, and payment of the licensing fee.

Overall, becoming a plumbing contractor in Arkansas requires several years of education, training, and experience, as well as passing the necessary certification exams and obtaining liability insurance.

Requirement to obtain Plumbing License in AR

To obtain a plumbing license in Arkansas, you must meet certain requirements and complete the necessary education, training, and certification exams. Here are the requirements to obtain a plumbing license in Arkansas:

1. Minimum age and education requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Experience requirements: You must have at least four years of experience in the plumbing trade. This experience can be obtained through a plumbing apprenticeship program or through equivalent work experience.
3. Journeyman plumber license: Before obtaining a plumbing contractor license in Arkansas, you must first obtain a journeyman plumber license by passing the journeyman plumber exam. To be eligible for the exam, you must have completed a plumbing apprenticeship program or have equivalent work experience.
4. Liability insurance: As a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must obtain liability insurance to protect yourself and your clients in the event of accidents or damages.
5. Plumbing contractor exam: After obtaining your journeyman plumber license and liability insurance, you can apply for your plumbing contractor license by passing the plumbing contractor exam. The exam covers topics such as business management, contract administration, and bidding.
6. Application and fee: After passing the plumbing contractor exam, you must submit an application and pay the licensing fee to the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board to obtain your plumbing contractor license.

Overall, obtaining a plumbing license in Arkansas requires several years of education, training, and experience, as well as passing the necessary certification exams and obtaining liability insurance.

Types of Plumbing Licenses in AR

There are three types of plumbing licenses in Arkansas:

1. Journeyman plumber license: This license allows an individual to work as a journeyman plumber in Arkansas. Journeyman plumbers are required to have completed an apprenticeship program or have equivalent work experience, and they are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems under the supervision of a licensed master plumber or plumbing contractor.
2. Master plumber license: This license allows an individual to work as a master plumber in Arkansas. To obtain a master plumber license, an individual must have a journeyman plumber license and must have completed additional education, training, and experience requirements. Master plumbers are responsible for overseeing plumbing projects and ensuring that plumbing systems are installed, repaired, and maintained according to state and local codes and regulations.
3. Plumbing contractor license: This license allows an individual to work as a plumbing contractor in Arkansas. To obtain a plumbing contractor license, an individual must have a master plumber license or employ a licensed master plumber as a responsible managing employee. Plumbing contractors are responsible for managing plumbing projects, bidding on contracts, and ensuring that all work is done in compliance with state and local codes and regulations.

Each license has its own education, training, and experience requirements, and individuals must meet these requirements and pass the necessary certification exams to obtain and maintain their plumbing licenses in Arkansas.

Benefits of becoming an AR Plumbing Professional

Here are some benefits of becoming a plumbing professional in Arkansas:

1. Job stability: Plumbing professionals are in high demand in Arkansas, and the demand is expected to grow in the coming years. This means that plumbing professionals can enjoy job stability and steady employment opportunities.
2. Good pay: Plumbing professionals in Arkansas earn a competitive salary, with an average hourly wage of $24.34 for plumbers and $31.55 for plumbing supervisors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3. Diverse job opportunities: Plumbing professionals can work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as construction sites and repair services.
4. Job satisfaction: Plumbing professionals can take pride in their work and the services they provide, which can be rewarding and satisfying. They also play an important role in ensuring that plumbing systems are safe and functioning properly, which is important for public health and safety.
5. Career growth opportunities: Plumbing professionals can advance their careers by obtaining additional certifications, such as a master plumber license or a plumbing contractor license. They can also gain experience and expertise in specialized areas of plumbing, such as green plumbing or medical gas systems, which can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.

Overall, becoming a plumbing professional in Arkansas can offer a variety of benefits, including job stability, good pay, diverse job opportunities, job satisfaction, and career growth opportunities.

Mean salary for a Plumbing technician in AR

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Arkansas is $22.53 as of May 2020. The annual mean salary for plumbing professionals in Arkansas is $46,870. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and location. Plumbing professionals with more experience or advanced certifications may earn higher salaries, while those just starting out may earn lower salaries.

Cost to become a Plumbing Technician in AR

The cost to become a plumbing technician in Arkansas can vary depending on several factors, such as the educational path and training program you choose. Here are some of the costs you can expect to incur when becoming a plumbing technician in Arkansas:

1. Education and training: The cost of education and training can vary depending on the program you choose. You can choose to attend a vocational school or community college that offers plumbing technology courses, which can range in cost from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Apprenticeship programs typically do not have tuition costs, but you will earn a lower wage during the training period.
2. Tools and equipment: As a plumbing technician, you will need to purchase your own tools and equipment, which can be a significant upfront cost. Depending on the quality and brand of the tools and equipment you purchase, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
3. Licensing and certification: To become a licensed plumbing technician in Arkansas, you will need to pass an exam and pay licensing fees. The cost of the exam and fees varies depending on the license and the licensing board.

Overall, the cost to become a plumbing technician in Arkansas can vary depending on several factors. However, the cost of education, training, tools, equipment, and licensing can be significant, and it’s important to budget for these costs when pursuing a career in plumbing.

How long does it take to become a Plumbing tech in AR?

The length of time it takes to become a plumbing technician in Arkansas can vary depending on the educational path and training program you choose. Here is a general timeline for becoming a plumbing technician in Arkansas:

1. Education and training: If you choose to attend a vocational school or community college to complete a plumbing technology program, it can take anywhere from several months to two years to complete the program. Apprenticeship programs typically take four years to complete.
2. Experience: To become a journeyman plumber in Arkansas, you must have at least four years of experience in the plumbing trade. This experience can be obtained through a plumbing apprenticeship program or equivalent work experience.
3. Certification exams: To become a licensed plumbing technician in Arkansas, you must pass the journeyman plumber exam, which covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques. After obtaining a journeyman plumber license, you can then work towards obtaining a master plumber or plumbing contractor license, which requires additional education, training, and experience requirements.

Overall, becoming a plumbing technician in Arkansas can take several years of education, training, and experience. However, the specific length of time it takes can vary depending on the educational path and training program you choose, as well as your own dedication and commitment to the profession.

AR Plumbing Training Programs and Schools

There are several plumbing training programs and schools in Arkansas that offer education and training for individuals interested in becoming plumbing professionals. Here are some examples:

1. Arkansas Construction Education Foundation (ACEF): ACEF offers a plumbing apprenticeship program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The program takes four years to complete and covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques.
2. Arkansas State University – Newport: Arkansas State University – Newport offers a plumbing technology program that provides classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program takes two years to complete and covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques.
3. North Arkansas College: North Arkansas College offers a plumbing technology program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program takes two years to complete and covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques.
4. Northwest Technical Institute: Northwest Technical Institute offers a plumbing technology program that provides classroom instruction and hands-on training. The program takes one year to complete and covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques.

Overall, there are several plumbing training programs and schools in Arkansas that can provide education and training for individuals interested in becoming plumbing professionals. It’s important to research and compare programs to find the one that best fits your needs and goals.

AR plumbing Licensing Exam Details and EPA Certification

To become a licensed plumbing professional in Arkansas, you must pass the necessary certification exams. Here are some details about the licensing exam and EPA certification in Arkansas:

1. Journeyman plumber exam: To become a journeyman plumber in Arkansas, you must pass the journeyman plumber exam. The exam covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques. The exam is administered by the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board, and the fee for the exam is $50.
2. Master plumber exam: To become a master plumber in Arkansas, you must have a journeyman plumber license and pass the master plumber exam. The exam covers topics such as plumbing codes, safety, and installation and repair techniques. The exam is administered by the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board, and the fee for the exam is $100.
3. Plumbing contractor exam: To become a plumbing contractor in Arkansas, you must have a master plumber license or employ a licensed master plumber as a responsible managing employee. You must also pass the plumbing contractor exam, which covers topics such as business management and Arkansas plumbing laws and regulations. The exam is administered by the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board, and the fee for the exam is $100.
4. EPA certification: To handle refrigerants in HVAC systems, plumbing professionals in Arkansas must obtain EPA Section 608 certification. This certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as refrigeration cycles, refrigerant handling, and EPA regulations. The exam is administered by a third-party testing organization, and the fee for the exam varies depending on the organization.

Overall, becoming a licensed plumbing professional in Arkansas requires passing the necessary certification exams, including the journeyman plumber exam, master plumber exam, plumbing contractor exam, and EPA Section 608 certification exam. It’s important to study and prepare thoroughly for these exams to ensure success.

Core Exam details in AR for Plumbing Professional

In Arkansas, the core exam for plumbing professionals is called the Arkansas Business and Law Exam. This exam covers topics such as business management, construction law, and Arkansas plumbing codes and regulations. Here are some details about the core exam for plumbing professionals in Arkansas:

1. Exam format: The exam is multiple choice and consists of 50 questions.
2. Exam content: The exam covers topics such as Arkansas plumbing codes and regulations, business management, financial management, project management, risk management, and construction law.
3. Exam fee: The fee for the exam is $75.
4. Exam time limit: You have 120 minutes to complete the exam.
5. Passing score: To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of at least 70%.
6. Exam location: The exam is administered by the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board, and the location of the exam may vary depending on the schedule.

Overall, passing the Arkansas Business and Law Exam is a crucial step in becoming a licensed plumbing professional in Arkansas. It’s important to study and prepare thoroughly for the exam to ensure success.

Who issues Plumbing Licenses in AR?

In Arkansas, plumbing licenses are issued by the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board. The board is responsible for regulating plumbing professionals and ensuring that they meet the necessary qualifications and standards for licensure. The board sets the requirements for education, training, and experience, and administers the necessary certification exams. Once an individual meets all the requirements for licensure, they can apply to the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board for a plumbing license. The board reviews the application and, if approved, issues the license. The board also has the authority to investigate complaints against licensed plumbing professionals and take disciplinary action if necessary.

Does my AR registration allow me to work in any other state?

No, your plumbing license or registration in Arkansas does not automatically allow you to work in other states. Each state has its own licensing requirements and standards for plumbing professionals, and you must meet the requirements of each state in which you wish to work. However, some states have reciprocity agreements with Arkansas, which may allow you to obtain a license in another state based on your Arkansas license. It’s important to research and understand the licensing requirements in each state where you plan to work as a plumbing professional.

National Plumbing Certifications

There are several national plumbing certifications that can help plumbing professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field. Here are some examples of national plumbing certifications:

1. National Inspection Testing and Certification Corporation (NITC): NITC offers several plumbing certifications, including journeyman and master plumber certifications, as well as certifications in backflow prevention, medical gas systems, and more.
2. International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO): IAPMO offers the Uniform Plumbing Code certification, which demonstrates knowledge of plumbing codes and regulations.
3. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): PHCC offers several plumbing certifications, including journeyman plumber, master plumber, and plumbing contractor certifications.
4. Green Plumbers USA: Green Plumbers USA offers certifications in sustainable plumbing practices, including water efficiency, solar hot water systems, and more.

Overall, obtaining a national plumbing certification can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the plumbing profession. It’s important to research and select a certification that aligns with your professional goals and interests.

Continuing Education and Renewal of AR License for Plumbing

In Arkansas, licensed plumbing professionals are required to complete continuing education (CE) courses and renew their licenses on a regular basis. Here are some details about continuing education and license renewal for plumbing professionals in Arkansas:

1. Continuing education requirements: Plumbing professionals in Arkansas must complete 6 hours of CE courses every two years. At least two hours must be in Arkansas plumbing code, and at least one hour must be in safety.
2. License renewal: Plumbing licenses in Arkansas must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $50.
3. Renewal process: Plumbing professionals must submit a renewal application and proof of completion of the required CE courses to the Arkansas Plumbing and Natural Gas Board. The board will review the application and, if approved, renew the license.
4. Late renewal: If a plumbing professional fails to renew their license on time, they may be subject to late fees or other penalties. It’s important to renew your license on time to avoid any disruptions in your ability to work.

Overall, completing continuing education and renewing your license on time are important requirements for maintaining your plumbing license in Arkansas. It’s important to stay up to date on the latest plumbing codes and safety practices to ensure that you provide high-quality services to your clients.