How to Get Your Arkansas Contractor License

The Arkansas licensing process follows five steps. Each one must be complete before your license is issued.

Step 1 — Choose Your License Type and Classification

Select the category that matches your work — Commercial Building, Residential Builder, Remodeler, or Specialty trade. Your classification determines which exam you need and what financial documentation is required.

Step 2 — Meet Experience Requirements

Arkansas requires a minimum of five years of experience in the type of work you want to perform. Your qualifying party must document this experience on the application. Arkansas is unique — passing the NASCLA exam can substitute for experience documentation, not just the trade exam. This opens the door for contractors who are newer to the industry.

Step 3 — Pass Your Exams

Commercial, Residential Builder, and Remodeler applicants must pass two exams: the Trade exam and the Business and Law exam. Arkansas both administers and accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. Passing NASCLA also works in 17 other states — one exam, multiple licenses.

Step 4 — Secure Your Bond and Insurance

Residential roofing contractors must obtain a $15,000 surety bond statewide. All contractors must carry general liability insurance. Workers' compensation is required if you employ workers. Public projects require bid, performance, and payment bonds.

Get your Arkansas bond through Artisan Insurance Inc. — same-day bonding available.
📞 (239) 235-9520 | lindsey@artisaninsuranceinc.com | artisaninsuranceinc.com/surety-bonds

Step 5 — Submit Your Application

File with the ACLB along with your financial statement, exam scores, proof of insurance, bond documentation, and all required fees. Most complete applications process within four to eight weeks.

Arkansas Contractor License Types

Arkansas issues several license types depending on your scope of work. Here is what each one covers.

• Commercial Contractor — Building, Heavy/Highway, Municipal & Utility, and Specialty classifications. Required for commercial projects valued at $20,000 or more.
• Residential Builder — New construction of one- to four-family dwellings. Required for projects valued at $2,000 or more.
• Residential Remodeler — Alteration, renovation, and repair of existing residences. The same $2,000 threshold applies.
• Residential Roofing Registration — Required for all roofing contractors working on residential properties. A $15,000 surety bond is required with this registration.
• Specialty Contractors — Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and dozens of additional trade-specific categories. A license is required regardless of project value.

Arkansas Contractor Bond and Insurance Requirements

Bond and insurance requirements vary by license type. Here is what each category requires.

• Residential Roofing — A $15,000 surety bond is required statewide. This applies to all residential roofing contractors in Arkansas.
• Commercial and Residential Contractors — General liability insurance is required throughout the license term. The amount varies by classification.
• Workers' Compensation — Required for any contractor who employs workers.
• Public Works Projects — Bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds are required. These are project-specific and separate from your license bond.

Get your Arkansas contractor bond through Artisan Insurance Inc. — same-day bonding available for most bond types.
📞 (239) 235-9520 | lindsey@artisaninsuranceinc.com

NASCLA Exam — License Arkansas and 17 Other States

Arkansas both administers and accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. This is a significant advantage — you can take the exam in Arkansas and use that same score to apply for licenses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, California, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Arkansas also has a unique benefit most states do not offer: passing the NASCLA exam can substitute for experience documentation on the application, not just the trade exam. This is valuable for contractors who are newer to the industry and need help meeting experience requirements.

Most contractors who need an Arkansas license are also expanding into neighboring states. We manage the full multi-state process — one NASCLA exam, multiple applications handled simultaneously. Contact us to discuss your target states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contractor license for small commercial jobs in Arkansas?

Yes. Commercial contractors need a license for any project valued at $20,000 or more. Residential contractors need a license for projects valued at $2,000 or more. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors need a license regardless of project value.

Does Arkansas accept the NASCLA exam?

Yes. Arkansas both accepts and administers the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. Passing NASCLA can also satisfy experience documentation requirements — a benefit not available in most other states.

Can I use my Tennessee license to get an Arkansas license?

Yes. Arkansas has reciprocity with Tennessee. You must have held your Tennessee license in good standing for at least three years. The trade exam is waived, but the Arkansas Business and Law exam is still required.

What bond does an Arkansas roofing contractor need?

Residential roofing contractors in Arkansas must carry a $15,000 surety bond statewide. Contact Artisan Insurance Inc. at (239) 235-9520 for same-day bonding.

How long does it take to get an Arkansas contractor license?

Most applications process within four to eight weeks once all documents are submitted. Working with Contractor Licensing Inc. shortens this timeline because we submit complete applications the first time.