Are you thinking about starting a career in the HVAC industry? Or maybe you’ve considered starting your own HVAC company? Now is the perfect time to go for it. With a shortage of skilled laborers in the United States, there are plenty of job opportunities for people who are willing to put in the work. 

The first step is to apply for an Arkansas HVAC license. This guide will walk you through the licensing and education requirements.

Do you need a license in Arkansas to become an HVAC technician?

You aren’t required to have an Arkansas HVAC license to become an HVAC technician. That said, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

If you become a licensed tech, you’ll stand out from others working in the industry and may even find it easier to secure a better job and further your career. Additionally, getting an HVAC license will allow you to develop new skills, learn the latest technologies, and master repair techniques. 

For contractors, securing an Arkansas HVAC license means they can employ technicians, advertise, and solicit HVAC job opportunities. Techs with a NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification also can attract more clients.

Average salary for HVAC techs in Arkansas

The average salary for an HVAC tech in Arkansas is around $47,329 per year, which equates to $22.75 per hour.¹ To put that in perspective, the average salary for HVAC techs nationwide is $58,782 per year. Obviously, location within the state makes a difference. Expect a higher salary in Little Rock or Fayetteville than Goobertown or Possum Grape.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses?

There are six types of HVAC licenses:

• Class A license. A Class A license allows you to work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems without limitation to the horsepower or BTUH (British Thermal Unit per Hour) capacities.
• Class B license. With a Class B HVAC license, you have the authority to install, repair, and maintain heating and air conditioning systems that produce no more than 1 million BTUH heating input per unit, or 15 tons of cooling capacity per unit. Class B techs can also work on refrigeration systems of 15 horsepower or less per unit.
• Class C license. A Class C license means you can service, repair, and replace components in HVAC/R systems and equipment that produce no more than 15 tons of cooling capacity per unit or 1 million BTUH heating input per unit. You can also work on refrigeration systems of 15 horsepower or less. This license won’t allow you to install a brand-new HVAC/R system or replace an entire existing system.
• Class D license. This classification allows you to perform sheet metal work for duct systems connected to HVAC/R equipment, regardless of the levels of horsepower or output of the equipment. A Class D license holder can’t sell, install, or service any HVAC/R systems or equipment.
• Class E license. A Class E license allows you to perform refrigeration work. There’s no horsepower limitation. However, with this license, you can’t sell, install, or service heating and air conditioning equipment.
• Class L license. The Class L license, also known as a “Lifetime” license, is only open to men and women 65 years of age or older. With this license, you can perform service and maintenance work on HVAC systems that produce no more than 15 tons of cooling capacity per unit or 1 million BTUH heating input per unit and refrigeration systems of 15 horsepower or less. It doesn’t cover installation or replacement of original or existing HVAC/R systems. 

If you complete a job worth more than $50,000 as an HVAC/R contractor, you may be required to apply for a state contractor’s license with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. If you want to get an HVAC contractor’s license, you’ll need to provide proof of workers’ compensation coverage for any employees and a cash or surety bond of at least $10,000. You must hold a Class A or B HVAC/R license.

In addition to the six license classes, there are two certifications that Arkansas HVAC techs can earn:

• EPA certification. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires this certification for techs who service, maintain, dispose of, or repair equipment that has the potential to release ozone-depleting refrigerants. The requirements are outlined in Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
• NATE certification. To earn this certification, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) requires you to demonstrate a working knowledge of HVAC systems and equipment. The NATE test covers heat pumps, oil furnaces, gas furnaces, and air conditioners. Most NATE certifications need to be renewed every five years.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Arkansas?

There are a few fees associated with obtaining an HVAC license in Arkansas, however, the total cost will vary based on class distinction².

Licensing Costs

• Application Fee: $25
• Examination Fee: $100 (computer-based exam) or $55 (paper and pencil exam)
• License Fees:
  • Class A: $200 annually
  • Class B: $150 annually
  • Class C: $100 annually
  • Class D: $150 annually
  • Class E: $150 annually
  • Class L: No Charge

How to get an HVAC license in Arkansas

To become a certified HVAC/R contractor in Arkansas, you must be at least 18 years old and pass the exam. You also must have at least two years of on-the-job training or earn educational certification from an approved HVAC/R program. The educational certification must include at least six months of on-the-job training and be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health. Your educational transcripts will be reviewed by the state board as part of the approval process.

Licensing Requirements

To work as an HVAC contractor in Arkansas, you must be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing. Here are the key steps and requirements to get the license:

1. Work Experience
   • Apprenticeship: Work as a registered HVAC tech under a licensed HVAC contractor for at least two years.
   • Education: Graduate from a board-approved training program, which typically includes at least six months of on-the-job experience.
   • Reciprocity: No reciprocity currently exists for the state of Arkansas.
2. Examination
   • Submit an exam application with the required documentation, including a notarized application, Social Security number, and list of work experience.
   • Pay the exam fee: $100 for computer-based tests or $55 for paper/pencil tests.
   • Pass the exam administered by Prov Testing Services with a minimum score of 70%.³​
3. Licensure
   • After passing the exam, apply for the license. Provide proof of a $10,000 surety bond or cash bond if applying for a state contractor’s license (required for projects over $50,000).
   • Pay the appropriate licensing fee: $200 for Class A, $150 for Class B, D, and E, $100 for Class C, and $0 for Class L.⁵

Arkansas HVAC Training Programs and Schools

A selection of two-year and four-year course providers are listed below:

• Arkansas State University – Newport
• University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
• Arkansas Tech University
• Pulaski Technical College
• Penn-Foster (online courses)

Internships are also offered. The cost of these programs depends on several factors, like the school, the length of the course, and whether you qualify for in-state tuition or not. Tuition and fees can start at $2,800 for a two-year course and run up to $12,700 for a four-year program.

Want more information?

The Arkansas State Department of Health is the governmental body responsible for issuing HVAC/R licenses. To sit for a licensing exam, you must mail a notarized application to the department, and then be approved by the board.