AR Electrical Contractor License Cost

The electrical contractor license cost in Arkansas is $100 per year for both initial issuance and renewal; no separate contractor exam is required, but you must be a licensed master electrician or employ one. Master exam fees are $80, and licenses renew annually per state rules.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-20

How to get an electrical contractor license in Arkansas

1. Confirm your qualifying master — You must be a master electrician or employ one. If the owner isn’t the master, obtain the master’s sworn statement naming them as superintendent/manager (010.13-013(G)). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))
2. Pass the Master exam (if needed) — If you are the qualifying master, meet experience, apply to the Board, and pass the exam; the Board-set exam fee is $80 (Rules, Examinations). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))
3. Complete the Board application — Submit the Board-approved application and employment verification as applicable (Application; Employment Verification). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Electrician-Application.pdf))
4. Pay the contractor license fee — Remit $100 for initial licensure. Keep $100 budgeted annually for renewal (DLO). ([discover.arkansas.gov](https://www.discover.arkansas.gov/_docs/Publications/Licensed-Occupations/DLO-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))
5. Maintain compliance — Renew each year and keep your qualifying master in the superintendent/manager role. Register any apprentices within 30 days of hire (Rules, 010.13-013(H)). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))
6. Assess ACLB needs for larger projects — If you take projects at or above ACLB thresholds, secure separate ACLB licensing and meet financial statement/bond and workers’ comp requirements (ACLB). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/arkansas-contractors-licensing-board/renew-a-license/?utm_source=openai))

Electrical contractor license cost in Arkansas: full breakdown

The state electrical contractor license itself is $100 to issue and $100 to renew each year. If you are qualifying as the master, factor in the $80 Master exam fee. Projects crossing ACLB thresholds introduce additional costs (separate ACLB filing/renewal, financial statement or bond, and workers’ comp). Sources: DLO; Electrical Rules; ACLB Renewal. ([discover.arkansas.gov](https://www.discover.arkansas.gov/_docs/Publications/Licensed-Occupations/DLO-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Who qualifies as the supervising master for an Arkansas electrical contractor

Arkansas requires each electrical contractor to be a master electrician or employ a master as superintendent/manager. If the owner is not the master, submit the master’s sworn statement disclosing any other affiliations and confirming their role for your firm (010.13-013(G)). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))

Arkansas electrical contractor license renewal and late fees

The contractor license renews annually at $100 (per DLO). For individual master/journeyman licenses that underpin your contracting business, renewals follow the Board’s NEC-cycle schedule and late fee structure in statute/rules (renew within 36 months; late fee equals one year’s renewal plus $10/month) (Rules). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))

Forms and processing timeframe

Applications must reach the Board five business days before a scheduled Board meeting to be placed for approval; examinations are offered at least every six months (Rules). Use the Board’s application and include employment verification as applicable (Application; Employment Verification). ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))

Compare costs across Arkansas trades

Budgeting for licensing? Our guide to HVAC contractor license costs in Arkansas shows how mechanical trade fees and renewals stack up. If your firm will expand into other regulated services, review consumer-facing permitting and inspection timelines discussed in our Arkansas childcare licensing guide to understand how multi-agency rules affect project schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an Arkansas electrical contractor license cost to get and renew?

$100 to issue and $100 per year to renew with the Board of Electrical Examiners; no separate contractor exam. If you qualify as the master, add the $80 Master exam fee. Projects that meet ACLB thresholds can add separate ACLB costs. ([discover.arkansas.gov](https://www.discover.arkansas.gov/_docs/Publications/Licensed-Occupations/DLO-2023.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Do I need a separate exam to be an electrical contractor?

No. Arkansas requires you to be a master electrician or employ a master as superintendent/manager. Only the underlying master license requires passing the exam; the Board’s exam fee is $80. ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Electrical-Rules-April-2024.pdf))

What additional costs apply if my projects are large?

Commercial projects of $50,000+ (and certain residential thresholds) fall under the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Expect ACLB filing/renewal fees, a financial statement or bond in lieu, and workers’ compensation coverage as applicable. ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/arkansas-contractors-licensing-board/apply-for-contractors-license-registration/?utm_source=openai))

Which form do I file?

Use the Board-approved application and attach any required employment verification. The electrician application and experience affidavit are published by the Department of Labor & Licensing. ([labor.arkansas.gov](https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Electrician-Application.pdf))

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