FAQ's

Plumbing & Natural Gas Section

1) How can an individual become a plumber in Arkansas?

There are three basic levels of plumber licenses; master, journeyman, and apprentice. To become a plumber, an individual must first serve a four year apprenticeship. Once that has been completed, the individual is eligible for the journeyman plumber examination. After passing the examination and holding the journeyman license for at least one year, the individual is eligible for the master plumber examination. Job-related experience may be substituted for all or part of previous licensing background. In all cases, an examination is required for either journeyman or master level licensing.

2) How much plumbing can one do without having to hold a license and are there any exemptions from having to hold plumber licensing?

Individuals can perform minor repairs to a plumbing system provided there is no physical connection or disconnection of pipe or fixtures. In addition, a license is not required to perform the removal of stoppages.

Furthermore, a plumber's license is not required for plumbing work done by a property owner in a building owned and occupied by him as his home, except where a license is required by local ordinance. Under these conditions, all plumbing must be installed according to the Arkansas Plumbing Code.

Also, a plumber's license is not required to perform work on buildings whose primary use is agricultural and is located outside the incorporated limits of any city or town unless the building is connected to a public water system, sewage system, or gas utility system.

3) Does a plumber’s license cover fuel gas installations?

Plumbers licensing covers natural gas installation, but does not cover Liquefied Petroleum gas.

4) Is there a fee for a plumber’s license?

The license fee for master plumber is $200 annually, journeyman is $75 annually and apprentice is $25 annually.

5) What plumbing and gas code does the state of Arkansas use?

Arkansas uses a modified version of both the International Code Council's Plumbing & Gas Codes.

6) Are inspections required? If so, what is the amount of inspection fees?

Inspections are required on all plumbing installations. Inspection fees depend on the number of fixtures and the number of trips made by the inspector.

7) Do cities also inspect plumbing installations?

Cities do inspect plumbing systems that are connected to their public water systems.

8) Is there a plan review requirement associated with the Arkansas Plumbing Code?

The review of plumbing plans for all commercial and/or industrial buildings is required prior to the installation of plumbing systems. Plan review fees are based on 1% of the estimated cost of the plumbing system, not to exceed $500 but not less that $50. Plan review turnover times are 24 to 48 hours depending on the size of the project.

9) Are there any reciprocal agreements with other states for plumber licensing?

There are presently no reciprocal agreements with other states for plumbers licensing in Arkansas.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Licensing

1) Does the State of Arkansas require a license to do HVAC/R work?

Yes. Act 277 of 1991 established the HVAC/R Law in Arkansas requiring persons doing this type of work to be licensed.

2) Is there a mechanical code requirement in Arkansas?

Yes. The HVAC/R law established the HVAC/R Board and the Board adopted the Arkansas Mechanical Code to regulate HVAC/R work.

3) Whom do I contact for licensing information?

The Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services
Division of Health, Protective Health Codes
P.O. Box 1437, 4815 West Markham, Slot 24
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-661-2642

4) Is my EPA Certification good enough or do I still need a state license?

The EPA Certification is a Federal program for handling refrigerant and is not related to the requirements for licensing by the state. You must hold an HVAC/R license to perform HVAC/R work in Arkansas.

5) Does my state license exempt me from needing to be certified for refrigerant work?

No. The state license covers all phases of HVAC/R work including refrigerant work, but the EPA Certification is required for handling refrigerant in any form.

6) What types of licenses are available and how much do they cost?

There are three classes of licenses: A, B and C. The Class A costs $200.00 per year, the Class B costs $150.00 per year and the Class C costs $100.00 per year. (Other restricted classifications are now available. For more information, please contact our offices.)

7) What do the different classes of licenses allow me to do?

The Class A license holder is unlimited in the scope of work and any tonnage restrictions. The Class B license holder is limited to service and installation of units 15 tons or less per unit. The Class C license holder is limited to service and maintenance only for units 15 tons and smaller.

NOTE: Most pages on this web site are in Adobe PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download it free of charge @ http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html