What are the Arkansas HVAC/R license classifications and capacity limits?

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing (ADLL) issues five HVAC/R license classes under A.C.A. § 17-33-303 and 17 CAR § 261-103. Class A allows unlimited HVAC/R work with no BTUH or horsepower limit. Class B allows air conditioning up to 25 tons cooling capacity per unit, 1,000,000 BTUH heating input per unit, and refrigeration systems of 15 horsepower or less per unit. Class D is limited to sheet metal ductwork and may not install comfort-conditioning appliances or perform HVAC/R electrical or fuel gas supply work. Class E covers refrigeration without horsepower limitation but excludes comfort heating and cooling. Class L is a lifetime service-and-maintenance license limited to 15 tons cooling, 1,000,000 BTUH heating, and 15 horsepower refrigeration per unit, and may not install or replace equipment or employ registrants. Act 746 of 2025 repealed the former Class C license and converted existing Class C holders to Class B.

What are the experience requirements to take the Arkansas HVAC/R contractor exam?

Under A.C.A. § 17-33-302 an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, apply to the Department of Labor and Licensing on the Board's form, specify the class of license desired, pay the required fees, and pass the examination. Under 17 CAR § 261-104 an applicant with no prior licensing background must present satisfactory evidence of at least two years of experience as an HVAC/R contractor or as an employee of an HVAC/R contractor. The Board must apply the least restrictive requirements, accepting records, affidavits, or bona fide evidence from current or former employers or from persons who can attest to the applicant's work background. The Board may substitute board-approved HVAC/R educational training for experience, but in no case may apprenticeship, education, or training be made a prerequisite or condition for licensure.

What is the format, time limit, and passing score of the Arkansas HVAC/R exam?

The Arkansas Class A HVAC/R contractor examination is administered by Prov. It is a 100-question, open-book examination with a 4-hour time limit and a 70% cut score. Approved references include the 2018 or 2021 International Mechanical Code, the 2018 or 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (or the Arkansas Fuel Gas Code substitution), NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 2020, ACCA Residential Load Calculation Manual J 8th edition, Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 21st edition, and the Arkansas HVAC/R Law and Rules. Only a simple four-function calculator is permitted, and reference books may carry highlighting and permanent tabs but no handwritten notes or movable tabs. The Class B exam is 50 questions in 3 hours, and the Class D and Class E exams are 60 questions in 3 hours.

What subject areas are on the Arkansas Class A HVAC/R exam?

Prov's candidate information bulletin allocates the 100 Class A questions across ten subject areas: Systems & Sizing (19 questions), General Knowledge (12), Equipment (12), Maintenance (12), Fuel Gas Systems (12), Piping (10), Plan Reading, Estimating & Math (8), Refrigeration Systems (6), Electrical (5), and Law and Administration (4).

Does Arkansas have reciprocity with other states for HVAC/R contractor licenses?

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing State HVAC/R Board has no reciprocal licensing agreements with any other state licensing board at this time. Under 17 CAR § 261-112 the Board may still license an applicant who holds a substantially similar license in another United States jurisdiction in good standing, without requiring an examination, apprenticeship, education, or training. Applicants may also request a temporary revocable permit or provisional license, which is issued immediately on receipt of the application and is valid for ninety (90) days unless the Board grants a hardship extension.

What continuing education and insurance are required to renew an Arkansas HVAC/R license?

Under 17 CAR § 261-120 an Arkansas HVAC/R license may not be renewed unless the licensee completes at least eight (8) hours of board-approved continuing education per current International Mechanical Code cycle published by the International Code Council. Licenses expire one year from the date of issuance under A.C.A. § 17-33-306. Class A, B, D, and E licensees must also maintain general liability insurance of at least $250,000 and file proof of coverage with the Board at renewal; registrants and Class L lifetime licensees are exempt from the insurance requirement.

When is an Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) license required in addition to the HVAC/R trade license?

In Arkansas, holding an ADLL HVAC/R Class A or Class B license authorizes the technical trade work, but contractors executing commercial projects where the total labor and material contract value equals or exceeds $50,000, or residential projects of $2,000 or more, must also obtain a contractor license from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB).

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Arkansas HVAC/R Contractor License

1Arkansas HVAC/R Licensing Law, Board Rules & Administration

2HVAC Thermodynamics, Psychrometrics & Gas Laws

3Heating and Cooling Load Calculations (Manual J & S)

4Ductwork Design, Sizing & SMACNA Standards (Manual D)

5Air Distribution, Balancing & Ventilation Codes

6Mechanical Refrigeration Cycle & Components

7Refrigerants, Oils & EPA Section 608 Regulations

8Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems

9Gas Furnaces, Combustion Air & Venting (IFGC / IMC)

10Boilers, Hydronics & Fuel Gas Piping

11Electrical Fundamentals, Motors & Control Circuits

12National Electrical Code (NEC) for HVAC Equipment

13System Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Safety Standards

14Plan Reading, Estimating & HVAC/R Trade Math

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Arkansas HVAC/R Licensing Law, Board Rules & Administration

HVAC Thermodynamics, Psychrometrics & Gas Laws

Heating and Cooling Load Calculations (Manual J & S)

Ductwork Design, Sizing & SMACNA Standards (Manual D)

Air Distribution, Balancing & Ventilation Codes

Mechanical Refrigeration Cycle & Components

Refrigerants, Oils & EPA Section 608 Regulations

Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Systems

Gas Furnaces, Combustion Air & Venting (IFGC / IMC)

Boilers, Hydronics & Fuel Gas Piping

Electrical Fundamentals, Motors & Control Circuits

National Electrical Code (NEC) for HVAC Equipment

System Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Safety Standards

Plan Reading, Estimating & HVAC/R Trade Math

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Arkansas HVAC/R Contractor License

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AR HVAC Exam FAQ

What are the Arkansas HVAC/R license classifications and capacity limits?

What are the experience requirements to take the Arkansas HVAC/R contractor exam?

What is the format, time limit, and passing score of the Arkansas HVAC/R exam?

What subject areas are on the Arkansas Class A HVAC/R exam?

Does Arkansas have reciprocity with other states for HVAC/R contractor licenses?

What continuing education and insurance are required to renew an Arkansas HVAC/R license?

When is an Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB) license required in addition to the HVAC/R trade license?

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