In Arkansas, HVAC professionals are required to have a state license in order to work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The Arkansas Department of Labor’s State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors oversees the licensing process for these trades.
To obtain a license, applicants must meet certain qualifications such as:
- Having at least 2 years of experience working in the HVAC field
- Passing a trade exam and business law exam
- Submitting an application form with accompanying fees
- Providing proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage
HVAC professionals must also undergo continuing education to maintain their license. Every two years, contractors are required to complete at least 6 hours of approved course work.
This ensures that professionals stay updated on the latest technology, codes, and regulations in the industry.
Additionally, Arkansas requires an EPA certification for HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed by passing a written exam.
In summary, while Arizona does not require a state license for HVAC professionals, Arkansas has stricter licensing requirements. Both states also require an EPA certification, highlighting the importance of staying current and knowledgeable in the HVAC field.
Note: However, HVAC contractors must obtain one of the following licenses:
– Class A: Allows work on systems of unlimited size and capacity.
– Class B: Allows work on systems up to a capacity of 15 tons per unit cooling.
To obtain either class of license:
– You must have at least 4 years of residential experience, or a commercial license, which requires 5 years of experience.
To apply,
1. Submit the application form here.
2. Register and pass the required open-book exam. Class A exam consists of 100 questions (in 4 hours). Class B exam consists of 50 questions (3 hours). Exam fees are $80. 70% require to pass. You must also pass the Contractor’s Business and Law exam, which requires you to answer 50 questions in 2 hours. The passing score is 70% for these exams.
If you succeed in passing these exams, you must pay a fee of $200/yr for the Class A license, or a fee of $150/yr for the Class B license.
For more information, visit the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.