How to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Arkansas
Arkansas licenses plumbers statewide through the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section.1 For the Journeyman Plumber license you need at least 4 years2 of experience and a passing score on the Arkansas Journeyman Plumber examination (administered by the ADH Plumbing & Natural Gas Section)1. The board lists $75 for the application2 and $75 for the initial license2, each a separate charge. You renew every year2.
Who issues it
Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section
Training and experience
Experience: at least 4 years2
Exam
Arkansas Journeyman Plumber examination (administered by the ADH Plumbing & Natural Gas Section)1
Renewal
Every year2
On this page
- Arkansas plumber licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
- Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license
- How much a Journeyman Plumber license costs
- How to apply
- Renewal and continuing education
- Apprentice Plumber
- Restricted Water and Sewer Service Line Installation Plumber
- Master Plumber
- Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber
- City and county rules
- Laws and rules
- Common questions
- Plumber licenses in other states
Arkansas plumber licenses
Arkansas issues 5 plumber credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Training or experience | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | Learns and assists in plumbing installation while enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program and registered under an Arkansas master plumber. Must be supervised by a master or journeyman (one supervisor for up to three apprentices on a job); in the final year (480+ classroom hours and 6,000+ on-the-job hours) may work under indirect supervision.1 | – | No3 | $03 |
| Journeyman Plumber | Practical installation of plumbing (water, drainage, venting and natural gas piping). In a city, town or utility district a licensed master (or restricted) plumber must be in charge; the journeyman application names the Arkansas master plumber the journeyman will work under. A journeyman may supervise up to three apprentices on a job.1 | Experience 4 years2 | Yes1 | $752 |
| Restricted Water and Sewer Service Line Installation Plumber | Installs potable water and/or sanitary sewer service lines only; may not install, repair or replace any part of the building water distribution or building drain system, and does not cover natural gas.2 | – | Yes2 | $1252 |
| Master Plumber | Plans, superintends and installs plumbing (water supply, drainage and venting, and natural gas piping). In a city, town or utility district, plumbing must be installed with a licensed master (or restricted) plumber in charge; only a licensed master may use the title "master plumber". Apprentices register under an Arkansas master plumber.1 | Experience 5 years2 | Yes1 | $1252 |
| Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber | Lifetime master license limited to smaller work: may not perform or contract plumbing on supermarkets, shopping centers, housing projects, apartment complexes, industrial buildings, schools, hospitals, nursing homes or any construction with more than 23 fixture units; may not register apprentices.4 | Experience 12 years5 | No1 | $03 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for several of the Arkansas plumber licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
1. Every license level (all 5)
How to apply
- Apply online
- licensure.adh.arkansas.gov6
2. Every license level except Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber
How to apply
- Create a profile on the ADH Licensure Portal (an email address is required).6 licensure.adh.arkansas.gov6
- Complete the paper application for your license type (notarized where required) and upload it to the portal with the supporting documents listed below.6 Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)78910
Renewal
- How often
- Every year2
- Renew online
- licensure.adh.arkansas.gov6
3. Every license level except Apprentice Plumber
Requirements
- Background check
- No background check stated as required2
No fingerprints required2
Applicants disclose convictions on the application; offenses listed in Ark. Code 17-3-102 disqualify unless sealed, pardoned or expunged, and the Board may grant a waiver.7
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply2
4. Every license level except Restricted Water and Sewer Service Line Installation Plumber and Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber
Renewal
- When it expires
- Expires every December 31; renew by February 1. After February 1 a $5 per month penalty is added.2
5. Every license level except Apprentice Plumber and Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Exam retake fee | $502 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section |
From another state
- Route
- Reciprocity agreements
- What the board says
- The Committee of Plumbing Examiners may license holders of substantially similar out-of-state plumber licenses in good standing without examination under reciprocal agreements. ADH publishes agreements with Ohio (master plumber only), Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.2
- States on Arkansas's list
- Ohio, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma11
This is the list of states whose licenses Arkansas accepts for this route. It does not say those states accept a Arkansas license. - Condition for Ohio
- Ohio applicants: master plumber only; the Ohio master plumber and HVAC licenses must have been obtained by an examination covering plumbing and natural gas, not by reciprocity, and be in good standing.12
- Conditions
- Submit a Request for Verification of License Form (or equivalent) and a copy of the out-of-state license; licenses acquired by reciprocity are not considered.3
- Route
- Universal license recognition
- What the board says
- Automatic occupational licensure (Act 457 of 2023): new Arkansas residents licensed in good standing for at least one year with a similar scope, or who worked at least three years in a state that does not license the occupation, may be licensed; a state-law exam may be required unless waived.2
- Conditions
- Does not apply to a license covered by a reciprocal agreement with ADH.2
- Route
- Military service members and spouses
- What the board says
- Uniformed service members stationed in Arkansas, veterans residing in Arkansas and their spouses get automatic licensure if they hold a similar license in good standing elsewhere and pay the fee (unless waived).2
6. Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber
Requirements
- Social Security number
- Social Security Number is required on the application (state law).3
- Also required
- Work is governed by the Arkansas Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes (ICC-published).11
Fees
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.
How to apply
- Temporary or provisional license
- On request, a 90-day temporary revocable permit or provisional license is issued once the Committee approves eligibility for the exam (extendable for hardship).2
- Processing time
- Applications go to the Committee of Plumbing Examiners at its regular monthly meeting; applicants are notified by mail.3
Renewal
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $52 (per month after February 1 (fee table: after 30 days of expiration))
7. Apprentice Plumber and Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber
Requirements
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $03 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section |
8. Restricted Water and Sewer Service Line Installation Plumber and Master Plumber
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $2002 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section |
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $2002
Who needs a Journeyman Plumber license
Practical installation of plumbing (water, drainage, venting and natural gas piping). In a city, town or utility district a licensed master (or restricted) plumber must be in charge; the journeyman application names the Arkansas master plumber the journeyman will work under. A journeyman may supervise up to three apprentices on a job.1
Work that does not need this license:
- No license is needed for plumbing in a home you own and live in, unless a local ordinance requires one.1
- Exempt: agricultural buildings outside city limits not connected to a public water, sewer or natural gas system; minor repairs of working parts and removing stoppages.1
- The plumbing law does not cover LP-gas systems or fire-sprinkler piping downstream of the point supplying sprinklers only; plumbers may not break a water-well seal or alter the casing (well work is licensed by the Department of Agriculture).11
Requirements for a Journeyman Plumber license
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5 and group 6 under Applies to every license level.
- Education or training
- No classroom requirement for experience-route applicants. Apprenticeship-route applicants complete the Arkansas plumbing apprenticeship and submit an Apprenticeship Committee Release form endorsed by the training program and the Office of Skills Development.7
Alternative: Four years of documented experience instead of an apprenticeship.2 - Experience
- At least 4 years2
At least four years of experience in all phases of plumbing and natural gas, documented by affidavits, licensing-agency evidence or former employers; not needed for applicants released to test from an Arkansas apprenticeship program in the current calendar year.2
Substitute: Completion of the Arkansas plumbing apprenticeship qualifies the apprentice for the journeyman exam.1
Substitute: Relevant uniformed-service education, training and credentials count toward initial licensure.2 - Exam
- Arkansas Journeyman Plumber examination (administered by the ADH Plumbing & Natural Gas Section)1
Given by: Arkansas Department of Health (exams held at the ADH Auditorium, Little Rock)14
When you can take it: After the Committee of Plumbing Examiners approves the application at its monthly meeting; approved applicants receive a Notification of Examination.3
2026 exam dates: monthly January 30 to October 30, none in November, December 4.14
Retakes: Each re-examination after failing any portion (or a no-show without notice) costs $50; non-scheduled or oral exams cost an extra $50.2
How much a Journeyman Plumber license costs
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $752 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section | Not refundable |
| Initial license fee | $752 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section | – |
| JOURNEYMAN DEFERMENT | $202 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section | Annual fee to hold a current journeyman license in deferred (inactive) status |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Attach the apprenticeship release form, or notarized proof of four years of experience; out-of-state licensees attach a Request for Verification of License Form that includes natural gas certification.7
- Pay the $75 application fee with the application; it is not reviewed without the fee.3
- The Committee reviews the application at its monthly meeting and mails a Notification of Examination if approved.3
- Pass the journeyman exam at ADH, then pay the $75 license fee before the license is issued.1
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal fee
- $752
- If it expires
- Licenses must be renewed within 30 days after expiration; after that they are inactive and must be reinstated, which the Department grants only with sufficient justification.1
Licenses expired or deferred more than five years need Committee approval and may require re-examination.3
A deferred license can be reinstated without exam by paying the current license fee plus a $20 reinstatement fee.2
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Arkansas Journeyman Plumber license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Apprentice Plumber
Learns and assists in plumbing installation while enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program and registered under an Arkansas master plumber. Must be supervised by a master or journeyman (one supervisor for up to three apprentices on a job); in the final year (480+ classroom hours and 6,000+ on-the-job hours) may work under indirect supervision.1
Requirements
- Education or training
- Enrolment in a state-approved plumbing apprenticeship program governed by National Apprenticeship Standards and registered with the U.S. apprenticeship office and ADH; apprenticeship rules are set by the Office of Skills Development.8
- Experience
- Supervision: Supervised by a master or journeyman plumber who observes the apprentice in person at regular intervals and stays within reasonable proximity (line of sight, same or adjacent address or subdivision for houses; line of sight or within 250 yards on the same site for contractor-licensed jobs).1
- Background check
- No background check stated as required2
No fingerprints required2
Applicants disclose convictions on the application; Ark. Code 17-3-102 offenses disqualify unless sealed or waived.8
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply2 - Social Security number
- Social Security Number is required on the application.8
- Also required
- The employing firm, the master plumber and (for under-18s) a parent sign the apprenticeship agreement.8
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | $252 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section |
How to apply
- Get the employer, your Arkansas master plumber and (if under 18) a parent to sign the apprenticeship agreement; a joint apprenticeship committee completes its section if you train through one.8
- Pay the $25 registration fee.8
Renewal
- Renewal fee
- $252
- If it expires
- Licenses must be renewed within 30 days after expiration; after that they are inactive and must be reinstated.1
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- No reciprocity pathway for apprentice registration was found; out-of-state apprenticeship is not required for reciprocal licensing except to reinstate a prior Arkansas apprentice registration.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
Restricted Water and Sewer Service Line Installation Plumber
Installs potable water and/or sanitary sewer service lines only; may not install, repair or replace any part of the building water distribution or building drain system, and does not cover natural gas.2
Requirements
- Experience
- Evidence of qualifications, training and practical work experience in water and sewer service line work (bona fide documentation required); no fixed number of years is set.2
- Exam
- Department examination on water and sewer service line installation, the Arkansas Plumbing Code, laws and rules2
Given by: Arkansas Department of Health2
ADH publishes Water & Sewer Test Study Guidelines.11 - Also required
- Holders must obtain permits, inspections and plan reviews for their work; experience under this license does not count toward other licenses.2
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $1252 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section |
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee; check it with the exam provider, Arkansas Department of Health2, when you schedule.
How to apply
- Attach bona fide documentation of practical work experience; the application is not processed without the fee and documentation.9
- Pass the Department exam after Committee approval.3
Renewal
- When it expires
- Restricted licenses expire every June 30; renew by August 1. After August 1 a $5 per month penalty is added. The license is reviewed annually.2
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $52
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 5 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Master Plumber
Plans, superintends and installs plumbing (water supply, drainage and venting, and natural gas piping). In a city, town or utility district, plumbing must be installed with a licensed master (or restricted) plumber in charge; only a licensed master may use the title "master plumber". Apprentices register under an Arkansas master plumber.1
Requirements
- Experience
- At least 5 years2
At least five years of plumbing experience in all phases of plumbing and natural gas, documented by records, notarized employer affidavits or licensing-agency evidence. Current Arkansas journeymen document only their journeyman years.2
License you must hold first: Not required, but a person who obtains an Arkansas journeyman license must hold it one full year before taking the master exam (the Committee may waive this for extreme hardship).2
Substitute: Professional engineers with special expertise in plumbing engineering may be considered for the master exam.2
Substitute: Relevant uniformed-service education, training and credentials count toward initial licensure.2 - Exam
- Arkansas Master Plumber examination (administered by the ADH Plumbing & Natural Gas Section)1
Given by: Arkansas Department of Health (exams held at the ADH Auditorium, Little Rock)14
When you can take it: After the Committee of Plumbing Examiners approves the application at its monthly meeting; approved applicants receive a Notification of Examination.3
2026 exam dates: monthly January 30 to October 30, none in November, December 4.14
Retakes: Each re-examination after failing any portion (or a no-show without notice) costs $50; non-scheduled or oral exams cost an extra $50.2 - Business requirements
- Commercial jobs of $50,000 or more need an ACLB contractor license; a specialty plumbing contractor classification must keep at least one full-time master plumber employee.16
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $1252 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section | Not refundable |
| MASTER DEFERMENT | $202 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section | Annual fee to hold a current master license in deferred (inactive) status |
| REVERTING FROM MASTER TO JOURNEYMAN | $202 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section | – |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
How to apply
- Attach proof of five years of experience (records or notarized employer affidavits on letterhead), photo ID, and for out-of-state licensees a Request for Verification of License Form.3
- Pay the $125 application fee with the application; it is not reviewed without the fee.3
- The Committee of Plumbing Examiners reviews the application at its monthly meeting and mails a Notification of Examination if approved.3
- Pass the master plumber exam at ADH, then pay the $200 license fee before the license is issued.1
Renewal
- If it expires
- Licenses must be renewed within 30 days after expiration; after that they are inactive and must be reinstated, which the Department grants only with sufficient justification.1
Licenses expired or deferred more than five years need Committee approval and may require re-examination.3
A deferred master or journeyman license can be reinstated without exam by paying the current license fee plus a $20 reinstatement fee.2
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4, group 5, group 6 and group 8 under Applies to every license level.
Restricted Lifetime Master Plumber
Lifetime master license limited to smaller work: may not perform or contract plumbing on supermarkets, shopping centers, housing projects, apartment complexes, industrial buildings, schools, hospitals, nursing homes or any construction with more than 23 fixture units; may not register apprentices.4
Requirements
- Minimum age
- 65 years old5
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | $03 | Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section |
How to apply
- Complete the Lifetime Plumbing License application (background, work experience, address) with proof of age, and submit it through the ADH Licensure Portal or by mail.6 Form (PDF, healthy.arkansas.gov)5
Renewal
- When it expires
- Valid for life unless suspended or revoked; not transferable.4
From another state
- Route
- No reciprocity
- What the board says
- Available only to long-time Arkansas master plumbers; no out-of-state pathway.4
More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 3 and group 7 under Applies to every license level.
City and county rules
Apprentice PlumberThe license is statewide (Department of Health). Cities, towns, water/sewer districts and gas utilities set up plumbing permit and inspection systems and may adopt rules equal to or stricter than the state code; in a city or district, plumbing must be installed under a licensed master (or restricted) plumber in charge.1
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- Ark. Code Ann. 17-38-101 et seq. (Plumbing Law, ADH 2022 compilation)
- Rules Pertaining to Master, Journeyman, and Restricted Plumber Licenses ... (effective September 5, 2024)
- Rules Pertaining to Master, Journeyman, and Restricted Plumber Licenses, Section III Fees
- Ark. Code Ann. 17-38-409 (supervision of apprentice plumbers)
- Ark. Code Ann. 17-38-311
- Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Restricted Plumbers License: Lifetime Master Plumber
Common questions
How long does it take to get a Journeyman Plumber license in Arkansas?
Can I transfer my plumber license to Arkansas?
The Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing & Natural Gas Section publishes these routes for the Journeyman Plumber license: reciprocity agreements2 and universal license recognition2. Conditions and forms.
Plumber licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Plumbing Law 2022 (Ark. Code Title 17 Ch. 38 as published by ADH)Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Rules Pertaining to Master, Journeyman, and Restricted Plumber Licenses (Plumbing Licensing Rules)Arkansas Department of HealthDated September 5, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Instructions for Plumber Exam Applications 2026Arkansas Department of HealthDated January 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Rules Pertaining to Plumbing Lifetime LicenseArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Application for Lifetime PlumberArkansas Department of HealthDated August 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Plumbline Summer 2026Arkansas Department of HealthDated June 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Application for Journeyman PlumberArkansas Department of HealthDated August 15, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Application for Apprentice PlumberArkansas Department of HealthDated September 16, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Water and Sewer Service Line Installer License ApplicationArkansas Department of HealthDated January 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Application for Master PlumberArkansas Department of HealthDated March 5, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing & Natural Gas - Arkansas Department of HealthArkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Reciprocity Ohio-Arkansas Outline & AgreementArkansas Department of HealthDated September 9, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Uniformed Service Member or Spouse Plumber License ApplicationArkansas Department of HealthDated January 10, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- Plumbing Licensure Exam Calendar 2026Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
- Application for Plumber ReinstatementArkansas Department of HealthDated February 16, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
- Commercial Contractors Law and rules compilation (revised April 2026)Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Contractors Licensing BoardChecked November 7, 2026