Anyone looking to get into the HVAC industry or building a successful HVAC business should consider this to be the right time. The career provides you with a chance to earn a decent income and enjoy working in various HVAC fields. In this guide, you will get all the information regarding what you need to obtain the Arkansas HVAC license. The guide includes various details such as the different HVAC levels, fees, training needs, and the merits of starting your own HVAC business.

Must You Have a License in Arkansas Before Becoming an HVAC Technician?

Holding an Arkansas HVAC license is not obligatory if you are looking to become a technician in the HVAC industry. However, HVAC contractors need to have a license.

What Are The Types Of The HVAC License?

HVAC Certification Practice tests are of six types. They include:

• Class A license- This category permits the holder to work on various projects such as heating, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and ventilation without limitation to the British Thermal Unit per Hour (BTUH) or horsepower capacities.
• Class B License-This license authorizes the holder to install, maintain and repair air conditioning and heating systems that yield about 15 tons of cooling amount capacity per unit or less than one million BTUH heating input per unit. Technicians under this category also have the authority to handle refrigeration system projects of 15 horsepower per unit or below.
• Class C license- The third category gives the licensee the authority to service, replace, or repair the components of the HVAC/R equipment and system that yield less than fifteen tons of cooling capacity per unit or one million BTUH heating capacity per unit. They can also work on refrigeration systems not exceeding 15 horsepower. The licensee isn't authorized to install original HVAC/R systems or replace the entire HVAC/R equipment that already exists.
• Class D license- The holder of Class D license is capable of performing sheet metal works for duct systems that connect to HVAC/R equipment without paying attention to the equipment output or horsepower levels. The license limits the holder from carrying out some activities such as selling, installing, or servicing any HVAC/R equipment or system.
• Class E license- Licensees under the Class E category can handle refrigeration projects. The license doesn't have horsepower limitations. However, Class E license prohibits the holder from selling, installing, or servicing air conditioning or heating systems and equipment.
• Class L license- Licensees under Class L are also known as "lifetime" licensees. They can handle servicing and maintenance projects on systems that produce less than one million BTUH heating input or fifteen tons of cooling capacity. They can also work on refrigeration systems whose horsepower is 15 or below. However, the license doesn't cover the installation of HVAC/R systems, regardless of whether they are original or in existence. This license category is limited to people aged 65 years and above.

The above license categories are only valid for one year upon their issuance dates.

Averagely, licensed HVAC/R contractors in Arkansas earn an annual income of $56,645. With the rapid growth of the industry, the demand for qualified HVAC technicians is significantly growing. HVAC/R contractors who complete a job of above $50,000 should apply for state contractor's certification with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

Obtaining the HVAC contractor's license requires you to provide a valid proof of employee compensation coverage for all workers and a surety or cash bond of at least 10,000 US Dollars. You must also be a holder of a Class A or B HVAC/R certification.

As an HVAC technician in Arkansas, there are two other certifications that you can also earn. These certifications are among the best tools for the HVAC business. They include:

• NATE certification- NATE (North American Technician Excellence) dictates that the HVAC technician exhibits a working experience and knowledge of HVAC equipment and systems. The test covers gas furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and oil furnaces. Most of these certifications require the technicians to renew them every five years.
• EPA certifications- The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) call HVAC technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that may emit ozone-depleting refrigerants to hold a certification. Section 608 that covers the Clean Air Act contains the EPA certification requirements. HVAC experts with EPA certificates can do this work.

Why Obtain an HVAC License?

It is not an official requirement that technicians should hold an Arkansas HVAC license. However, licensed technicians stand out from the more massive crowd working in the HVAC industry. It's easier for them to secure better jobs and get more opportunities to develop their careers.

Contractors with the Arkansas HVAC license can advertise, solicit HVAC jobs and hire the right technicians for their projects. Technicians with NATE certifications also attract more clients to their businesses.

What Is The Cost Of Obtaining An Arkansas HVAC License?

Obtaining a license for Class A license costs $200 annually. Contractors with Class B, D, and E pay a license fee of $150, while Class C licensees pay an annual license fee of $100. Technicians with Class L licenses don't pay the initial licensing fee.

To renew the licenses, you will be required to pay 25% of the initial fee. The paper exam and a pencil cost $56, while computer-based exams cost $80. With an HVAC/R license, you can even operate a well organized HVAC truck.

How to Obtain an Arkansas HVAC license

Certified HVAC/R contractors in Arkansas must be of 18 years of age. Passing the examination is also a requirement they must fulfill for them to get HVAC licenses. You must also possess experience of at least two years of training on the job or have an equivalent educational certificate from a recognized HVAC/R program.

If you choose to go for the educational certification, you must go through a six-month on-the-job training that must have been approved by the health department of Arkansas. The state board will review your educational transcripts as part of the approval procedure.

The following is a list of 2-year and 4-year course providers:

• Pulaski Technical College
• Arkansas State University located in Newport
• Arkansas Tech University
• Penn-Foster (offers online courses)
• University of Arkansas Community College located in Morrilton

You can also get internship opportunities. Several factors determine the costs of HVAC/R programs. They include the individual school, the course length, and the candidate's qualification to join in-state tuition. Fees and tuition fees range from $2,800 for the two-year program to $12,700 for the four-year course.

There are great HVAC apps where you can get more information about HVAC training programs. The apps also provide you with the latest news about the newest HVAC programs. Applicants who wish to get licenses from governmental bodies go to the Arkansas State Department of Health.

To qualify for the licensing test, you must send a notarized application to the state issuance department via email and get the board's approval. As the exam and license services provider, the department bears the responsibility of proctoring the exams.

Are you looking to further your HVAC career? Obtain an Arkansas HVAC license and be safe. Obtaining the license takes you through a detailed course that can help you come up with a good slogan if you wish to start your own HVAC business.