Arkansas is experiencing climate control issues, so now, the demand for HVAC technicians is skyrocketing.
In fact, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (May 2021), out of the 356,960 employed HVAC technicians nationwide, 3,560 are from Arkansas.
And this number will grow by 5% until the end of 2030.
So if you’re up for a highly technical career, then this one may be suitable for you.
Read on to learn more about this rapidly growing profession.
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HVAC Programs in Arkansas
In such a highly technical career, proper education and training are necessary and can’t be overlooked.
The table below shows some of Arkansas’s HVAC training schools that you can check out.
16 HVAC Schools in Arkansas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Online Training for HVAC | 6625 The Corners Pkwy NW #500, Norcross, GA 30092 |
| Arkansas Northestern College | 2501 S. Division, Blytheville, AR 72315 |
| Arkansas Technical University | 1605 Coliseum Drive, Russellville, AR 72801 |
| Askins Vo-Tech | 7716 Hwy 271 South, Fort Smith, AR 72908 |
| ASU Technical Campus | PO Box 909, Searcy, AR 72145 |
| Cotton Boll Technical Institute | PO Box 36, Burdette, AR 72321 |
| Crowleys Ridge Vo-Tech School | PO Box 925, Forrest City, AR 72335 |
| hvacredu.net (Online Training) | P.O. Box 77, Heron, MT 59844 |
| National Park Community College | 101 College Drive, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913 |
| North Arkansas College | 1320 N. Spring Road, Harrison, AR 72601 |
| Northwest Technical Institute | 709 South Old Missouri Road, Springdale, AR 72765 |
| Phillips Community College | Campus Drive, Helena, AR 72342 |
| Pulaski Vo-Tech | 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118 |
| Southeast Arkansas College | 1900 Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 |
| Ultimate Technical Academy | 6108 Getty Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72117 |
| University of Arkansas Community College | 2500 South Main, Hope, AR 72601 |
How to Get Licensed in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing’s HVAC/R Licensing Board requires all its HVAC professionals to be licensed.
Classification of Licenses
There are 6 licensing classes you can apply for:
| Class | Service Coverage | License Fees | Qualifications |
| A | Perform HVAC/R work with unlimited BTUH or horsepower (HP) capacity | $200 annually | Must be at least 18 years old Submit duly accomplished prescribed forms by the Board Successfully pass the licensure exam Proof of at least 2 years of HVAC/R contractor experience or as an employee of an HVAC/R contractor
|
| B | Perform HVAC/R work on…
| $150 annually | |
| C | In the business of HVAC/R service and repair (but don’t install any original or replace any existing HVAC/R equipment) Perform work on…
| $100 annually | |
| D | Perform sheetmetal work relevant to HVAC/R ductwork Do not sell, install, and service HVAC/R equipment and systems | $150 annually | |
| E | Perform refrigeration work Do not sell, install, and service heating and AC equipment used for the treatment of air for human comfort requirements | $150 annually | |
| L | Lifetime license to perform HVAC/R service and maintenance on…
Do not install any original or replace any existing HVAC/R equipment | No charge | Must be at least 65 years old Previously eligible for a Class A to E license |
In applying for the license, the Board will charge a $25 nonrefundable registration fee.
Licensing by Examination
The Department and the Board have approved Prov to proctor the HVAC/R Contractor Licensure Exam.
But before you can sit for the exam, the Board has to pre-approve your application.
If they approve you for testing, then Prov will schedule your exam, which you’ll be eligible to take for 1 year.
Here are the details for the exam:
- Class A – 100-item test to be completed within 4 hours
- Class B (also available in Spanish) – 50-item test to be completed within 3 hours
- Class C – 40-item test to be completed within 2 hours
- Class D – 60-item test to be completed within 3 hours
- Class E – 60-item test to be completed within 3 hours
The exam is open book, allowing you to use authorized reference materials at the testing center.
At the end of the exam, you should get at least a 70% score to pass.
Test passers will have their results automatically sent to the Department and the Board by Prov.
For those who didn’t pass, you have until the end of the eligibility period to retake the exam without limits.
Licensing by Reciprocity
As of this writing, the Department and the Board haven’t announced any reciprocal licensing agreements with any other state.
Continuing Education
Pursuing continuing education is a requirement for license renewal.
You must complete at least 4 CE hours per calendar year, of which…
- 2 CE hours will be for the mechanical code adopted by the Board
- 2 CE hours for any Board-approved instruction
EPA Certification
In addition to the state license, you need to get the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
It’s a mandatory certification required by the Clean Air Act for all technicians working with refrigerants.
You can learn more about this certification here.
Potential Salary
With a high demand for HVAC technicians, you can definitely earn a competitive salary.
According to BLS (May 2021), the salary ranges from $29,000 to $59,000, with an average of $41,880 annually.
Take a look at the table below for the salaries offered in some of Arkansas’s cities.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of HVAC Techs in Arkansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $43,430 |
| Fort Smith | $40,452 |
| North Little Rock | $43,430 |
| Fayetteville | $41,817 |
| Jonesboro | $43,878 |
| Pine Bluff | $41,822 |
| Springdale | $41,817 |
| Conway | $43,010 |
| Rogers | $42,565 |
| Hot Springs | $43,010 |
HVAC Schools by City
