Moving to Arkansas as a master HVAC technician: every state's rule

The Class A exam has 100 questions in 4 hours covering general knowledge, systems and sizing, equipment, piping, refrigeration systems, electrical, maintenance, plan reading, estimating and math, and a short law and administration section; there is no separate business and law exam. Approval to test is valid for one year, and the Board's standard for HVACR work is the 2021 International Mechanical Code. Experience may be shown with records, affidavits or other evidence from current or former employers or others who can attest to it. The other classes follow the same route with their own exam: Class B (systems up to 25 tons cooling, 1,000,000 BTUH heating or 15 hp refrigeration), Class D (sheet metal ductwork) and Class E (refrigeration); Class C was repealed by Act 746 of 2025. The Board does not run criminal background checks, but the application asks about felony convictions, and certain offenses listed in Ark. Code §17-3-102 disqualify an applicant unless the record was sealed, pardoned or expunged or the Board grants a waiver. The initial license fee (not the exam fee) is waived for applicants receiving Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, TANF or Lifeline assistance, approved for unemployment in the last 12 months, or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. A class holder who works for a business that services only its own equipment, or who teaches at a recognized school or apprenticeship program, may submit an employer letter instead of individual insurance. The department says review of the license application takes up to 72 hours, and no more than five days in peak season.