Moving to Arkansas as a journeyman plumber: every state's rule

The exam has four sections taken one at a time, in random order, within four hours: an isometric drain-waste-vent riser drawing with water-system sizing and a 45-degree offset calculation; fifty questions on the plumbing code, fuel gas code and plumbing law; natural gas venting, combustion air and gas pipe sizing; and identifying components from code illustrations. The Department's 2026 schedule has one exam date a month except November, and it does not publish a passing score. Retaking after failing any portion, or after missing an exam without notice, costs $50. The application names the Arkansas master plumber you will work under. The Department does not run criminal background checks, but the application asks about convictions, and the offenses listed in Ark. Code Ann. § 17-3-102 disqualify an applicant unless the record is sealed or the Board grants a waiver; you may petition the Department for a pre-licensure determination before applying. Applicants receiving certain public assistance, approved for unemployment in the last 12 months, or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines may have the initial license fee waived. Gas fitter, backflow assembly tester and repair, and the other restricted licenses are separate credentials. Applicants already licensed in another state should see the out-of-state route on this page.