Occupational licensing · Arkansas · burden rank #36 of 51
Arkansas Occupational Licensing Requirements
Arkansas's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
Arkansas sits in the low-burden band (#36 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Mississippi; Utah; West Virginia; Kentucky. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #36 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,744
- Avg initial fee
- $107
Arkansas vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
56 Around the middle more restrictive than 25% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Mortgage Loan Originator; Veterinarian; Psychologist; General Contractor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Mississippi; Utah; West Virginia; Kentucky. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In Arkansas, Psychologist lists 5,486 education hours with an exam and a $197 initial fee. Compare the same license in Mississippi on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In Arkansas, Electrician lists 4,973 education hours with an exam and a $84 initial fee. Compare the same license in Mississippi on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Mortgage Loan Originator
Mortgage Loan Originator is among Arkansas's higher initial fees at $205 after 20 education hours. Open Utah for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among Arkansas's higher initial fees at $197 after 4,486 education hours. Open Utah for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare Arkansas against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with Arkansas already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for Arkansas: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#36 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- Kentucky · burden #35/51
- South Carolina · burden #37/51
- Mississippi · burden #34/51
- Oklahoma · burden #38/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($107 here).
- South Carolina · avg $101 initial fee
- Kentucky · avg $114 initial fee
- Oklahoma · avg $99 initial fee
- Utah · avg $118 initial fee
43 of 97 professions below carry a category estimate mark: their figures are a category average, not yet confirmed with the Arkansas licensing board. Treat those rows as directional and check the board before relying on them. See the methodology limitations.
Agriculture in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Water Well Driller category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Animal Care in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Farrier / Horseshoer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Vermont.
| 4,486 | Yes | $197 | $173 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Vermont |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,743 | Yes | $99 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Construction in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| 4,973 | Yes | $84 | $68 | 1 yr | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 4,973 | Yes | $123 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $178 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Glazier category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,973 | Yes | $68 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Land Surveyor category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs District of Columbia |
| Locksmith category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Mobile Home Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Painter (Contractor) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 10 | Yes | $68 | $61 | 3 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 4,973 | Yes | $96 | $84 | 1 yr | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Roofer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Security Alarm Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Septic System Installer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Cosmetology in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,122 | Yes | $65 | $38 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Body Piercer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,146 | Yes | $71 | $41 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Virginia.
| 358 | Yes | $68 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Virginia |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 440 | Yes | $59 | $37 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Hair Braider category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 493 | Yes | $79 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 284 | Yes | $54 | $32 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Tattoo Artist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Design in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| - | Yes | $154 | $130 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
Education in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| 29 | No | $68 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $87 | $63 | 5 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $99 | $75 | 5 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $87 | $63 | 5 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Substitute Teacher category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
Engineering in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| - | Yes | $178 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Professional Geologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
Finance in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $159 | $135 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Debt Collector category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Tennessee |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 35 | Yes | $76 | $64 | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
| 20 | Yes | $205 | $144 | 1 yr | vs Wisconsin · vs Connecticut |
| Tax Preparer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Food & Hospitality in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| 4 | Yes | $18 | $12 | 3 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
Healthcare in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 2,743 | Yes | $99 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Dental Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 2,743 | Yes | $142 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Dietetic Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and South Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs South Dakota |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 139 | Yes | $61 | $55 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Hearing Aid Specialist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Home Health Aide category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Delaware.
| 1,122 | Yes | $105 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Delaware |
| Medical Assistant category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Medical Lab Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 3,243 | Yes | $130 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Optician (Dispensing) category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 4,243 | Yes | $178 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,395 | Yes | $99 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 4,365 | Yes | $161 | $149 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Pharmacy Technician category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Texas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Texas |
| Phlebotomist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3,243 | Yes | $142 | $130 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 3,365 | Yes | $173 | $161 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 1,970 | Yes | $99 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $111 | $99 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Georgia |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 2,243 | Yes | $118 | $80 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and Colorado.
| 1,743 | Yes | $99 | $86 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs Colorado |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 3,243 | Yes | $142 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Surgical Technologist category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
Legal & Security in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| 26 | No | $80 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and California.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Washington · vs California |
| Notary Public category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,490 | Yes | $135 | $123 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Process Server category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Mental Health in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 3,243 | Yes | $118 | $105 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 2,743 | Yes | $106 | $94 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 2,743 | Yes | $130 | $118 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 5,486 | Yes | $197 | $173 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Miscellaneous in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Athletic Agent category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 109 | Yes | $92 | $68 | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Sign Language Interpreter category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and Florida.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs Florida |
Real Estate in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 79 | Yes | $135 | $111 | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 74 | Yes | $96 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Utah.
| 111 | Yes | $135 | $117 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Utah |
Transportation in Arkansas
| AR profession | AR edu hrs | AR exam | AR initial $ | AR renew $ | AR cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 10 | Yes | $52 | $39 | 4 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 199 | Yes | $64 | $39 | 4 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and Washington.
| 59 | Yes | $52 | $39 | 4 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs Washington |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Tow Truck Operator category estimate
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
Arkansas ranks #36 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare Arkansas directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for Arkansas
NCSL and state-board extracts for Arkansas. Burden peers on this ladder include Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia, Kentucky; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for Arkansas render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.