State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Arkansas

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Arkansas

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in Arkansas

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Arkansas

5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Arkansas?

6. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas?

7. How to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas

8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas?

9. Arkansas Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. Arkansas Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Arkansas?

12. Do I Need to Renew My Arkansas Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does Arkansas Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

15. Does My Arkansas Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to Arkansas

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work. 

There are 135,140 roofers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Arkansas employs 820 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Arkansas is also 6% for roofers. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Arkansas.

Roofing License Requirements in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas doesn’t offer a general contractor's license or roofing-specific license. Instead, Arkansas offers several types of licenses for home improvement contractors who work on commercial and residential projects, issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

In most cases, roofers either obtain a Home Improvement License and Residential Roofing Registration or one of the two following licenses: Residential Builder or Residential Remodeler License.

The ACLB defines each license classification below.

Residential Roofing Registration 

A Residential Roofer Registration is needed to perform "Roofing, Roof Decks, Roofing Sheet Metal" projects more than $2,000, including but not limited to labor and material. Contractors who have a Residential Builders or Residential Remodelers License don’t need the Registration.

Home Improvement License

A Home Improvement License is needed to do specialty work on a single-family residence if the project is more than $2,000, including but not limited to labor and material. This license is for a contractor who is only responsible for certain types of work (painting, drywall, flooring, etc.). The license doesn’t allow you to build or remodel a home.

Residential Builders License

A Residential Builders License is needed to build a single-family residence if the cost of the project is more than $2,000, including but not limited to labor and material, unless an exception applies. A Residential Builders License also allows you to perform remodeling on a single-family residence.

Residential Remodelers License

To make major structural changes to a single-family residence or to add an extension, a Residential Remodeler's License is required for projects costing more than $2,000, including labor and materials.

Additionally, the Contractors Licensing Board offers a Commercial Contractor License for contractors who perform construction projects and commercial work exceeding $50,000. Any project that is not a single-family residence is considered a commercial project.

Subcontractors in Arkansas don’t need a contractor license, but do need to register with the State Contractors Licensing Board and work under a licensed contractor.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Arkansas

Arkansas offers several types of licenses for commercial and residential contractors who perform roofing work. The specific license depends on whether you perform residential or commercial work, as well as the cost of the roofing project. 

Arkansas licenses include:

• Residential Roofing Registration 

• Home Improvement License

• Residential Builders License

• Residential Remodelers License

• Commercial Contractors License

• Subcontractor Registration

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas

Complete the following steps for the Residential Roofing Registration:

1. Complete the Residential Roofing Registration application..

2. Pay the $20 filing fee.

3. Obtain a surety bond in the amount of $15,000 and file with the Secretary of State’s Office.

4. If registering as a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP, attach a copy of the filings from the Secretary of State.

5. Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

6. Mail the application to the Contractors Licensing Board: 4100 Richards Road, North Little Rock, AR, 72117.

Complete the following steps for the Home Improvement License:

1. Complete the Home Improvement “New Application” form.

2. Pay the $50 filing fee.

3. Obtain a $10,000 contractor bond.

4. Pass the Arkansas Business and Law exam and submit your scores.

5. Provide a financial statement from a CPA showing a minimum net worth of $10,000 cash on hand.

6. If registering as a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP, attach a copy of the filings from the Secretary of State.

7. Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

8. Mail the application to the Contractors Licensing Board: 4100 Richards Road, North Little Rock, AR, 72117.

Complete the following steps for the Residential Remodeler License: 

1. Complete the Residential Remodeler License application.

2. Pay the $50 filing fee.

3. Provide a minimum of three professional references.

4. Pass the Arkansas Business and Law exam and submit your scores.

5. If registering as a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP, attach a copy of the filings from the Secretary of State.

6. Submit a balance sheet showing a positive net worth.

7. Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.

8. Submit to a criminal background check.

9. Mail the application to the Contractors Licensing Board: 4100 Richards Road, North Little Rock, AR, 72117.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Arkansas

There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Arkansas.

• First, and most important, the state requires a license to legally perform roofing services.

• A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

• In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.

• Having a license protects your company and customers.

• Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

• It also increases your earning potential.

What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Arkansas?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $45,210 for those in  Arkansas. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average hourly wage for roofers in Arkansas is $21.38 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $49,866.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your years of experience. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based,  all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit

• Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app

• Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency

• The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes

• Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket

• Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow

To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas?

Getting started in the roofing field in Arkansas is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.

Arkansas requires the following license fees:

• Residential Roofing Registration: $20

• Home Improvement: $50

• Residential Builder: $100

• Residential Remodeler: $50

• Commercial Contractor: $100

For those licenses that require applicants to take and pass the Arkansas Business and Law exam, the exam fee is $84.

Additional costs for working as an Arkansas roofer may include:

• The average cost of workers’ compensation coverage in Arkansas is $0.67 per $100 of payroll.

• The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year.

• Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount.

How to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas

Arkansas doesn’t offer a general contractor's license or roofing-specific license. Instead, Arkansas offers several types of licenses for home improvement contractors who work on commercial and residential projects, issued by the  Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

All license classifications require you to complete an application, pay a filing fee, and submit all required documentation including  registration as a corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP, and proof of workers’ compensation insurance if the company has employees.

For the Residential Roofing Registration license, applicants will also need to get a $15,000 surety bond.

For the Home Improvement License the documentation includes a  $10,000 contractor bond, a financial statement from a CPA showing a minimum net worth of $10,000 cash on hand, and the applicant must pass the Arkansas Business and Law exam and submit the score.

And for the Residential Remodeler License, applicants must provide a minimum of three professional references, submit a balance sheet showing a positive net worth, submit to a criminal background check, and pass the Arkansas Business and Law exam .

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Arkansas?

Arkansas doesn’t require a set number of years of experience to apply for licensure, so candidates typically receive their licenses within weeks of passing the required exams and successfully submitting the application.

Arkansas Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout Arkansas that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

• University of Arkansas | Fayetteville MS in Construction Management — 2 years

• University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock | BS in Construction Management — 4 years

• Arkansas State University | Jonesboro | BS in Construction Management — 4 years

Arkansas Roofing Licensing Exam Details

Specific license classifications require you to pass the  Arkansas Business and Law Exam via Prometric or PSI. The exam includes an $84 examination fee. Candidates are encouraged to use the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Contractors Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management — Arkansas Edition to prepare for the test.

Note: Licensed contractors in good standing from other states can bypass the Business and Law Exam. 

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board  issues all contractor licenses in the state. 

Do I Need to Renew My Arkansas Roofing License?

Arkansas requires contractors to renew their licenses annually. The license renewal process is similar to the initial registration, except the state permits online renewals for most license classifications. Be prepared to present documentation of insurance requirements, financial stability, etc.

Continuing Education

Arkansas currently doesn’t require continuing education to renew a license.

Does Arkansas Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Arkansas allows contractor license reciprocity with Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, but minimum experience requirements apply. 

• Alabama: Requires a valid contractor license for at least one year .

• Mississippi: Requires a valid contractor license for at least one year.

• Louisiana: Requires a valid contractor license.

Does My Arkansas Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

The reciprocal agreements work the same for Arkansas contractors who work in the neighboring states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The same minimum experience requirements also apply. 

If you move to another state you will have to meet that state’s requirements for licensing, but the experience and credentials you’ve earned will help you meet those mandates. 

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Arkansas through one of the Arkansas Roofing Association.

Other Requirements Unique to Arkansas

Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.

The Arkansas Department of Environment and Energy (ADEE) manages asbestos licensing and training. Any contractor who removes or works around asbestos must obtain certification.

Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.