Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be examined by a licensed physician and meet certain physical requirements. 3) Must successfully complete one week of required medical training courses conducted by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy or have previously completed an equivalent course. 4) Must successfully complete the 7 week firefighter training program conducted by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy.
- Examinations and
- 2
Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be examined by a licensed physician and meet certain physical requirements. 3) Must successfully complete one week of required medical training courses conducted by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy or have previously completed an equivalent course. 4) Must successfully complete the 7 week firefighter training program conducted by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy.
- Examinations and Fees: Successful fire department candidates can attend training provided by the state.
- Must pass firefighter training examinations throughout fire training course including finals.
- Testing Fee: $20.
- Training Book: $80.
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 4
Employment as a firefighter in Arkansas requires Firefighter II certification for those firefighters that work a minimum of 2,912 hours.
- 5
3) Must successfully complete one week of required medical training courses conducted by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy or have previously completed an equivalent course.
- 6
4) Must successfully complete the 7 week firefighter training program conducted by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy.
- 7
Examinations and Fees: Successful fire department candidates can attend training provided by the state.
- 8
Must pass firefighter training examinations throughout fire training course including finals.
- 9
Testing Fee: $20.
Exam and processing details
- pass firefighter training examinations throughout fire training course including finals
Continuing education and program notes
- certification for those firefighters that work a minimum of 2,912 hours
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Training Book | $80 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Fire Training Academy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$42,100 median (29% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#44 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be examined by a licensed physician and meet certain physical requirements. 3) Must successfull...; Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be examined by a licensed physician and meet certain physical requirements. 3) Must successfull...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Must be at least 18 years of age. 2) Must be examined by a licensed physician and meet certain physical requirements. 3) Must successfull...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Employment as a firefighter in Arkansas requires Firefighter II certification for those firefighters that work a minimum of 2,912 hours.).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: pass firefighter training examinations throughout fire training course including finals.
- 5. Budget filing costs (Training Book: $80).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas Fire Training Academy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $42,100, Firefighters in Arkansas earn 29% below the national median of $59,530. Arkansas ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$42,100Hourly estimate
$20.2429% below national median
Difference: -$17,430
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#44 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $42,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $48,470 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,300 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $36,980 | No educational requirements | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $33,700 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $60,840 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Fire Training Academy
P.O. Box 3499, Camden, AR, 71711
Phone: 8705741521
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $40,330 | Varies by state board | 1-18 years |
| Police Officer | $48,090 | Specific course required | 1-21 years |
| Security Guards | $37,090 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Arkansas is $42,100. Salaries range from $28,600 (10th percentile) to $63,930 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Arkansas earn 29% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $42,100.
How many Firefighters work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 2,280 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas Fire Training Academy. Review agency details at https://www.sautech.edu/arkansas-fire-training-academy.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.