Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Science
Forester Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for forester in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Forester in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters;
- 2
A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program not accredited by the Society of American Foresters and three (3) years or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission;
- 3
A bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related field from a college or university program, including, but not limited to, wildlife management, with at least twenty (20) semester hours of forestry courses approved by the commission and three (3) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission;
- 4
A bachelor's degree not related to natural resources from a college or university program and six (6) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission
- or
- 5
A two-year associate's degree in forestry and six (6) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission.
- 6
A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters
- (2) A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program not accredited by the Society of American Foresters and three (3) years or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission
- (3) A bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related field from a college or university program, including, but not limited to, wildlife management, with at least twenty (20) semester hours of forestry courses approved by the commission and three (3) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission
- (4) A bachelor's degree not related to natural resources from a college or university program and six (6) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission
- or (5) A two-year associate's degree in forestry and six (6) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission. Application fee: $40.00 Written examination fee: $30.00 (retake only) Registration fee: $30.00 Renewal fee: $30.00 annually
- 7
Education: Degree required.
- 8
Experience: Work experience required.
- 9
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 10
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 11
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 12
(1) A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters;
- 13
(2) A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program not accredited by the Society of American Foresters and three (3) years or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission;
- 14
(3) A bachelor's degree in a natural resources-related field from a college or university program, including, but not limited to, wildlife management, with at least twenty (20) semester hours of forestry courses approved by the commission and three (3) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission;
- 15
(4) A bachelor's degree not related to natural resources from a college or university program and six (6) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission
- or.
- 16
(5) A two-year associate's degree in forestry and six (6) years' or more experience in forestry work of a nature satisfactory to the commission.
- 17
Application fee: $40.00.
Exam and processing details
- Written examination fee
- $30
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Agriculture • Forestry Division • Arkansas Forestry Commission
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,960 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Forester licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required Written examination fee: $30.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; A bachelor's or advanced degree in forestry from a college or university program accredited by the Society of American Foresters; (2) A b...; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Agriculture~Forestry Division~Arkansas Forestry Commission and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $65,960, Foresters in Arkansas earn 7% below the national median of $70,660. Arkansas ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$65,960Hourly estimate
$31.717% below national median
Difference: -$4,700
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationForester Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Forester median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $98,870 |
| #2 | Alaska | $85,550 |
| #3 | Iowa | $80,590 |
| #4 | Maryland | $79,890 |
| #5 | Louisiana | $79,580 |
Nearby States Comparison
Forester licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $65,960 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $62,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $69,180 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $65,960 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $79,580 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $71,180 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $48,810 | Specific course required | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Agriculture • Forestry Division • Arkansas Forestry Commission
One Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72205
Phone: 5012242836
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $47,050 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Chemical Technicians | $46,720 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $44,500 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Environmental Scientist | $75,620 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Forester in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Foresters in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Foresters.
What education do you need to become a Forester in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Forester licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Forester salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Foresters in Arkansas is $65,960. Salaries range from $45,230 (10th percentile) to $93,370 (90th percentile).
How does the Forester salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Foresters in Arkansas earn 7% below the national median of $70,660, with a state median of $65,960.
How many Foresters work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 120 Foresters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Forester license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Foresters in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Agriculture / Forestry Division / Arkansas Forestry Commission. Review agency details at https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/board-of-registration-for-foresters/.
How often do you renew a Forester license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.