Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Technology
Software Developer Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for software developer in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal al fee (every 2 yearsLicensing Blueprint for Software Developer in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more. 2) Must pass NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Computer Based
- 2
Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more. 2) Must pass NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
- Computer Based examination: Fees payable to NCEES, Application fee: $50.00, Renewal fee (every 2 years): $10.00
- 3
Education: Degree required.
- 4
Experience: No experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 6
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 7
License Type: Preliminary/temporary license.
- 8
The emphasis on application of scientific principles, rather than on their discovery, is the main distinguishing factor of an engineer's work from that of a scientist.
- 9
2) Must pass NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
- 10
Computer Based examination: Fees payable to NCEES, Application fee: $50.00, Renewal fee (every 2 years): $10.00.
Exam and processing details
- Fees payable to NCEES, Application
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee (every 2 years) | $10.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al fee (every 2 years
- Salary Position
$96,820 median (27% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Software Developer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required Fees payable to NCEES, Application.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must be a graduate of an EAC of ABET accredited program, or equivalent engineering curriculum of four years or more. 2) Must pass NCEES F...; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Renewal fee (every 2 years): $10.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing~AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al fee (every 2 years; continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $96,820, Software Developers in Arkansas earn 27% below the national median of $133,080. Arkansas ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$96,820Hourly estimate
$46.5527% below national median
Difference: -$36,260
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSoftware Developer Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Software Developer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $170,910 |
| #2 | Washington | $166,910 |
| #3 | New York | $161,260 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $150,520 |
| #5 | Maryland | $137,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Software Developer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $96,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 2 years |
| Missouri | $114,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $117,340 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $86,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $102,290 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $130,500 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $107,420 | Specific course required | No exam required | 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Labor and Licensing • AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors
P. O. Box 3750, 623 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock, AR, 72201-1009
Phone: 5016822824
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $109,900 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $93,560 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Database Architects | $101,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| IT Project Manager | $77,830 | Specific course required | 2-18 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Software Developer in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Software Developers in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Software Developers.
What education do you need to become a Software Developer in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Software Developer licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Software Developer salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Software Developers in Arkansas is $96,820. Salaries range from $55,030 (10th percentile) to $160,700 (90th percentile).
How does the Software Developer salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Arkansas earn 27% below the national median of $133,080, with a state median of $96,820.
How many Software Developers work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 6,390 Software Developers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Software Developer license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Software Developers in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing / AR St Board Licensure for Professional Engineers & Professional Surveyors. Review agency details at https://www.pels.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Software Developer license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al fee (every 2 years.