Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-12 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
1) Must pass all parts of the CPA examination.
- 8
2) Must provide fingerprints and authorize the Board to conduct a criminal background check for verification.
- 9
3) Must complete 150 semester credit hours of education.
- 10
4) Must have 1 year of experience verified by a CPA.
- 11
Education Requirements to sit for the CPA Examination:.
- 12
An applicant will be deemed to have met the education requirement if the applicant earned a graduate or an undergraduate degree from a college or university that meets the criteria for accreditation and has completed sufficient hours to meet the accounting and business components.
Exam and processing details
- An applicant will be deemed to have met the education requirement if the applicant earned a graduate or an undergraduate degree from a college or university that meets the criteria for accreditation and has completed sufficient hours to meet the accounting and business components.
- The accounting component must include at least 30 semester credit hours (SCH) of undergraduate accounting courses above the principles level or 20 SCH of graduate-level accounting courses, or a combination thereof.
- The accounting component must include coverage of financial accounting, management accounting, governmental and not-for-profit accounting, federal taxation, auditing and attestation, and accounting information systems.
- The applicant must earn a grade of "C" or better in each course included in the accounting component.
- The business component of the applicant's educational program must include at least 30 SCH of undergraduate courses in business, other than accounting, or 20 SCH of graduate business courses, other than accounting, or a combination thereof.
- The applicant must earn a grade of "C" or better in each course included in the business component.
- Internship credit: The accounting or business component (but not both) may include a maximum of 3 SCH earned for an accounting internship.
- Internship credit may not be used to fulfill the subject matter requirements.
- Independent study: The accounting or business component (but not both) may include a maximum of 3 SCH earned for an independent study.
- When appropriately documented by the institution, these hours may be used to fulfill part of the subject matter requirements.
- CPA Examination $75.00.
- A fee of $238.15 per section is also collected by the Board and passed on to NASBA, Prometric, and the AICPA.
- This fee will increase to $254.80 beginning January 1, 2024.
- Once eligibility to take the exam is determined, the Board will send an Authorization to Test to the National Candidate Database at NASBA.
- NASBA will then issue a Notice to Schedule (NTS).
- An eligible candidate has 6 months from the date of the NTS to schedule and take the approved examination sections.
- Utilizing the NTS, candidates are required to contact Prometric for site locations and test times.
- The Accountancy Board does not control space availability or locale of the testing centers.
- Other
Continuing education and program notes
- centers
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Section Fees - 4 Exams | $120.00 |
| Section Fees - 3 Exams | $105.00 |
| Section Fees - 2 Exams | $90.00 |
| Annual Registration Fee - License to Practice | $110.00 |
| Firm Registration | $110.00 |
| Inactive License | $55.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing • Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,100 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Welder licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Affidavit or referral required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required An applicant will be deemed to have met the education requirement if the applicant earned a graduate or an undergraduate degree from a college or university that meets the crite....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Experience: Affidavit or referral required.; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Section Fees - 4 Exams: $120.00; Section Fees - 3 Exams: $105.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing~Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $47,100, Welders in Arkansas earn 8% below the national median of $51,000. Arkansas ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-12 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$47,100Hourly estimate
$22.648% below national median
Difference: -$3,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor Welder median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $76,970 |
| #2 | Alaska | $75,140 |
| #3 | Wyoming | $66,070 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $64,520 |
| #5 | Washington | $61,730 |
Nearby States Comparison
Welder licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $47,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-12 months |
| Missouri | $49,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,280 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $49,490 | No educational requirements | Choice of state or third-party exam | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $59,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $49,830 | No educational requirements | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $48,490 | No educational requirements | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | 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 | 60 | Medium | 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 Labor and Licensing • Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy
900 W. Capitol, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 5016821520
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $50,290 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $43,830 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $46,320 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $52,970 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-12 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Welders in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Welder licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Welder salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Welders in Arkansas is $47,100. Salaries range from $36,340 (10th percentile) to $63,570 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Welders in Arkansas earn 8% below the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $47,100.
How many Welders work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 7,240 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder 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 Welders in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing / Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. Review agency details at https://asbpa.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Welder license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.