All states · Arkansas
Licensing in Arkansas
In Arkansas, beauty and massage licenses are issued by the Department of Health, barbers by the State Board of Barber Examiners, nurses by the State Board of Nursing, and contractors and electricians by boards under the Department of Labor and Licensing.
State licenses
License names are official, as they appear in state documents. Choose a field.
| License | Training | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Every 2 years |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | Every 2 years |
| Manicurist | 600 hours | Every 2 years |
| Electrologist | 600 hours | Every 2 years |
| Barber | Barber school | Annually, July 1 to September 1 |
- Beauty licenses are issued by the Arkansas Department of Health: a practical exam (passing score 75) and a written exam (70). A cosmetologist needs only 350 additional hours for electrology.
- Barbers are licensed by a separate State Board of Barber Examiners; applications and renewals are online only.
| License | Training | Exam | Renewal | CE hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 500 hours | MBLEx or other + state law exam | Every 2 years, on your birthday | 18 |
- Licenses are issued by the Arkansas Department of Health. The 500 hours are classroom hours; besides a national exam, you must pass an exam on the Massage Therapy Act.
| License | Issued by | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Registered NurseRN | Arkansas State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-RN |
| Licensed Practical NurseLPN | Arkansas State Board of Nursing | NCLEX-PN |
| Certified Nurse AideCNA | State Nurse Aide Registry | State exam |
| Medical Assistant | No state license | Optional certification |
- Arkansas is in the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate nursing license is valid.
| License | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Contractor | Contractors Licensing Board | State license |
| Residential Builder | Contractors Licensing Board | State license |
| Electrician | Board of Electrical Examiners | 6 license categories plus apprentice registration |
- Both boards operate under the Department of Labor and Licensing. Check with the Contractors Licensing Board for the project value that requires a license.
| What | Issued by | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Arkansas Secretary of State | Registration — file a Certificate of Organization |
Your state requires an exam — we prepare you online
An exam-prep platform for Cosmetology, Barber, Esthetician and Nail Technician, as well as state law tests. Questions in the real exam format, a breakdown of every mistake, access from your phone and computer — study whenever it suits you.
Learn about the program- Tests in the real exam format
- An explanation for every answer
- Study materials in your personal account
- Study in Russian and English
Arkansas specifics
- Beauty and massage — Department of Health. There is no separate cosmetology board; the department issues licenses.
- Barbers have their own board. State Board of Barber Examiners, renewed every summer.
- Esthetics and nails — 600 hours. Electrology is also 600, or 350 for a cosmetologist.
- Massage — 500 hours. Renewal on your birthday every 2 years, 18 CE hours.
- Contractors under Labor and Licensing. Commercial and residential licenses come from the Contractors Licensing Board.
- In the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate nursing license is valid here.
What professionals earn in Arkansas
Median annual wage statewide, excluding tips. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a cosmetologist need?
1,500 hours, then the practical and written exams.
How does a barber renew?
Annually, July 1 to September 1, online only.
What does a massage therapist need?
500 classroom hours, a national exam and an exam on the Massage Therapy Act.
Can a nurse from a compact state work in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
*Current as of September 30, 2026. The information on this page is not official and is for general reference only. Requirements are set by state and local authorities and may change — always check the official websites: Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners, Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, Arkansas Secretary of State. Wage data — BLS.