Best Electrician Schools in Arkansas

If you want to become an electrician in Arkansas, your first move is finding a school or program that gives you the skills and hours you need to get licensed. Arkansas requires electricians to complete specific training, register as apprentices, and pass exams before they can work independently.

Here’s a breakdown of the best schools in the state, what they offer, and how to get started.

How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Arkansas

Arkansas licensing for electricians is handled by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – Board of Electrical Examiners. The process is pretty straightforward.

1. Register as an electrical apprentice with the state.
2. Complete classroom training from an approved school or apprenticeship program.
3. Log required on-the-job hours under the supervision of a licensed electrician.
4. Apply for your journeyman exam once you have enough hours and training completed.
5. Pass the state exam and become licensed.

State rule: Apprentices must register within 30 days of starting work with a licensed electrical contractor.
Source: Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – Electrical Apprenticeship Rules

Meeting both classroom and on-the-job requirements is key. That’s why choosing the right school matters.

What to Look for in an Electrician Training Program

Not all programs are the same. Here’s what you should check before enrolling:

• State approval – The school should meet Arkansas licensing requirements.
• Apprenticeship pathway – Ideally, the program helps place you with contractors.
• Curriculum – Should cover electrical theory, code, safety, and hands-on wiring.
• Flexible scheduling – Night or weekend classes if you’re working.
• Completion time – Some programs take months, others four years.

Best Electrician Schools in Arkansas

Below are some respected options with solid training and ties to local industry.

1. Arkansas State University – Newport

• Offers an Electrical Apprenticeship program.
• Combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.
• Works with local contractors for placement.

2. Northwest Technical Institute (Springdale)

• Electrical Apprenticeship Program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Evening classes for working apprentices.
• Strong focus on National Electrical Code (NEC) training.

3. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College

• Electrical Systems Technology program.
• Hands-on labs and industry-standard tools.
• Prepares students for entry-level apprentice roles.

4. ASU – Mountain Home

• Focuses on industrial and residential electrical skills.
• Offers certificates and degree options.
• Small class sizes for individual attention.

5. Black River Technical College (Pocahontas)

• Technical Certificate in Industrial Electricity.
• Includes study of programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Good choice if you’re interested in industrial work.

School Comparison Table

Steps After School: Getting Licensed in Arkansas

Once you’ve completed your training, here’s what to do next:

1. Complete your hours – Journeyman license requires 8,000 hours of experience (about 4 years).
2. Submit your application to the Arkansas State Board of Electrical Examiners.
3. Pay the exam fee and schedule your test.
4. Pass the exam covering NEC and state electrical laws.
5. Maintain your license by renewing it and completing continuing education as required.

Tip: You can work and earn while you train as an apprentice. Many Arkansas apprenticeships are paid positions.

Safety and Code Training

Electrical work is dangerous if done wrong. Good schools will:

• Teach OSHA safety standards.
• Cover proper tool use and PPE.
• Train on the latest National Electrical Code.

Never skip safety training. It’s as important as knowing how to wire a circuit.

Why Start in Arkansas

Arkansas offers good opportunities for new electricians because:

• There’s steady demand for skilled trades.
• Apprentices can get hands-on work quickly.
• Cost of electrician schools is relatively affordable compared to other states.

Starting in Arkansas also puts you in a good position if you later seek reciprocity with other states.

Final Advice

Choose a school that’s approved by the state and fits your schedule. The earlier you get into an apprenticeship, the sooner you can start clocking hours toward your license.

Here’s what you should do next:

1. Contact the schools above and ask about start dates and costs.
2. Apply for an apprenticeship with a local electrical contractor.
3. Register with the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing before starting work.

With the right training, you can become a licensed electrician in Arkansas and build a solid, long-term career.

Sources:

[1] Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – Electrical Apprenticeship Rules: https://www.labor.arkansas.gov/divisions/professional-licensing/state-board-of-electrical-examiners/
[2] U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/
[3] National Electrical Code (NEC) – NFPA: https://www.nfpa.org/NEC

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