How to Become an HVAC Technician in Arkansas

Imagine a career where your job is to ensure homes and businesses stay comfortable year-round.

As an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician in Arkansas, you’ll be the unsung hero behind the scenes, making indoor spaces cozy in the winter and refreshingly cool in the summer.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through the steps, training, and opportunities to help you on a rewarding journey to becoming an HVAC technician in the Natural State.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Arkansas: A Step-by-Step Guide

A solid foundation is essential to becoming an HVAC technician. Start by completing your high school education or obtaining a GED.

You are then ready to enroll in a technical school, a community college, or opt for an apprenticeship program.

Option 1: HVAC Training Institutes and Schools

Several institutions in Arkansas offer HVAC training programs.

These schools offer various programs, including certificates, associate degrees, and technical degrees.

Option 2: Apprenticeship

• National Park College: Offers a 3-year HVAC Apprenticeship program that provides training in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) offers a certificate program in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), which equips students with the knowledge and abilities to work as HVAC technicians.

These programs offer a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training to prepare individuals for a career in the HVAC industry.

Arkansas recognizes apprentices who complete at least 4,000 hours of related training with a certificate of completion.

Option 3: Certificate Programs

Technical colleges offer short-term programs awarding industry-recognized certificates.

For example, a one-semester air conditioning certificate provides skills for HVAC assistant jobs. Coursework is intensive but can lead directly to employment.

Licensing

In Arkansas, entry-level HVAC technicians do not need a license but must register with the state and work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.

HVAC technicians must also register annually with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) for $25.

Certification

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a Section 608 certification to work with air conditioners.

There are three certifications:

• Type 1 for small appliances
• Type 2 for high- and low-pressure commercial equipment
• Type 3 for low-pressure equipment
• Type 4 universal

The classes have training and tests.

When passed, techs get ID cards for 5 years.

They must retest or take classes to keep it.

NATE Certificate

The NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is a voluntary certification for HVAC technicians that demonstrates their expertise and knowledge in the field.

Although having a NATE certification is not necessary in Arkansas to work as an HVAC technician, it can have several advantages, such as:

• Recognition of expertise: NATE certification is widely recognized in the industry and can help technicians stand out in a competitive job market.
• Enhanced job opportunities: Some employers may prefer or require NATE certification when hiring HVAC technicians, as it demonstrates a higher level of skill and knowledge.
• Professional development: NATE certification requires technicians to stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies, helping them to continually improve their skills.
• Customer confidence: NATE certification can instill confidence in customers, as it signifies that the technician has met a standard of excellence in their field.

HVAC Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas State University

• Location: Beebe, AR
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; HVAC Excellence
• Expected Time to Completion: 6 months
• Estimated Tuition: Residents ($102 per credit); Cleburne County resident ($97 per credit); out-of-state ($174 per credit)

Arkansas Tech University

• Location: Ozark, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; HVAC excellence
• Expected Time to Completion: AAS degree (four semesters)
• Estimated Tuition: In-state ($129 per credit); out-of-state ($258 per credit)

Arkansas Northeastern College

• Location: Blytheville, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: AAS degree (two years); technical certificate (one year); certificate of proficiency (one semester)
• Estimated Tuition: In-county ($72 per credit); out-of-county ($82 per credit); out-of-state ($132 per credit)

University of Arkansas, Pulaski Technical College

• Place: North Little Rock, Arkansas
• Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time To Complete: AAS degree (4 semesters), technical certificate (3 semesters), and certificate of proficiency (2 semesters) are the programs with the longest anticipated completion times.
• Estimated tuition: Costs for in-state students are $134 per credit and $175 for out-of-state students.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)

• NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)
• Location: Bentonville, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 2 years for an associate degree program
• Estimated Tuition: $102 per credit hour in-state

Pulaski Technical College

• Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 2 years for an associate degree program
• Estimated Tuition: $95 per credit hour in-state

Ultimate Technical Academy

• Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: 9–24 months, depending on program
• Estimated Tuition: $16,000–25,000 total program costs

Arkansas Northeastern College

• Location: Blytheville, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 2 years for an associate degree program
• Estimated Tuition: $94 per credit hour in-state

Arkansas State University-Newport

• Location: Newport, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: 2 years for an associate degree program
• Estimated Tuition: $108 per credit hour in-state

North Arkansas College

• Location: Harrison, Arkansas
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Expected Time to Completion: Three semesters for the HVAC program
• Estimated Tuition: $94 per credit hour in-state

HVAC Technician Salary

The average HVAC technician salary in Arkansas is competitive.

• Most experienced technicians earn between $38,000 and $60,000 annually.
• Mid-level technicians may expect to earn $40,000–$50,000.
• Entry-level HVAC technicians start around $32,000–$38,000 per year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Little Rock	$45,276
Fort Smith	$42,828
Fayetteville	$44,667
Springdale	$44,667
Jonesboro	$45,093
North Little Rock	$45,276
Conway	$44,834
Rogers	$44,402
Bentonville	$44,314
Pine Bluff	$43,882

Regional Salary in Arkansas

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do HVAC companies in Arkansas provide?

HVAC companies in Arkansas offer a range of services, including the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

They may also provide services for indoor air quality, ductwork, and energy efficiency.

How do I get certified as an HVAC contractor in Arkansas?

To become certified as an HVAC contractor in Arkansas, you must complete an approved course(s) and pass a state-mandated exam.

You can find more information on the ServiceFolder website.

Do HVAC technicians in Arkansas need to be licensed?

Yes, HVAC contractors in Arkansas must be licensed, but entry-level HVAC technicians do not need a license.

Instead, they must register with the state and work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.

HVAC Technician Info by State