Arkansas fire inspection rules

Who licenses fire protection companies in Arkansas

Fire alarm companies are not licensed by the Fire Protection Licensing Board. The Arkansas State Police licenses alarm system companies along with private investigators and security agencies.

The State Fire Marshal's Office, now under the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, enforces and updates the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.

A City of Little Rock board communication states that Arkansas formally adopted the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code in 2022, effective January 1, 2023, replacing the 2012 edition.

The Board's 2022 portable and fixed systems rule adopts the current Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and its referenced standards; the sprinkler rule says the same.

The Board's open book exams are drawn from listed NFPA editions, including NFPA 10 (2018) for portable extinguishers, NFPA 13 (2019) and NFPA 25 (2020) for sprinkler inspectors.

Sources: Fire Protection Licensing Board; Fire alarm companies licensed by State Police; State Fire Marshal enforces the fire code; 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code in force since 2023; Licensing rules adopt the state fire code; NFPA editions used for licensing exams

Who may inspect and service

Any firm or individual in the business of installing, repairing or inspecting portable extinguishers, fixed suppression systems or water sprinkler systems must be licensed by the Board, and each company needs at least one licensed employee.

A company that inspects sprinkler systems must employ at least one licensed sprinkler inspector, who must pass the sprinkler inspector exam.

Every individual doing this work in Arkansas must be licensed, employed by a licensed company, and pass an exam for each type of system worked on.

Licensed sprinkler inspectors must inspect to NFPA 25 and write reports on NFPA 25 sample forms; the firm keeps a copy of each report.

A new service tag from the certified firm must go on an extinguisher or fixed system every time it is serviced.

Sources: License required to install, repair or inspect; Every individual must be licensed; Sprinkler inspections follow NFPA 25; New service tag every service

License types

Extinguisher firms apply for a Certificate of Registration for Portable/Fixed systems; fixed suppression work needs an employee licensed for the specific type and brand.

Hydrostatic testing is licensed separately as Class A or Class B; firms without it must show a letter from a licensed hydrostatic testing company that will do the work.

Sprinkler individuals are licensed as Responsible Managing Employee, Sprinkler Inspector or Sprinkler Fitter, each with its own exam; the sprinkler rule also provides an apprentice permit.

The State Police issues alarm systems credentials to individuals, including Alarm Systems Technician (AT), Monitor (AM), Agent (AGT) and Apprentice (AA).

Sources: Portable and fixed system registration; Sprinkler individual licenses; Alarm technician credential

What the state requires

During a monthly extinguisher inspection the licensee checks location, access, gauge and condition, then initials and dates the monthly service tag in ink.

Annual maintenance is a thorough examination for damage or anything that could stop the extinguisher working, with a new tamper seal and a new service tag.

Stored pressure extinguishers that need a 12 year hydrostatic test must be emptied and given manufacturer maintenance every six years.

Every Arkansas service tag must carry the firm and license details and the printed statement do not remove by order of the State Fire Marshal.

When a fixed system is red tagged, the owner is told at once and the local fire official or State Fire Marshal must be notified within 24 hours.

Sprinkler inspection reports go to the owner or occupant, and any report that needs a yellow or red tag must also be filed with the local authority.

Sources: Monthly inspection is initialed on the tag; Yellow or red tagged sprinkler reports go to the AHJ

Checking a company's license

The Board's Roster Search page posts downloadable lists of licensed sprinkler companies and portable and fixed systems companies (2025-2026 portable list dated 4-1-26; sprinkler roster 26-27).

Source: Board roster files