Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
Arkansas has no state board that licenses HERS raters. Certification comes entirely through RESNET, the national standards body. You complete an accredited training course, pass the RESNET exam, and join a Rating Provider. First-year costs typically run $400 to $1,500 depending on training format and equipment. There is no Arkansas-specific license application and no state fee.
Do you need a state license to be a HERS rater in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas does not have a state licensing board for HERS raters. There is no Arkansas-specific license you apply for, pay a fee to, or renew with a state agency. This surprises a lot of people searching for the Arkansas equivalent of a contractor's license board, because no such thing exists for this credential.
HERS certification is a national program run by RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network. RESNET writes the standards (ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301), accredits the training providers, administers the certification exam, and maintains the rater registry [1]. The state of Arkansas defers entirely to that structure.
What Arkansas does require, indirectly, is energy code compliance on new construction. The state adopted the 2009 IECC as its statewide minimum residential energy code, administered by the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment [2]. Builders who want to document energy code compliance with a HERS score instead of the prescriptive path need a certified HERS rater to produce that rating. The rater's credential still comes from RESNET, not from Little Rock.
So if you've been hunting for an "Arkansas HERS rater license application" and coming up empty, that's why. The credential you need is RESNET Certified Energy Rater, and you get it through a RESNET-accredited Rating Provider, not through any state office.
What body actually governs HERS rater certification in Arkansas?
RESNET is the governing body. It accredits Rating Providers (organizations, not individuals) who in turn train, mentor, test, and certify individual raters. The rating standard is ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, an American National Standard published jointly with the International Code Council [1].
Here's how the chain works in Arkansas:
1. RESNET accredits a Rating Provider. 2. That Rating Provider offers RESNET-approved training. 3. You complete training, pass the RESNET certification exam, and get mentored through your first field ratings. 4. The Rating Provider registers you in the RESNET Rater Registry. 5. You appear on the public registry as a Certified Energy Rater.
There is no Arkansas Department of Labor step, no state contractor board step, and no state fee anywhere in that chain. If a training vendor tells you there's an Arkansas state application, ask them to name the agency and the statute. There isn't one.
Raters who also do ENERGY STAR or DOE Zero Energy Ready Home verifications pick up overlay requirements from EPA and DOE. Those are federal program requirements, not Arkansas state requirements [3].
How much does becoming a HERS rater cost in Arkansas?
First-year cost for most people in Arkansas lands between $400 and $1,500. That's a wide range, and it's wide for a real reason: training format is the biggest variable.
Here's how the costs break down:
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RESNET accredited training course | $300 to $800 | Online self-paced vs. in-person live varies most |
| RESNET membership / Rating Provider affiliation | $0 to $200/yr | Some providers bundle this into training |
| Certification exam (included or separate) | $0 to $150 | Many providers include the exam in course price |
| Blower door equipment | $1,500 to $4,000+ | Can be rented or borrowed early on |
| Software (REM/Rate or similar) | $300 to $600/yr | Some providers offer discounts |
Equipment is the single biggest cost variable for new raters. A blower door alone runs $1,500 to $4,000 new [4]. Plenty of Arkansas raters start by renting equipment per job or borrowing from their Rating Provider while they build a client base. That's not cutting corners. That's how most raters actually start.
Arkansas's cost structure is nearly identical to its neighbors because RESNET fees don't change by state. The differences you'll see are in local training availability and whether you can find a Rating Provider with an Arkansas presence willing to mentor you at lower cost. See how similar cost structures play out in HERS rater cost in Alabama or the HERS rater board in Georgia for a southeast comparison.
HERSPath's own entry-level option pairs a $179 one-time RESNET membership and blower door kit resource at /start for people who want to map costs before committing to a full training course. That's relevant mid-path, not a replacement for an accredited training program.
One number to know: RESNET's published annual rater membership fee changes periodically, so confirm current figures with RESNET before you budget [1].
How long does it take to become a HERS rater in Arkansas?
Four to twelve weeks from starting training to being listed on the RESNET registry as a Certified Energy Rater. The spread comes from a few factors.
Training itself runs three to five days for an in-person course, or two to six weeks self-paced online. After training, you complete your mentored ratings under a certified Rater Trainer. RESNET requires a minimum number of mentored ratings before you can be fully certified on your own [1]. The exact current requirement lives in the RESNET standards, so confirm it there. RESNET has updated that number in recent years.
The mentored rating step is usually the longest delay in Arkansas. If your Rating Provider has an active trainer in the state, you might finish mentored ratings in two to four weeks. If you're in a rural part of Arkansas and the nearest active Rater Trainer sits in Little Rock or across the border in Tennessee or Texas, scheduling can stretch things out. That's a real friction point in lightly covered states.
Once mentored ratings are submitted and approved, your Rating Provider registers you with RESNET. That registry update is usually fast, often within a week.
There is no state-side waiting period because there's no state application. The whole clock is driven by your training schedule, exam pass, and mentored rating completion.
How do you find a RESNET Rating Provider serving Arkansas?
RESNET keeps a public directory of accredited Rating Providers, searchable by state [8]. As of 2025, Arkansas is served by national providers who operate remotely and by some regional providers with personnel in the state. National providers can train you anywhere in the country through online coursework, but your mentored ratings still have to happen in person on actual homes.
When you evaluate providers, ask these specific questions:
- Do you have a Rater Trainer who can do in-person mentored ratings in Arkansas?
- Is the RESNET exam included in the course price?
- Does affiliation with your Rating Provider satisfy the RESNET membership requirement, and what does that cost annually?
- What software license does your training cover?
Providers differ a lot on each of those points, and the answers will shift your total cost estimate. Some bundle everything into one flat fee. Others charge separately for each piece. Neither approach is better on its own. It depends on what you need.
For a sense of how neighboring states handle provider availability, the HERS rater board in Tennessee and HERS rater board in Texas cover states that share providers with Arkansas and have more training events on the calendar each year.
Does Arkansas have an energy code that creates demand for HERS raters?
Yes, and this matters if you're weighing whether Arkansas is a viable market. Arkansas adopted the 2009 IECC as its baseline statewide energy code for residential construction [2]. That's behind the current 2021 IECC edition, but it's still a mandatory code that new residential construction has to meet.
Under the 2009 IECC, builders can comply prescriptively (following the code's insulation, window, and equipment tables) or through the performance path, where a HERS Index score demonstrates compliance. The performance path requires a certified HERS rater to run the software model and certify the result. That creates a real market for raters, especially with production builders who want flexibility in how they hit the numbers.
Arkansas utilities and programs also offer incentives tied to HERS scores. Entergy Arkansas, for example, has run new construction programs where a HERS score is required to qualify for incentives [5]. Those programs change, so verify current requirements directly with Entergy Arkansas. The point stands: demand for HERS ratings in Arkansas comes from more than code compliance.
Federal programs add another layer. ENERGY STAR Certified Homes requires a HERS rater for verification, and the federal Section 45L tax credit for new efficient homes references ENERGY STAR or DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification [6]. Builders chasing those credits in Arkansas need a certified rater.
The market is smaller than California or Texas, but it's real, and it isn't saturated in rural areas.
What's the RESNET exam and how hard is it?
The RESNET Certified Energy Rater exam covers building science fundamentals, HERS methodology, blower door and duct leakage testing procedures, and interpretation of software outputs. It's a proctored exam, offered through an online proctoring service or at a testing center.
RESNET doesn't publish pass rates in a way I can cite with confidence, so I won't give you a number. What training providers consistently report is that candidates who finish an accredited course and do the practice exercises pass on the first attempt at a high rate. The people who struggle usually skipped the practice problems or waited too long after finishing the course material.
The exam is built on ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, the technical standard for the HERS Index [1]. Reading that document before the exam isn't required, but understanding its structure helps, because the exam references specific protocol requirements that memorizing slides won't cover.
If you fail, RESNET allows retakes. Confirm the retake policy and any fee with your Rating Provider. Some include a retake in the course fee and some don't.
Can you do HERS ratings in Arkansas if you're certified in another state?
Yes. HERS certification is national and there's no state license involved, so a rater certified in any state can legally perform ratings in Arkansas. Your RESNET certification is valid nationwide [1]. You just need to be listed on the RESNET Rater Registry as an active Certified Energy Rater and affiliated with an accredited Rating Provider.
It works the other way too. An Arkansas-trained rater can take jobs in Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, or any other state without applying for a new credential in each jurisdiction. That portability is one of the real advantages of the RESNET system over state-licensed trades.
If you're already certified in a neighboring state and thinking about expanding into Arkansas, the only practical question is whether you can find enough volume to justify the drive. RESNET's registry lets potential clients search by zip code, so showing up as available in Arkansas zip codes is a matter of updating your profile with your Rating Provider.
How does Arkansas compare to neighboring states for HERS rater requirements?
The requirements are essentially identical across most states because there's no state licensing layer anywhere in the southeast. Here's how the key variables compare:
| State | State license required | Energy code edition | State HERS program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | No | 2009 IECC [2] | No separate state program |
| Alabama | No | 2009 IECC [7] | No separate state program |
| Mississippi | No | 2012 IECC | No separate state program |
| Tennessee | No | 2021 IECC | No separate state program |
| Texas | No | 2015 IECC | No separate state program |
What actually varies is the energy code edition, which affects how much builder demand exists for performance-path ratings. Tennessee's 2021 IECC adoption makes prescriptive compliance more complex, which pushes more builders toward the performance path and toward HERS raters. Arkansas's older code is simpler prescriptively, which means less forced demand. The federal incentive structure (Section 45L tax credits) pushes demand regardless of state code vintage.
For the full picture on states with similar structures, see HERS rater board in Alabama, HERS rater board in Colorado, and HERS rater board in Florida.
What ongoing requirements keep your HERS certification active in Arkansas?
RESNET requires continuing education for raters to keep an active certification. The current requirement lives in the RESNET standards and has been updated over time, so check the current version rather than relying on any number you read here [1]. In recent years, RESNET has required annual continuing education hours and an annual membership/affiliation fee paid through your Rating Provider.
There is no Arkansas-specific continuing education requirement on top of RESNET's. No state board renewal, no state CE hours, no Arkansas form to file.
Raters also have to maintain a quality assurance record. RESNET requires that a percentage of each rater's completed ratings be independently reviewed through a quality assurance process run by the Rating Provider or a RESNET QA Provider. If your QA review finds problems, your certification can be placed in review status. That's a real mechanism and it does happen, so understand it before you start submitting ratings.
Blower door calibration is another ongoing requirement. Testing equipment must be calibrated on a schedule set by the manufacturer and referenced in RESNET protocols. Calibration is usually every two years for blower doors, but confirm with your equipment manufacturer and your Rating Provider.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license for HERS rater in Arkansas?
No state license is required. Arkansas has no licensing board for HERS raters. You need RESNET certification, a national credential administered by RESNET through accredited Rating Providers. Once certified, you're listed on the RESNET Rater Registry and can legally perform HERS ratings in Arkansas and every other state without applying for additional state credentials.
How much does HERS rater certification cost in Arkansas?
First-year costs typically run $400 to $1,500, not counting major equipment purchases. Training courses run $300 to $800 depending on format. RESNET affiliation, exam fees, and software can add $300 to $600 more. Equipment (blower door, duct blaster) is the biggest variable and can cost $1,500 to $4,000 new, though many new raters start by renting. There are no Arkansas state fees.
How long does it take to become a HERS rater in Arkansas?
Four to twelve weeks is realistic. Training takes three to five days in person or two to six weeks online. After training, you complete RESNET-required mentored ratings under a certified Rater Trainer before full certification. Finding an active trainer in Arkansas, particularly in rural areas, can be the longest delay. There's no state application waiting period because there's no state application.
Is there a HERS rater board or state agency in Arkansas that issues the credential?
No. There is no Arkansas state board, state agency, or state application involved in HERS rater certification. RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network, is the sole governing body. Your certification comes from RESNET through an accredited Rating Provider. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment enforces the state energy code but does not issue rater credentials.
What is the RESNET exam like for HERS raters in Arkansas?
The RESNET certification exam covers building science, HERS methodology, blower door and duct leakage testing, and software interpretation. It's proctored and can be taken through an online proctoring service or testing center. The content is based on ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301. Candidates who finish an accredited training course and do the practice work consistently report passing on the first attempt. Retake policies vary by provider.
Can I perform HERS ratings in Arkansas if I'm certified in another state?
Yes. RESNET certification is national and valid in all 50 states. If you're an active Certified Energy Rater on the RESNET registry, you can legally perform ratings in Arkansas without any additional credential. You simply need to be affiliated with an accredited Rating Provider and keep your certification active and in good standing.
Does Arkansas have an energy code that requires HERS ratings?
Arkansas adopted the 2009 IECC as its statewide residential energy code minimum. Builders can comply through a prescriptive path or a performance path. The performance path uses a HERS Index score and requires a certified HERS rater. Federal incentives like the Section 45L tax credit also require HERS ratings tied to ENERGY STAR certification, creating demand beyond what the state code alone requires.
What Rating Providers serve Arkansas for HERS rater training?
RESNET maintains a searchable directory of accredited Rating Providers. Both national providers with online training and regional providers with an Arkansas presence appear in it. When comparing providers, ask specifically whether they have a Rater Trainer who can conduct in-person mentored ratings in Arkansas. That's a practical requirement for certification and the biggest scheduling bottleneck in rural areas.
What ongoing requirements do HERS raters in Arkansas have to meet?
RESNET requires annual continuing education and an annual affiliation fee through your Rating Provider. A percentage of your completed ratings must also pass a quality assurance review. There are no additional Arkansas state requirements on top of RESNET's standards. Blower door equipment must be calibrated per manufacturer schedule, typically every two years. Confirm current CE hour requirements directly with RESNET, since they've been updated in recent years.
How does the HERS rater market look in Arkansas compared to neighboring states?
Arkansas's market is smaller than Texas or Tennessee but real. Demand comes from builders using the IECC performance path, utility incentive programs like Entergy Arkansas's new construction programs, and federal Section 45L tax credit applications tied to ENERGY STAR. Rural Arkansas has relatively few active raters, which can mean less competition for new entrants willing to travel. Certification requirements match neighboring states since there's no state licensing layer.
What software do HERS raters in Arkansas use?
The two most common options are REM/Rate (from Noresco) and EnergyGauge (from FSEC). Both are RESNET-approved software tools for producing HERS ratings. Annual license costs typically run $300 to $600. Some Rating Providers include a discounted or trial software license in their training packages. Your Rating Provider may have a preference, so ask before buying a standalone license.
Do utility programs in Arkansas require HERS ratings?
Some do. Entergy Arkansas has offered new construction efficiency programs where a HERS Index score is required to qualify for incentives. Program details change annually, so contact Entergy Arkansas directly to confirm current terms. Other national programs operating in Arkansas, like ENERGY STAR Certified Homes and the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, also require HERS rater involvement for verification.
Is there a fee to join RESNET as an individual HERS rater?
Individual raters usually pay an annual affiliation fee through their Rating Provider rather than directly to RESNET. The fee structure varies by provider. Some bundle affiliation into their training package or annual membership fee. Others charge it separately. RESNET publishes its fee schedule, but the price you pay may differ depending on how your Rating Provider structures its agreements. Confirm current costs directly.
Sources
- RESNET, ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Dwelling and Sleeping Units using an Energy Rating Index: RESNET is the national body that administers HERS certification, accredits Rating Providers, and publishes the ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 standard governing HERS ratings and rater requirements.
- Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction: Arkansas adopted the 2009 IECC as its statewide residential energy code minimum.
- U.S. EPA, ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program requirements: ENERGY STAR Certified Homes requires a RESNET-certified HERS rater for verification, creating federal program overlay requirements independent of state licensing.
- The Energy Conservatory, Minneapolis Blower Door product information: Blower door equipment for HERS ratings typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 new.
- Entergy Arkansas, residential energy efficiency programs: Entergy Arkansas has run new construction efficiency programs requiring a HERS score for incentive qualification.
- U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Section 45L New Energy Efficient Home Credit: The Section 45L federal tax credit for new efficient homes requires ENERGY STAR certification or DOE Zero Energy Ready Home certification, both of which require HERS rater involvement.
- Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Energy Division: Alabama, like Arkansas, adopted the 2009 IECC as its residential energy code baseline with no state HERS rater licensing requirement.
- RESNET, Find a Rating Provider directory: RESNET maintains a public, searchable directory of accredited Rating Providers by state, including providers serving Arkansas.
- U.S. DOE, Zero Energy Ready Home Program requirements: DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program requires a certified HERS rater for verification, creating demand for raters in Arkansas independent of state code requirements.