Arkansas Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in Arkansas requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for Arkansas as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in Arkansas Real estate broker license required. Arkansas business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 60 hours of approved coursework
Broker upgrade: 30 hrs broker pre-license
Experience Required 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: PSI national + Arkansas state exam
Application fee: $50
License fee: $75
Exam note: 7 hours mandatory CE annually including 1 hr ethics
Continuing Education 7 hours per year required to maintain active Arkansas broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in Arkansas Arkansas business brokers operating on asset-only deals under $10M generally operate under the real estate broker license. M&A advisors facilitating equity transactions or larger deals should review FINRA Series 79 requirements. The Arkansas Securities Department oversees securities-related M&A activity.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in Arkansas 1. Complete 60 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the PSI national + Arkansas state exam 3. Obtain your Arkansas salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for 2 years as licensed salesperson/broker 5. Complete 30 hrs broker pre-license and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility