Arkansas CNA Requirements 2026
To become a CNA in Arkansas, complete a state-approved training program of at least 90 hours, pass the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, and get listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. The Office of Long Term Care (OLTC) oversees the registry and sets eligibility standards for the exam. Background check requirements are typically imposed by employers and healthcare facilities and may be required under Arkansas law for certain positions.
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Arkansas nursing assistants are regulated by the Office of Long Term Care (OLTC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The OLTC sets program standards, approves candidates for testing, and maintains the nurse aide registry. The OLTC contracts with D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to administer the competency exam and manage the nurse aide registry. Most candidates work directly with the Headmaster to apply and schedule their exam.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam information, application steps, and registry details.
- Training Pathways
- Examination Requirements
- Keeping Your Registration Active
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Application Process
- Fee Payment
- Contacts and Additional Information
Training Pathways
Training is required before taking the competency exam. Arkansas-approved CNA programs include at least 90 hours of education and training, typically structured as approximately 74 hours of classroom and lab instruction and 16 hours of clinical experience at an approved facility. The most direct route is to complete one of these state-approved programs.
Other eligibility pathways are available for candidates with related healthcare training.
Out-of-state training, no certification: Nursing assistants who completed programs in another state but never tested or obtained certification may still be eligible to sit for the Arkansas exam, provided the OLTC determines that the training meets federal standards.
LPN or RN students: Students who have completed at least the equivalent of Basic Nursing I in an LPN or RN program are eligible to take the CNA competency exam.
Home health aide programs: Individuals who completed a federal-compliant home health aide program may test as CNAs without completing separate CNA training. Documentation showing the program was at least 75 hours and met federal testing requirements is required.
Option 8: The OLTC has discretion to approve candidates whose training falls outside the standard pathways. LPNs or RNs who hold current licensure or have held licensure in the past apply under this category. Arkansas also has licensure provisions for active-duty military members, veterans, and military spouses that may affect CNA eligibility. Candidates with military healthcare training or credentials should contact the OLTC directly to discuss their options under Option 8 or applicable military provisions. For information on full nursing licensure requirements in the state, see Arkansas nursing license requirements.
Examination Requirements
Arkansas CNAs take the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which has two components: a knowledge test and a practical skills test. Both parts must be passed to earn certification and be listed on the registry.
The knowledge exam is available only in English, but can be presented in written or oral format. Candidates who are unsure which format to choose can take a reading assessment before making their decision. Format preference is selected at the time of application.
The skills test requires candidates to demonstrate a sampling of nursing assistant tasks. Examples include assisting someone to walk, changing occupied bed linens, and measuring respiratory rate. A resident actor plays the patient during the assessment.
Candidate information bulletins and preparation materials are available on the Headmaster of Arkansas page. Additional study materials are available for a fee. Some Arkansas facilities conduct testing on-site. Candidates who test at a regional site select a site code on their application.
If rescheduling is needed, contact the Headmaster at least five business days before the scheduled date. Missing that window means paying the testing fee again to reschedule.
Three attempts are allowed. Candidates from Arkansas-approved programs must pass within one year of completing the program. Candidates approved through other pathways must test within one year of receiving eligibility approval from the OLTC. Missing that window requires retraining.
Keeping Your Registration Active
Certification doesn’t stay active on its own. To remain listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry, CNAs must document at least eight hours of paid nurse aide work within each 24-month period.
CNAs who have let their certification expire and haven’t worked in a paid nurse aide role within the prior 24 months will need to retake the competency exam. Those who have maintained active employment within that window may be eligible for renewal without retesting. Contact the OLTC directly to confirm which option applies.
Out-of-State CNAs
Out-of-state CNAs who hold a current registration in another state may be candidates for reciprocity to the Arkansas registry. CNAs whose out-of-state registration has lapsed are required to test in Arkansas.
All out-of-state CNA inquiries go to the OLTC at 501-682-8430. The OLTC makes the eligibility determination. Applicants with current or previous out-of-state certification submit exemption and reciprocity forms to the OLTC. Those forms are available directly from the OLTC and through the Arkansas Department of Human Services website.
Once the OLTC reviews the application, it contacts the registries in all states where the CNA is registered. An eligible CNA will either be transferred to the Arkansas registry or authorized to apply directly to the Headmaster.
Application Process
Application procedures vary by eligibility pathway. All candidates create a profile in the TMU (TestMaster Universe) system, Headmaster’s online platform for applications, scheduling, testing records, and registry management.
Arkansas-approved CNA program graduates submit application materials directly to the Headmaster, unless testing is on-site at their school or nursing home. On-site testers may give their applications to an on-site representative. All applicants must include training documentation showing the date of program completion.
Home health aide program graduates also apply directly to the Headmaster and include training documentation.
Former Arkansas CNAs retaking the exam due to an expired certification and lack of recent work experience also apply directly to the Headmaster. Providing a certificate number, if available, is recommended.
Candidates applying through alternate pathways, including Option 8, out-of-state training without certification, and LPN or RN students, first contact the OLTC. After receiving a written approval letter from the OLTC, they submit their application to the Headmaster.
The headmaster sends status emails confirming whether the application is incomplete or complete and whether a testing date has been scheduled. Applications submitted without the required fees are returned without processing.
Fee Payment
Arkansas covers testing fees for candidates who are employed in a nursing home or have a written offer of employment from a nursing home. To have fees covered, submit a letter on the facility letterhead to the Headmaster. The state does not cover rescheduling fees.
Candidates not eligible for state fee coverage should check the current fee schedule on the Headmaster Arkansas page before submitting payment. Accepted payment methods include money order, certified check, and credit card.
Candidates retaking a failed component must submit a new application.
Contacts and Additional Information
The Arkansas Office of Long Term Care can be reached at 501-682-8430 or by email at [email protected]. Information about approved programs, registry verification, and reciprocity forms is available through the Arkansas Department of Human Services website.
Contact D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) directly for questions about application status, exam scheduling, preparation materials, and current fee schedules. The Headmaster Arkansas page lists current contact information and access to the TMU system.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses. CNAs looking to advance their careers can find program options and pathway details in CNA-to-RN programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Arkansas?
Most CNA programs in Arkansas take four to eight weeks to complete. State-approved programs must include at least 90 hours of combined classroom, lab, and clinical training. After completing the program, candidates schedule their competency exam through Headmaster. Add two to four weeks for application processing and exam scheduling, and most candidates are certified within two to three months of starting their program.
Does Arkansas have CNA reciprocity with other states?
Yes. Out-of-state CNAs with a current, active registration in another state may be eligible for reciprocity to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. CNAs whose registration has lapsed must test in Arkansas. The OLTC makes the eligibility determination. Contact the office at 501-682-8430 to start the process.
What is the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry?
The Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry is the official list of CNAs certified to work in the state. Employers use it to verify credentials before hiring. The OLTC maintains the registry, and a CNA must be listed on it to work legally as a nurse aide in Arkansas. Candidates are added to the registry automatically after passing both components of the competency exam.
What happens if I don’t work as a CNA for more than two years?
If you haven’t worked in a paid nurse aide role for more than 24 months and your certification has expired, you’ll need to retake the competency exam. Retesting is required. There’s no option to simply renew. CNAs who have worked at least eight hours in a paid nurse aide role within the past 24 months may be eligible to renew without retesting.
Can LPN or RN students take the Arkansas CNA exam?
Yes. LPN or RN students who have completed at least the equivalent of Basic Nursing I are eligible to sit for the CNA competency exam. These candidates apply through the OLTC first, receive a written approval letter, and then submit their exam application to the Headmaster.
Key Takeaways
- 90-hour minimum training required — Arkansas-approved CNA programs must include at least 90 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical instruction before a candidate is eligible to test.
- Two-part competency exam — The Nursing Assistant Competency Exam includes a knowledge component (written or oral) and a practical skills demonstration. Both must be passed.
- OLTC manages the registry — The Office of Long Term Care maintains the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry and oversees eligibility for all testing pathways, including alternate routes.
- Active employment keeps certification current — CNAs must document at least eight hours of paid nurse aide work every 24 months to remain on the registry without retesting.
- Reciprocity available for active out-of-state CNAs — Currently registered out-of-state CNAs may transfer to the Arkansas registry. Lapsed registrations require testing in Arkansas.
Find approved CNA training programs in Arkansas and other states, along with application links and licensing requirements for your area.