Arkansas Certified Nursing Assistant License
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Not specified
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate of completion or transcript from a state-approved 90-hour NATCEP.
- Social Security Card — A copy of your official Social Security card for identity verification.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Background Check Results — Cleared state and federal criminal history reports.
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a minimum of 90 hours of state-approved Nurse Aide Training (NATCEP), including 74 classroom hours and 16 clinical hours.
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Clear Criminal Background Checks ▾Complete both state and federal (FBI) criminal background checks. Arkansas residents must use the LiveScan process; out-of-state residents use ink-based fingerprint cards.
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Activate TMU Account ▾Once your training program uploads your record, log in to the Arkansas TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal to complete your profile.
Login to TMU -
Schedule and Pay for Exam ▾Register for the two-part competency exam (Knowledge and Skills) through the TMU portal. The standard fee is $125.
Schedule Exam -
Pass Competency Exams ▾Successfully pass both the multiple-choice knowledge test and the clinical skills evaluation within one year of training completion.
Candidate Handbook -
Verify Registry Placement ▾After passing both exams, your name is automatically added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. Verify your status online.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Not specified
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active CNA certification in good standing in another state and have no substantiated findings of abuse.
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Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the Out-of-State Reciprocity Application (Form 9110AR) online via the TMU portal.
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload Required Documentation ▾Upload copies of your current CNA certificate, Social Security card, and government-issued photo ID.
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Pay Reciprocity Fee ▾Submit the $25 non-refundable processing fee through the TMU portal.
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Wait for Verification ▾Headmaster will verify your status with your previous state's registry. This process typically takes several weeks.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Arkansas Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Delays often occur if fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality or if the applicant has not lived in Arkansas for the last 5 years, requiring a longer federal check.
Name or SSN Mismatch
▾
Ensure the name on your training record, ID, and background check request matches exactly to avoid system errors.
Unresponsive Out-of-State Registries
▾
For reciprocity, delays can occur if the previous state's registry is slow to respond to verification requests.
Questions
How many training hours are required for Arkansas CNA certification?
▾
Arkansas requires a minimum of 90 hours of state-approved training, which includes 74 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical practice.
How do I renew my Arkansas CNA certification?
▾
Renewal is required every 24 months. You must document at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work under the supervision of a licensed nurse during the 24-month period. Renewal is free and completed via the TMU portal.
Is there a fee for CNA renewal in Arkansas?
▾
No, there is currently no fee to renew your CNA certification in Arkansas.
What happens if my CNA certification expires?
▾
If your certification has been expired for more than 24 months without the required work hours, you must retrain and retest to be reinstated on the registry.
Board Info
Sources