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How to become a CNA in Arkansas. Training: 90 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $125–$135. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
80% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
90 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
$125–$135
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months, no grace period)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related work in the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
(888) 401-0462
Program Approval Body
Arkansas Department of Human Services – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
90
Total Hours
74
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Arkansas Department of Human Services – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
75
Questions
60 min
Time Limit
76%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3–4
Skills Tasks
31–40 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass within 3 attempts; after 3 failures, must retake training program
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must cover training costs | $575–$1,320 |
Competency Exam Fee Written + skills: $125; oral + skills: $135 (includes $10 eligibility screening fee + $30 knowledge + $95 skills); paid to D&S Headmaster | $125–$135 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; certification is granted upon passing the exam and being placed on the registry | $0 |
Background Check Fee Background check is handled through the eligibility screening process | Included |
Total Initial Fees Total exam fees only (excludes training program tuition); employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid nursing homes must pay exam fees | $125–$135 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months, no grace period)
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related work in the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No fee required for renewal; must verify work hours through the registry
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No grace period; if lapsed, must apply for reinstatement or retrain
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed for more than 24 months without qualifying employment
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Must submit a reciprocity application through the TMU portal with valid ID, Social Security card, and proof of 90+ hours of training
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
Arkansas CNA certification is overseen by the Department of Human Services Office of Long Term Care (not the Board of Nursing), with no state registration or renewal fees. Uses D&S Headmaster for testing with a 76% passing score on a 75-question knowledge exam. Reciprocity requires proof of 90+ training hours, which may require additional training for CNAs from states with lower hour requirements.
Arkansas requires 90 training hours (74 classroom/lab + 16 clinical), exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), not Pearson VUE
The knowledge exam has 75 questions with a 76% passing score and a 60-minute time limit
Exam available in written, oral, or Spanish formats
No renewal fees or state registration fees are charged
The Arkansas DHS Office of Long Term Care oversees CNA certification, not the Board of Nursing
Arkansas does not approve fully online CNA programs; clinical hours must be in-person
Employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must pay exam fees
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#49 of 51
Cost
#17 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$29,670
25th percentile
Median
$31,990
-19% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$36,120
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
17,620 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+255% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$31,990
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$31,990
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$51,030
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$77,130
MSN or DNP + national certification
$113,660
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 7–21 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Arkansas requires 90 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.