To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Arkansas, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the nurse aide competency exam, and be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to obtain your CNA license, verify your status, renew or reinstate your certification, and transfer an active out-of-state credential—based on current requirements from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS).
How to Get Your CNA License in Arkansas
The certification process is overseen by DHS and administered through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system by D&SDT-Headmaster.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Enroll in a DHS-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) consisting of 90 hours:
- 74 hours of classroom/lab instruction
- 16 hours of supervised clinical experience
The initial 16 hours must cover safety, infection control, communication, and residents’ rights before direct contact.
Step 2: Wait for TMU Record
Your instructor will submit your record to the TMU portal. TMU will email your login credentials—check your spam folder if needed.
Step 3: Activate Your TMU Account
Log in, reset your password, and complete your demographic profile before scheduling your exam. Incomplete profiles may result in denied testing and forfeited fees.
Step 4: Pay the Exam Fee
If not prepaid by your program, pay with debit or credit card in TMU.
| Exam Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Knowledge (written) | $30 |
| Knowledge (oral) | $40 |
| Skills | $95 |
| Total (written + skills) | $125 |
| Total (oral + skills) | $135 |
DHS covers testing fees for candidates employed by or with an offer from a Medicaid-certified facility.
Step 5: Schedule Your CNA Exam
Schedule through TMU after payment and profile completion. Some programs may do this for you. You must pass both exams within one year of training, with up to three attempts.
Knowledge Exam
- 75 multiple-choice questions
- Time: 60 minutes
- Passing Score: 76%
- Formats: written, oral, Spanish
Skills Exam
- 3–4 random tasks (includes handwashing)
- Time: 30 minutes
- Must complete all key steps and score 80% overall
What to Bring
- Valid, unexpired U.S. photo ID (must match TMU)
- Training certificate (uploaded to TMU)
What to Wear
- Scrubs (any color)
- Closed-toe, non-skid shoes
- Hair tied back
Improper ID or attire results in no-show status and forfeited fees.
Step 6: Check Your Results
Scores are posted to your TMU account by 7:00 PM CT the next business day.
Step 7: Get Listed on the Registry
After passing both exams, D&SDT-Headmaster submits your results to DHS. Your name is added automatically to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. No separate application is required.
Need help? Call (888) 401-0462 or email arkansas@hdmaster.com.
Neighboring States: Louisiana • Missouri • Mississippi • Oklahoma • Tennessee • Texas
State-Approved CNA Programs in Arkansas
The following programs are approved by DHS. When choosing, compare tuition, location, schedule, clinical access, and job placement support.
-
Arkansas Northeastern College
2501 S Division St, Blytheville, AR 72315(870) 762-1020 -
Arkansas State University
5504 Krueger Dr, Jonesboro, AR 72401(870) 932-2176 -
Arkansas State University
1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653(870) 508-6100 -
Arkansas State University
7648 Victory Blvd, Newport, AR 72112(870) 512-7800 -
Arkansas State University
2000 W Broadway Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301(870) 733-6722 -
Arkansas Tech University
1700 Helberg Ln, Ozark, AR 72949(479) 667-2117 -
College of the Ouachitas
One College Cir, Malvern, AR 72104(501) 337-5000 -
East Arkansas Community College
1700 New Castle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335(870) 633-4480 -
Little Rock Job Corps Center
6900 Scott Hamilton Dr, Little Rock, AR 72209(501) 618-2500 -
North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601(870) 743-3000 -
Northwest Arkansas Community College
1 College Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712(479) 986-4000 -
Northwest Technical Institute
709 S Old Missouri Rd, Springdale, AR 72764(479) 751-8824 -
Ozarka College
218 College Dr, Melbourne, AR 72556(870) 368-2300 -
Phillips Community College
1210 Ricebelt Ave, DeWitt, AR 72042(870) 946-3506 -
South Arkansas Community College
300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730(870) 862-8131 -
Southeast Arkansas College
1900 S Hazel St, Pine Bluff, AR 71603(870) 543-5900 -
Southern Arkansas University Tech
6415 Spellman Rd, Camden, AR 71701(870) 574-4500 -
University of Arkansas
5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904(479) 788-7000 -
University of Arkansas - Hope & Texarkana
3501 U of A Way, Texarkana, AR 71854(870) 777-5722 -
University of Arkansas at Monticello
1326 State Hwy 52, Wilmot, AR 71676(870) 364-6414 -
University of Arkansas Community College
1100 College Dr, Mena, AR 71953(479) 394-7622 -
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501(870) 612-2000
How to Verify Your CNA License in Arkansas
Use the registry to confirm certification status, work eligibility, and renewal.
Step 1: Visit the Search Page
Go to the Arkansas CNA Registry Search.
Step 2: Choose Search Type
- Registration number
- Full name
- Last four digits of SSN
Step 3: Submit and Review
Click Search to view:
- Full name and certification number
- Status: Must be Active to work
- Issue and expiration dates
- Misconduct history
Phone Verification: Call D&SDT-Headmaster at (888) 401-0465, Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT.
How to Renew Your CNA License in Arkansas
CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months through the TMU portal. There is no grace period.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- At least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related work in the past 24 months
- No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
Step 2: Log in to TMU
Go to the TMU portal and sign in with your email and password. Use “Forgot Password” if needed.
Step 3: Enter Employment Details
- Click Employment tab
- Select Add Employment Renewal
- Enter employer details, employment dates, and hours worked
Step 4: Await Employer Verification
TMU will email your employer for verification. Once verified, certification is renewed for 24 months. No fee required.
Step 5: Check Your Status
Visit the Arkansas CNA Registry Search to confirm status.
Important: TMU sends reminders 60 days before expiration via email and text. Keep contact details current.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Arkansas
If your CNA license expired due to inactivity, you must retake the competency exam.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- No paid CNA work in the past 24 months
- Not eligible for renewal through TMU
Step 2: Request Testing Authorization
Contact D&SDT-Headmaster at (888) 401-0462 or email arkansas@hdmaster.com. TMU will send login credentials once authorized.
Step 3: Complete Your TMU Profile
- Log in and reset your password
- Ensure your profile matches your ID
Step 4: Pay Exam Fees
- Knowledge Exam: $30
- Skills Exam: $95
If employed by or offered a job at a Medicaid-certified facility, DHS may cover testing fees.
Step 5: Schedule Your Exams
- Knowledge exam: in person or remote
- Skills exam: in person only
Step 6: Pass the Exams
- Knowledge: 75 multiple-choice questions
- Skills: 3–4 assigned tasks
You must pass both exams within one year of authorization, with up to three attempts. If unsuccessful, you must complete a new training program before reapplying.
Step 7: Confirm Reinstatement
After passing both exams, check your updated status on the CNA Registry Search.
Need help? Contact D&SDT-Headmaster at (888) 401-0462.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to Arkansas
Out-of-state CNAs may transfer certification to Arkansas via reciprocity.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Active certification in another U.S. state or territory
- Good standing, no substantiated findings
- No prior Arkansas CNA certification
Step 2: Submit the Reciprocity Application
Complete the Reciprocity Application (Form 9110AR) in TMU. Provide personal, contact, and certification details.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
- Valid U.S. photo ID
- Social Security card
- Proof of nurse aide training (certificate, diploma, or transcript showing at least 90 training hours)
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Submit the $25 non-refundable fee online through TMU. Applications are not reviewed until payment is received.
Step 5: Access Your TMU Account
Once approved, TMU will send login credentials by email. Log in to complete your profile and monitor status.
Step 6: Confirm Your Arkansas Listing
If approved, your name will appear on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. No further action is required.
Need help? Contact D&SDT-Headmaster at (888) 401-0462 or email arkansas@hdmaster.com.
Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry
The Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry, managed by D&SDT-Headmaster with DHS, is the official system for verifying CNA certification, employment eligibility, renewal status, exam results, and disciplinary findings. All applications, renewals, and updates are processed through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal.
Contact Information
- Mailing Address: PO Box 6609, Helena, MT 59604
- Phone: (888) 401-0465
- Fax: (406) 442-3357
- Email: arkansas@hdmaster.com
- Registry Search: Arkansas CNA Registry Search
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a CNA in Arkansas?
You must complete a DHS-approved NATCEP, pass both knowledge and skills exams administered by Headmaster, and be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry.
How do I schedule the Arkansas CNA exam?
Create an account on the Arkansas TMU portal, upload your Certificate of Completion and valid photo ID, and schedule the exam.
Can I work while waiting for my CNA license in Arkansas?
No. You must be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry before providing care or working as a CNA.
Does Arkansas issue physical CNA certificates?
No. Certification status is maintained electronically in the TMU system.
Can I get a training waiver to take the CNA exam in Arkansas?
You may qualify if you:
- Completed at least 90 hours of nurse aide training in another state without passing a comparable exam
- Completed a basic nursing course as a student or graduate nurse
- Completed at least 90 hours of military healthcare training as a service member, veteran, or spouse
Submit the waiver application through the Arkansas TMU portal. You must pass both exams within one year to be listed on the Registry.
What ADA accommodations are available?
Submit the ADA Accommodation Request Form with documentation through TMU. All accommodations must be approved before scheduling.
How do I update my name or address on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry?
Complete the Demographic Change/Correction Request Form on TMU. Legal documentation is required for name changes. Keep contact info current for renewal notices.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: 90-hour CNA program with 74 hours of instruction and 16 hours of clinical training.
- Pass both exams through TMU: Knowledge and skills exams by D&SDT-Headmaster required for Registry listing.
- Stay active with paid work: At least 8 hours of paid CNA employment every 24 months in an approved setting.
- Renew online through TMU: Log in, record employment details, and complete renewal with employer verification.
- Out-of-state CNAs apply by reciprocity: Submit the TMU application, upload documents, and pay $25 to transfer certification.
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