CNA License in Arkansas

How to Get a 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.

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.

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.

1. Arkansas Northeastern College

   2501 S Division St, Blytheville, AR 72315
   (870) 762-1020

2. Arkansas State University

   1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
   (870) 508-6100

3. Arkansas State University

   7648 Victory Blvd, Newport, AR 72112
   (870) 512-7800

4. Arkansas Tech University

   1700 Helberg Ln, Ozark, AR 72949
   (479) 667-2117

5. East Arkansas Community College

   1700 New Castle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335
   (870) 633-4480

6. North Arkansas College

   1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601
   (870) 743-3000

7. Northwest Arkansas Community College

   1 College Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712
   (479) 986-4000

8. Phillips Community College

   1210 Ricebelt Ave, DeWitt, AR 72042
   (870) 946-3506

9. Southeast Arkansas College

   1900 S Hazel St, Pine Bluff, AR 71603
   (870) 543-5900

10. University of Arkansas

    5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72904
    (479) 788-7000

11. University of Arkansas - Hope & Texarkana

    3501 U of A Way, Texarkana, AR 71854
    (870) 777-5722

12. University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville

    2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501
    (870) 612-2000

How to Verify a 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

How to Renew a 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.

How to Reinstate a 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.

How to Transfer a 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.

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.