State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). 20 CAR § 403-102 ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Arkansas at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Arkansas Department of Human Services; D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Arkansas CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires at least 91 total training hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. The current Code of Arkansas Rules states the 91-hour total.[3] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- Pass the Arkansas nurse aide knowledge and skills examination; the DHS page links the public registry and its testing vendor for scheduling.[1]
- The Arkansas CNA Registry is publicly searchable through the vendor portal linked by DHS.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
DHS CNA training-program and registry-vendor entry point ↗[1] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What are the steps?
Choose a program that meets the current rule
The current rule requires at least 91 total hours. Ask the program to confirm its approved classroom, lab and clinical schedule.[3]
Complete an approved program
Use a program approved by DHS Office of Long Term Care.[1]
Schedule and pass the exam
Follow the DHS-linked testing vendor for knowledge and skills testing.[1]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm provider approval with DHS. The state does not publish one current standalone directory.
Where did this information come from?
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Program ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · CNA training program entry; public registry search; exam scheduling through D&S/Headmaster
- 2024 Arkansas LTCF nurse assistant training rules (superseded on the hour total) ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · 2024 rules PDF: 90-hour total; the current Code of Arkansas Rules states 91 hours and controls.
- 20 CAR § 403-203 Implementation requirements ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 20 CAR 403-203(a)(2), (c) and (d): 91 total hours; initial 16 classroom hours; remaining 75 hours including at least 16 supervised practical hours.
See the partial CNA program list →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Arkansas?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Arkansas Department of Human Services; D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state registry placement — Current, good-standing aide in another state
Key requirement: A substantially similar competency exam passed within one year of training can support placement.
Regain employment eligibility — Arkansas aide without eight paid nursing-related hours in 24 consecutive months
Key requirement: Pass both Arkansas competency examination components; contact Headmaster for authorization.
What are the first steps for Out-of-state registry placement?
Use Form 9110AR
Open Applications on Arkansas TMU; submit the form, required documents and processing fee.
What else should you know?
- The separate out-of-state training waiver requires at least 90 training hours and Arkansas testing within one year of comparable training.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current fee and required documents with the agency.
- Confirm who must send the registry verification.
- Confirm the current agency hub and application details with DHS. The contractor page identifies the DHS partnership.
What will the Arkansas planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Out-of-state registry placement, Regain employment eligibility)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Arkansas? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Arkansas?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every 24 months from certification. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least one documented day (8 hours) of paid nursing or nursing-related work in any setting during the prior two years. If you work for private-pay clients, include a check stub and a notarized letter from your employer. |
| CE or in-service | Arkansas's renewal rule requires documented paid work; it doesn't list continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew online in TMU about 60 days before your certification expires, but not more than 60 days early. Headmaster sends email and text reminders 60 days before expiration. |
| If the credential lapses | If you can't document qualifying work, you must pass a new competency evaluation to be recertified. If your certification expired more than 24 months ago, you must retest and complete 16 hours of clinical training. |
Arkansas CNA certification renews every 24 months. You need at least one documented 8-hour day of paid nursing or nursing-related work in any setting during the prior two years; private-pay work needs a check stub and a notarized employer letter. Renew online about 60 days before expiration, and no earlier. The renewal rule doesn't list continuing education. Without qualifying work, you must pass a new competency test; if you've been expired more than 24 months, you must also complete 16 hours of clinical training.
Source: 20 CAR 403-603 Certification renewal ↗ Arkansas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook ↗
Open the official Arkansas registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state