How to Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in Arkansas

Who can apply

• You must complete a DHS-approved nursing assistant training program of at least 90 hours (or qualify through an approved alternate route such as student nurse, out-of-state training or military training).
• You must pass the state competency exam within 12 months of finishing training.
• You cannot take the exam if you are listed on the long-term care Employment Clearance Registry with a disqualifying finding or a disqualifying criminal record under Arkansas Code 20-38-101 et seq.

Step by step

1. Complete a DHS-approved training program of at least 90 hours. Your instructor enters your training record in Headmaster's TMU system.
2. Pay the testing fee (DHS pays it once if you work for, or have a letter of intent from, a Medicaid-certified nursing facility) and schedule your exam at ar.tmutest.com.
3. Take the knowledge exam (on site or remotely proctored) and the in-person skills test.
4. Pass both within three attempts and within one year of finishing training. Your name is then added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry (ARNAR); print your certificate from the registry.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Arkansas requires at least 90 hours: at least 74 hours of classroom/lab training plus at least 16 hours of supervised practical (clinical) training in a facility, under the instructor's direct supervision. The first 16 hours (Part I) must be completed before you work with residents. That is 15 hours above the 75-hour federal minimum.

Exam: D&SDT-Headmaster gives the Arkansas exam: a knowledge test (English or Spanish; written or audio) and a skills test. Fees (handbook effective July 1, 2026): knowledge test or retake $30, audio or Spanish audio knowledge test $40, skills test or retake $95. You have three attempts to pass both parts within one year of completing training; otherwise you must retrain.

What it costs in Arkansas

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

What other sites get wrong about Arkansas

Staying on the registry

Renewal: Renew every 24 months in your TMU account at ar.tmutest.com. You must have worked for pay as a nurse aide for at least 8 consecutive hours during the previous 24 months; you record the hours and your employer verifies them by email. Nurse aides with misconduct restrictions cannot renew. If you go 24 months without 8 paid hours, you must pass both parts of the exam again.

Online options: DHS rules allow virtual instruction for the lecture portion of training only, under an approved virtual plan; clinical training is in person. Headmaster offers a remotely proctored knowledge exam; the skills test is in person.

Good to know in Arkansas

Transferring from another state: If you are current and in good standing on another state's registry, submit Headmaster's Out-of-State Reciprocity Form 9110AR with the processing fee and documents. If you trained 90+ hours in another state but never passed a similar exam, apply for an Out-of-State Training Waiver and pass the Arkansas exam within one year of finishing training.

Military and military spouses: Service members and recent veterans with at least 90 hours of military health care training can use the AR Military Waiver Form; military spouses get expedited processing and priority on test day.

Sources

• Arkansas DHS - CNA & NHA Training Program
• Arkansas DHS - Rules for the Arkansas Long Term Care Facility Nursing Assistant Training Program (07/01/2024)
• D&SDT-Headmaster - Arkansas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (effective July 1, 2026)
• D&SDT-Headmaster - Arkansas CNA testing home
• 42 CFR 483.152(c) Prohibition of charges