How to Become a CNA in Arkansas

Becoming a CNA in Arkansas requires completing a minimum of 90 hours of state-approved training and passing a two-part competency exam administered by Headmaster LLP. Most people finish the full process from enrollment to registry placement in 6-16 weeks.

Arkansas sets its training requirement above the federal minimum of 75 hours but well below states that require 120-180 hours. That means you can enter the workforce faster than in most states. The Arkansas DHS Office of Long Term Care oversees all approved training programs and the certification process.

This guide covers every step: choosing and completing an approved training program, passing the competency exam, clearing background checks, getting listed on the state registry, and understanding your full costs including free and reduced-cost options.

Arkansas CNA Certification Requirements at a Glance

CNA training in Arkansas leads to placement on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry once you pass the competency exam. Here are the essentials before you start:

Requirement	Details
Minimum training hours	90 hours (~74 classroom + 16 clinical)
Training timeline	4-12 weeks depending on format
Minimum age	16 (some programs require 18)
Exam administrator	Headmaster LLP (D&S Diversified Technologies)
Exam format	75 multiple-choice questions + clinical skills evaluation
Total exam cost	$125 ($30 written + $95 clinical skills)
Total cost range	~$900-$1,900+
Registry	Automatic placement on Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry upon passing
Renewal	Every 2 years; 8 hours paid work required; no renewal fee

For full registry details, including how to look up your status and renew, see the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry guide. If you’re still exploring whether this career is right for you, start with what a CNA does day to day.

Quick Roadmap: 5 Steps to Certification

1. Enroll in a state-approved 90-hour training program
2. Clear your state and federal background checks (starts during training)
3. Complete all classroom and clinical hours
4. Pass the two-part Headmaster competency exam ($125)
5. Get listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry (automatic after passing)

Each step is detailed below with exact costs, timelines, and links.

The step-by-step process ahead is clear once you know what to expect. Many people share that starting feels like this:

“I’ve decided to embark on this journey to help people who need it.. also to help myself in the future and to care for my mother that is ill. I’m currently enrolled in a 4 week course and I’m feeling comfortable but anxious at the same time.”

(551 upvotes — Reddit user)

That mix of ready-but-uncertain is exactly where this guide picks up. Here’s every step, with the specific numbers you need.

Step 1 — Complete a State-Approved Training Program

The training step is where most people need the most guidance, not because the work is complicated, but because the program options look more varied than they are. Arkansas has faster training requirements than most states, and your path from enrollment to exam-ready is more direct than you might expect.

Training Hour Requirements

Arkansas requires a minimum of 90 hours of state-approved CNA training, according to the Arkansas DHS Office of Long Term Care: approximately 74 hours of classroom instruction and 16 hours of clinical practice. The federal minimum is 75 hours. Arkansas exceeds that by 15 hours but remains well below the 120-180 hours many other states require.

Your clinical hours must be completed in an approved setting: a long-term care facility, skilled nursing unit, rehabilitation unit, or inpatient hospice unit. Online or simulated environments do not count for clinical hours.

Some programs offer hybrid formats where classroom lecture hours are completed online, but clinical hours require hands-on patient contact at an approved site. No fully online CNA program exists in Arkansas. For more on online CNA classes and their limitations, that resource covers the distinctions in detail.

UAMS Caregiving Programs: Traditional vs. Fast Track

UAMS Caregiving is the most widely recognized training network in Arkansas, operating at multiple sites statewide. Their own website doesn’t clearly explain the two distinct tracks available, so here’s the breakdown:

Track	Total Hours	Structure	Available Sites
Traditional	116 hours	3 sequential courses: In-Home Assistant (40hr) + Alzheimer’s and Dementia (16hr) + Home Care Assistant (60hr)	El Dorado, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Texarkana, Springdale
Fast Track	91 hours	Single combined course covering all three components	Little Rock and Fort Smith ONLY

Both tracks lead to the same outcome. Graduates receive the “Geriatric Home Caregiver (GHC)” designation and qualify to sit for the Arkansas nurse aide competency exam.

Which track is right for you? If you’re near Little Rock or Fort Smith and want to finish faster, the Fast Track covers the same material in a single 91-hour course. If you need a more gradual pace or are at another location, the traditional 3-course sequence is your path.

One important note: the UAMS Pine Bluff site offers family caregiver workshops only. It does not provide CNA training that qualifies you for the competency exam.

Many people preparing for CNA training run into questions about whether this work is respected before they even start:

“I’ll be starting class soon to be a CNA and everytime I mention it people use the remarks ‘you like to wipe ass?!’ I know the duties, both my parents were CNAs and they talked about their job. Cleaning someone who needs care does not disgust me. I see it as giving them care.”

(851 upvotes — Reddit user)

CNA work is skilled care, and both UAMS tracks prepare you for exactly that. UAMS is one option. Community colleges across the state also run approved programs. Before enrolling anywhere, verify current approval status through the Arkansas DHS OLTC program directory.

Community college options include Arkansas Northeastern College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Phillips Community College, Southern Arkansas University Tech, University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, Ozarka College, and East Arkansas Community College, among others. If you’re in the Little Rock area, you have both the UAMS Fast Track and multiple community college programs to compare.

Program tuition ranges from approximately $705 (Ozarka College) to $1,500 or more depending on the institution and program format. A complete cost breakdown with all line items appears in the costs section below.

If upfront cost is your main obstacle, some Arkansas LTC facilities provide free CNA training while paying a salary during training. That option is covered fully in the free training section.

What to Look for in a Training Program

When comparing Arkansas CNA programs, check for these five things before enrolling:

1. State approval by Arkansas DHS OLTC — mandatory. Only approved programs qualify you for the competency exam.
2. Clinical placement included — some programs charge separately for clinical rotations.
3. Schedule flexibility — evening and weekend cohorts are available at several community colleges.
4. Transparent cost breakdown — all costs should be disclosed upfront, including books, supplies, immunizations, and background check fees.
5. Employer relationships — programs offered through or partnered with LTC facilities often lead directly to job offers after certification.

For a complete evaluation checklist, see how to choose a CNA program. The CNA classes directory lists approved programs by location.

Prerequisites

Before enrolling, confirm you meet these requirements:

• Age: Minimum 16 by state rule. Several programs, including Philander Smith University, require 18. Check with each program individually.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is generally required, though requirements vary by program.
• Immunizations: Most programs require Hepatitis B, a current TB test, and a flu shot. Additional immunizations may be required.
• Background check: Required before your clinical placement begins. See Step 3 for full details.

Step 2 — Pass the Arkansas Nurse Aide Competency Exam

After completing your training, you have one year to pass the two-part CNA exam. Headmaster LLP administers both parts, and you need to pass both to get listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. You can schedule them on the same day or separately within your 12-month window.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test is 75 multiple-choice questions covering nurse aide duties, patient safety, infection control, and care procedures. You need a 76% to pass, which means getting at least 57 of the 75 questions correct.

An audio version is available for candidates with documented needs. A Spanish-language version is also available. If you need either option, request it when scheduling through Headmaster LLP.

To gauge your readiness before test day, work through the free CNA practice exam. Reviewing terminology with CNA exam flash cards is an efficient way to build knowledge recall for the written portion.

Clinical Skills Evaluation

The clinical skills evaluation is where most candidates feel the most pressure. You perform hands-on nursing assistant tasks in front of a registered nurse evaluator who scores your technique, patient safety practices, and communication. You won’t know exactly which skills you’ll be assigned until test day, so practice all of them consistently.

Skills commonly evaluated include handwashing, vital signs measurement, patient positioning, transfers, range-of-motion exercises, and personal care tasks. If your program offers open lab hours, use them. Candidates who practice on real classmates rather than mannequins consistently perform better on test day. Our CNA skills test guide breaks down each skill you may be asked to demonstrate.

A 17-year-old who passed through a high school career and technology program put it this way:

“just wanted to say i’ve officially passed all the tests and i am a registered cna. i’m 17 in HS and went through a career and technology program in my school where i can get my cna. i’m low key proud of myself. to anyone else reading this: you’re doing amazing!”

(671 upvotes — Reddit user)

Arkansas tests you on multiple skills in a single session. Consistent practice across all of them matters more than drilling one skill repeatedly.

Exam Fees, Scheduling, and Retake Policy

Component	Fee
Written/oral knowledge test	$30
Clinical skills evaluation	$95
Total	$125

You register and schedule through Headmaster LLP’s website. If you fail one part, you retake only the failed portion, not both. Each retake attempt costs the same per-part fee.

The 1-year testing window runs from the date you complete your training program. Missing this window may require additional training before you can test again.

One cost-saving option worth knowing: if you’re employed at an LTC facility when you finish training AND you’ve never tested before, the facility can submit a letter of intent to Headmaster LLP to waive your $125 exam fee. This connects directly to the employer-sponsored training option in the free training section.

For a structured study plan, see how to study for the CNA exam.

Step 3 — Clear Background Checks

Arkansas requires background checks before your clinical placement begins during training, and again before registry placement. Plan for this step early. The fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome, and knowing what to expect prevents surprises.

Criminal Background Check

Arkansas DHS Office of Long Term Care (OLTC) coordinates CNA background checks. You will complete both a state criminal background check and a federal FBI fingerprint check, typically initiated through your training program or employer. Fingerprinting is completed via approved Live Scan providers in Arkansas; out-of-state applicants may use ink-based fingerprint cards. The cost is $36.25 or more and is non-refundable regardless of the result. Follow your program’s specific instructions for submission — do not use the Arkansas State Board of Nursing portal, which is for LPN/RN candidates only.

Registry Checks

Beyond the criminal background check, Arkansas checks three separate registries:

1. Employee Clearance Registry (ECR) — checks for substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Arkansas healthcare facilities
2. Adult Maltreatment Registry — checks for substantiated findings of adult abuse or neglect
3. Child Maltreatment Registry — checks for substantiated findings of child abuse or neglect

A substantiated finding on any of these three registries is disqualifying, even without a criminal conviction. These checks are separate from your criminal history review.

Can You Be a CNA with a Felony in Arkansas?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from becoming a CNA in Arkansas. The Arkansas DHS Office of Long Term Care reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis.

Certain offenses are disqualifying: those involving abuse, neglect, misappropriation of patient property, exploitation, or sexual offenses. Convictions outside these categories may still allow certification. The review is individualized, not a blanket prohibition.

Before paying for a training program, contact the DHS Office of Long Term Care directly about your specific situation. Spending money on enrollment before confirming eligibility is a risk worth avoiding with one contact.

One person who had been through this process shared what they found:

“I had a misdemeanor from years ago and was terrified it would keep me from getting certified. It didn’t. Not everything disqualifies you. Just be honest on your application.”

(Reddit user)

Honesty on your application is both required and the practical approach. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, contact the DHS Office of Long Term Care before enrolling.

Step 4 — Get Listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry

What Registry Placement Means

Once you pass both parts of the competency exam, your name is automatically added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. There’s no separate application or waiting period. This listing is what makes you legally authorized to work as a CNA in any Arkansas healthcare facility.

Verifying Your Listing and Next Steps

You can verify your registry status through the TMU Portal at ar.tmuniverse.com. Bookmark it — you’ll return to it every two years for renewal.

Arkansas does not charge a renewal fee, which is a genuine advantage over most states. To keep your certification active, document at least 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work during each 2-year renewal period. Keep records of your qualifying employment hours because you’ll need documentation when you renew.

Keep your contact information current with the registry. If your address changes, update it through the TMU Portal so you receive renewal notices on time.

If Your Certification Lapses

If you do not document at least 8 hours of paid CNA work within your 2-year renewal period, your certification lapses. To reactivate, you must retake the competency exam through Headmaster LLP via the TMU Portal. Extended lapses may require retraining before you can retest — check the current reactivation rules in the Arkansas Candidate Handbook.

Arkansas does not require separate continuing education (CE) hours for CNA renewal — only documentation of 8 hours of paid nursing assistant work. This is simpler than most states, which require 12-48 hours of in-service training per renewal cycle.

The Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry guide has the full lookup walkthrough, step-by-step renewal instructions, and guidance on what to do if your certification lapses.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a CNA in Arkansas?

Expect to pay between $900 and $1,900 or more to become a CNA in Arkansas, depending on which training program you choose. Here’s the full breakdown:

Cost Breakdown

Expense	Cost Range	Notes
Training program tuition	$705-$1,500	Varies by institution; Ozarka College example: ~$705
Competency exam (both parts)	$125	$30 written + $95 clinical skills, via Headmaster LLP
Background check (state + federal)	$36.25+	Non-refundable, required before clinicals
Uniforms/scrubs	$36-$50	Required for clinical rotations
Castlebranch compliance account	$125	Clinical document tracking; required at programs including NWACC
Immunizations/health requirements	$25+	TB test, Hep B, flu shot (varies by program)
Total	~$900-$1,900+	Does not include transportation, childcare, or lost wages during training

Two costs that catch people off guard: the $125 competency exam fee is separate from tuition and rarely included in what programs quote upfront. The Castlebranch compliance account ($125) is another frequently missed line item, required at Northwest Arkansas Community College and several other programs for clinical tracking and document storage.

The CNA community confirms that employer-sponsored training is a real pathway, not marketing language:

“For context I (20F) have been working as a CNA for a year now, said facility paid for my CNA training and was my first ever job as a CNA and in healthcare in general.”

(2,489 upvotes — Reddit user)

Arkansas has several ways to reduce or eliminate these costs. The next section covers all of them.

Free and Reduced-Cost CNA Training in Arkansas

“Free CNA classes in Arkansas” is the most common search variation from people researching certification here. Real options exist, and each path to free or reduced-cost training has specific eligibility requirements.

DHS Licensing Fee Waiver

The Arkansas DHS Occupational Licensing office offers a waiver for initial state licensing and certification fees. You qualify if you meet any one of these seven criteria, according to the Arkansas DHS Occupational Licensing page:

• Current Medicaid recipient
• SNAP (food stamps) recipient
• WIC recipient
• TANF recipient
• Lifeline Assistance recipient
• Approved for unemployment within the last 12 months
• Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level

The waiver covers initial state licensing and certification fees. It does NOT cover the competency exam ($125), the background check ($36.25+), or required medical tests. Apply before starting a program, not after. The process takes time, and you want the waiver confirmed before fees come due.

Employer-Sponsored Training

This is the closest path to truly free CNA certification in Arkansas. Some long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and home health agencies hire you as a nurse aide and cover all CNA training costs while paying you a salary. In exchange, you typically commit to working at the facility for a set period after certification, commonly 6-12 months.

No tuition. Potentially no exam fee (if the facility submits a letter of intent to Headmaster LLP). Income while you train. The trade-off is the employment commitment, which ties you to one facility for a defined period.

Don’t assume every LTC facility offers this. Contact local nursing homes and LTC facilities directly and ask specifically about sponsored training programs. Many don’t advertise them, but hiring decisions often include training support for promising candidates.

WIOA Programs and Exam Fee Waiver

Two additional options worth pursuing:

1. WIOA-approved programs: Some Arkansas CNA programs qualify for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding. Contact your local Arkansas Workforce Center to find out whether CNA training qualifies for workforce development funding in your county.

2. Exam fee waiver: If you’re employed at an LTC facility when you finish your training program AND you’ve never tested before, the facility can submit a letter of intent to Headmaster LLP to waive your $125 exam fee. Combined with employer-sponsored training, this creates a path to certification with very low or zero out-of-pocket cost.

Transferring Your CNA License to Arkansas (Reciprocity)

If you’re already certified as a CNA in another state, Arkansas reciprocity lets you transfer your certification without repeating training. The process requires Form 9110AR, a $25 processing fee, and approximately 2 weeks to complete.

Requirements and Documents

To apply for Arkansas CNA reciprocity, you need to meet all of these conditions:

1. Active, in-good-standing CNA certification in another state
2. Original training was at least 90 hours (Arkansas’s minimum; most states equal or exceed this)
3. Not already listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry
4. Arkansas address on file (or bordering-city exception applies)
5. Competency exam substantially similar to Arkansas’s two-part format

Documents you’ll need ready before starting the application:
– State driver’s license or ID
– Social Security card
– Current CNA certification documentation from your other state

All names must match exactly across all three documents. Discrepancies will delay processing.

Arkansas’s 90-hour training minimum is lower than most states. Most out-of-state CNAs already meet this requirement without any additional coursework.

How to Apply

1. Complete Form 9110AR (Out-of-State ARNAR Reciprocity Form), available on the Headmaster Arkansas forms page
2. Gather all required documents listed above
3. Submit online at ar.tmuniverse.com/apply
4. Pay the $25 processing fee
5. Wait approximately 2 weeks for processing
6. Verify your listing on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry once the application is processed

The $25 processing fee and approximately 2-week timeline are confirmed by Headmaster LLP’s Arkansas reciprocity information. Two weeks is faster than many states, which can take 4-8 weeks for reciprocity review.

Your Next Step

Becoming a CNA in Arkansas comes down to four steps: complete a state-approved training program (90 hours minimum), pass the Headmaster LLP competency exam ($125), clear the background checks, and get listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry.

Arkansas’s 4-12 week training timeline is faster than most states. Free or reduced-cost paths exist for qualifying applicants. And your CNA license in Arkansas is the foundation for advancement into LPN, RN, or specialized healthcare roles.

Start by verifying approved programs through the Arkansas DHS OLTC directory or by exploring CNA training in Arkansas options near you. If cost is a barrier, check your DHS fee waiver eligibility before you enroll.