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Becoming a CNA in Arkansas

1. Requirements to Become a CNA in Arkansas

To become a CNA in Arkansas, you must meet the following requirements:

Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Arkansas requires you to complete a training program that consists of at least 90 hours. This includes:

74 hours of classroom instruction (theory)

16 hours of supervised clinical (hands-on) training at a long-term care facility or skilled nursing unit

Training Timeframe: The training must be completed within four months (120 days) of working in a facility. After that, you’re required to take the state competency exam.

Background Check: There may be background checks required, especially for employment, to ensure you’re eligible to work in healthcare settings.

Once these requirements are met, you’ll be eligible to register for the state exam.

2. Attend a CNA School in Arkansas

Choosing the right school is a key step in becoming a CNA. Arkansas has several options, including fast-track, online, and hybrid programs. Here are some things to consider:

Things to Look for in a CNA Program:

State Approval: Make sure the program you choose is approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). Only graduates from approved programs can sit for the CNA exam.

Program Format: Arkansas offers flexible training formats, such as in-person, hybrid, or even fully online for the theory portion. The hands-on clinical training must always be done in person.

Program Length: The total program takes 90 hours, but some schools offer accelerated programs that last just a few weeks, while others may stretch the course over several months.

Costs and Financial Aid: Costs can vary by school, so be sure to ask about tuition and additional fees (such as uniforms and textbooks). Scholarships or financial aid might be available through some schools.

Once you’ve completed the required training, you can move on to the next step: taking the CNA exam.

Featured CNA Programs in Arkansas

3. CNA Test Information for Arkansas

After completing a state-approved program, the next step is to take and pass the Arkansas CNA exam. The exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies-HEADMASTER.

CNA Exam Overview:

Knowledge Test: This part of the exam includes 75 multiple-choice questions. You need to score at least 76% to pass. An audio version of the test is also available, and the exam can be taken in Spanish if needed.

Skills Test: You will be tested on your ability to perform clinical skills, such as bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs. You’ll be assigned 3 to 4 tasks, and you must perform each task correctly, including key steps like handwashing. You need to score at least 80% on the skills test to pass.

Test Details:

Attempts: You are allowed up to 3 attempts to pass both the knowledge and skills portions within 1 year of completing your training.

Test Day: Arrive early with a government-issued photo ID and wear clinical attire (scrubs and closed-toe shoes).

CNA Exam Costs:

Written (or Oral) Exam: $30

Skills Test: $95

Ready to test your knowledge? Take our Free CNA Practice Test to help you prepare!

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll need to register with the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry to officially become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

How to Register:

After passing the exam, your certification will automatically be added to the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry. You’ll receive a certificate showing that you’re now a licensed CNA.

Renewal Requirements:

Renew Every 2 Years: Your CNA certification must be renewed every 2 years. To stay active, you must complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work during the certification period.

In-Service Training: Ongoing in-service training is required while working as a CNA. Your employer will provide at least 1 hour of training per month, covering topics such as resident care, safety, and hygiene.

Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date: Make sure your mailing address and contact information are always current with the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry to avoid missing renewal notices.

For any questions or to submit your forms, contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services:

Address:
Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437
Little Rock, AR 72203

Phone: 501-682-1001
Email: natpcertification@dhs.arkansas.gov

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to begin your career as a CNA in Arkansas!

Other Local CNA Programs

id	Name	Website	Street Address	City	State	Zip Code	plus_code	Phone	latitude	longitude	latlong	Category	Reviews	Rating	5star	4star	3star	2star	1star	Monday Hours	Tuesday Hours	Wednesday Hours	Thursday Hours	Friday Hours	Saturday Hours	Sunday Hours	Details
42	Ash Flat Healthcare & Rehab	https://www.ashflathc.com/	66 Ozbirn Ln	Ash Flat	AR	72513	69JR+25 Ash Flat, Arkansas	(870) 994-2341	36.23	-91.61	36.2300949-91.6095275	Nursing home	13	3.9	9	0	1	0	3	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
43	University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville	https://www.uaccb.edu/	2005 White Dr	Batesville	AR	72501	Q9VM+7C Batesville, Arkansas	(870) 612-2000	35.79	-91.62	35.7931929-91.616377	Community college	33	4.9	31	2	0	0	0								More details
44	Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center	https://www.neactc.com/	1727 S Main St	Jonesboro	AR	72401	R7FR+PV Jonesboro, Arkansas	(870) 933-5891	35.82	-90.71	35.824268-90.7077703	Educational institution	3	5.0	3	0	0	0	0	9AM to 3:30PM	9AM to 3:30PM	9AM to 3:30PM	9AM to 3:30PM	9AM to 3:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
45	University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Community College Adult Education	https://www.uarichmountain.edu/	Abernathy Building, 1100 College Dr	Mena	AR	71953	HQRH+9X Mena, Arkansas	(479) 394-7622	34.59	-94.22	34.5909966-94.2200767	Community college	28	4.6	21	3	3	1	0	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 3:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
2,232	Brookridge Cove Rehab & Care	https://www.brookridgecoverehabcarecenter.com/	1000 Brookridge Ln	Morrilton	AR	72110	5799+52 Morrilton, Arkansas	(501) 354-4585	35.17	-92.73	35.1679687-92.7323837	Nursing home	6	4.0	4	0	1	0	1	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
2,233	Villages of General Baptist Assisted Living Center	https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/facilities/the-villages-of-general-baptist-health-care/	7001 S Hazel St	Pine Bluff	AR	71603	5X3G+QM Pine Bluff, Arkansas	(870) 535-9283	34.15	-92.02	34.1544443-92.0232836	Assisted living facility	3	3.7	2	0	0	0	1	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
2,234	Legacy Health and Rehabilitation Center	https://legacyfortsmith.com/	3310 N 50th St	Fort Smith	AR	72904	CJ6F+GW Fort Smith, Arkansas	(479) 783-3101	35.41	-94.38	35.4113254-94.3751429	Nursing home	46	3.3	24	3	1	1	17								More details
2,235	Paris Health and Rehabilitation Center	https://parishealthandrehab.com/	1414 S Elm St	Paris	AR	72855	77J9+9H Paris, Arkansas	(479) 963-6151	35.28	-93.73	35.2809782-93.7310033	Nursing home	18	3.3	10	0	0	1	7								More details
2,236	Texarkana Nursing Academy	https://www.texarkananursingacademyar.com/	718 E 5th St	Texarkana	AR	71854	CXH7+4C Texarkana, Arkansas	(870) 772-6860	33.43	-94.04	33.4277869-94.0363883	Technical school	10	4.9	9	1	0	0	0	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	Closed	Closed	More details
2,237	Arkansas Northeastern College	https://www.anc.edu/	2501 S Division St	Blytheville	AR	72315	V3XH+CM Blytheville, Arkansas	(870) 762-1020	35.90	-89.92	35.8985987-89.9208739	College	32	4.5	22	6	2	1	1	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	Closed	Closed	More details