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Becoming a CNA in Arkansas

Steps to Become a CNA in Arkansas:

    1. Requirements – Learn about Arkansas’ specific requirements to become a CNA.

    1. Attend a School – Explore what it means to attend an approved CNA program in Arkansas and what to consider when choosing a program.

    1. Test Information – Understand what the Arkansas CNA test includes and how to prepare.

    1. Certification Registration and Upkeep – Discover how to register and maintain your CNA certification 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

PAL C.N.A. Training Academy

PAL CNA Training Academy stands out for its stackable credential opportunities, allowing students to advance into additional certifications like EKG and phlebotomy. The program also offers flexible payment plans, no high school diploma requirement, and scholarships for eligible students. Read more…
$705
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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 Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description 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 AF1QipNKewojhjrlMoc2OQ_vF6EmdN2UMjZz8hT9-Uli=w533-h240-k-no 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 thumbnail?panoid=8svoJyCnpnpQ_GvmjCyQWg&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=242.4674&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 AF1QipO9DLGVuGob9PO_mpv2IuXq7NrR05iRYylVPbi7=w408-h544-k-no 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 thumbnail?panoid=O3emqtC_1zkowYKMcJxFiw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=90.04514&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 thumbnail?panoid=nCuODnvwNSNziOfy2KcKLA&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=88.22239&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 AF1QipO6pTWFe-JMTB3pBrovUMGivgUTHU1AqtSFLqQw=w408-h272-k-no 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 thumbnail?panoid=ps_A_RZMM7x4Z30n5rEMrQ&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=234.8283&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 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 AF1QipPGchJpyJqq5R3HyWCOvL1frF2ZFzGUf13YBn4u=w408-h544-k-no 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 AF1QipODUDzlpIMpGRTEO43Ohh-ePxI6aSKxJyWUw4ET=w408-h544-k-no 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