Nursing Assistants in Arkansas

The Arkansas CNA examination is administered by Prometric in coordination with the state’s Office of Long Term Care. Applicants must take and pass the entire test within one year of training completion to avoid having to retrain. The fee for the examination is $75 for both parts along with an initial nonrefundable eligibility screening fee of $10.

The CNA test is taken in two parts, which are initially completed on the same day. The written exam covers general CNA knowledge. Applicants may choose to take this section orally if they have difficulty reading English. Some testing sites use pencil and paper for this part while others use internet-based testing. Those using online testing will receive their scores immediately upon completion while those using pencil and paper will have their scores mailed to them. This section of the test includes 60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 90 minutes or less.

The second part of the test is the clinical skills section. Individuals will need to demonstrate five skills, including hand washing and indirect care. Three additional skills will be randomly chosen on the test day. Testers will have 31 to 40 minutes to complete the skills depending on those chosen. The skills will be performed on a resident actor. Once again, individuals testing at a site with internet testing will receive their scores immediately. Others will receive their scores by mail. All testers have up to three attempts to get a passing grade before having to retrain.

CNAs can transfer their certifications to Arkansas from another state should they move. Arkansas often places these CNAs on the state’s registry without requiring them to retest; however, this is not always the case. To become endorsed by Arkansas, CNAs must have an active license in their previous state that is unencumbered with allegations of patient abuse or neglect. Applicants will need to contact the Office of Long Term Care for an application. Arkansas requires a background check and verification that the applicant attended and completed a CNA training program in the former state. They will also need a copy of a certificate from every state where the applicant is currently certified. The process is free as long as applicants are not required to retest.

Arkansas requires CNAs to renew their certifications every two years. The Registry sends out reminders several weeks before renewal along with an application form. To renew, CNAs must have worked for pay for at least eight hours in the past two years. In addition, the license must be unencumbered with allegations of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment. CNAs who allow their certifications to lapse or who have not worked the required eight hours will be required to retest and will have to pay a retesting fee of $75. The process is free for CNAs who have kept their licenses current. Completed applications should be sent by mail to Prometric.

Arkansas CNA Application
Arkansas Renewal Application

Links

Arkansas Department of Health
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Verify your nurses aide license here

Contacts
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
University Tower Bldg.
1123 South University
Suite 800
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
Phone: 501-686-2700