CNA Training in Arkansas
Arkansas requires at least 90 hours of approved nursing assistant training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. The Office of Long Term Care (OLTC), part of the Department of Human Services, approves programs and runs the nursing assistant registry.
If you work for, or have a job offer from, a nursing home, the state pays your testing fees. Below you'll find each step, pay, ways to train free, and programs across the state.
Training
90 Hours
Median Pay
$16.55/hr
Exam Cost
Varies
The 4 Steps to Certification in Arkansas
Pick a State-Approved Program
OLTC approves every nursing assistant training program. Your options:
- Community and technical colleges: including Arkansas State, University of Arkansas, and Southern Arkansas University Tech campuses.
- Adult education programs: often the lowest-cost option.
- Private schools: set their own prices. Make sure the program is approved by OLTC.
Complete at Least 90 Hours
Training covers classroom, lab, and clinical practice in a long-term care setting.
Many programs run longer than the state minimum.
Pass the Competency Exam
Arkansas uses Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) for the exam. It has a knowledge test and a skills test.
| Exam fee | Set by Headmaster |
| If a nursing home employs you | The state pays |
| Where to schedule | Arkansas TMU (Headmaster) |
Stay Active
Your certification is good for 2 years.
- Work for pay as a nursing assistant for at least 8 hours in the 24-month period.
- Keep your registry record current so employers can verify you.
- Check your status on the Arkansas registry search before your 2 years are up.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in Arkansas
Get hired first, or use a free program.
Nursing Home Training
✨ Free When You're HiredArkansas Workforce Centers (WIOA)
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyAdult Education
✨ Low CostArkansas CNA Pay by Area
Arkansas CNAs earn about $3.77 an hour less than the national median.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (statewide) | $16.55 | $34,430 | 17,260 |
| United States (national) | $20.32 | $42,260 | 1,505,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Train through a nursing home that hires you and the main costs are covered.
Varies
About $225 to $2,775 for the programs below. Free through a nursing home that employs you.
Varies
Set by Headmaster. The state pays if a nursing home employs you.
Varies
Required by employers.
Moving to Arkansas?
If you're a CNA in another state, you may be able to join the Arkansas registry without retraining.
Active CNA in Another State
If you're active and in good standing on another state's registry, apply through Headmaster's out-of-state reciprocity form. OLTC decides each request.
Lapsed or Never Tested
If you're not active and in good standing in another state, expect to train and test in Arkansas.
Questions? Call
(501) 682-8430
Office of Long Term Care (Arkansas DHS)
CNA Schools in Arkansas
CNA programs approved for WIOA funding on Arkansas JobLink: colleges, adult education, and private schools. Arkansas does not publish a full list, so other OLTC-approved programs may exist. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angels for Life Nursing Assistant Training Center9110 Geyer Springs Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209Total cost about $1,285 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 349-7827 |
| Arkansas College of Health Careers9714 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205Total cost about $1,450 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 319-7573 |
| Arkansas Employment Career Center300 S Spring St, Ste 300, Little Rock, AR 72201Total cost about $1,599 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 615-8922 |
| Arkansas Northeastern College2501 S Division St, Blytheville, AR 72315Total cost about $1,111 | Blytheville | Mississippi | (870) 762-1020 |
| Arkansas State University Beebe: Searcy1800 E Moore Ave, Searcy, AR 72143Total cost about $2,775 | Searcy | White | (501) 882-8860 |
| Arkansas State University Mountain Home1600 S College St, Mountain Home, AR 72653Total cost about $2,463 | Mountain Home | Baxter | (870) 508-6102 |
| Arkansas State University Newport7648 Victory Blvd, Newport, AR 72112Total cost about $1,225 | Newport | Jackson | (870) 358-8619 |
| Arkansas Tech University: OzarkNot listed, Ozark, ARTotal cost about $800 | Ozark | Franklin | (479) 968-0272 |
| Aspiring Medical Training Institute6911 Geyer Springs Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209Total cost about $1,126 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 240-6684 |
| Black River Technical College1410 Highway 304 East, Pocahontas, AR 72455Total cost about $1,808 | Pocahontas | Randolph | (870) 248-4000 |
| East Arkansas Community College1700 Newcastle Rd, Forrest City, AR 72335Total cost about $1,190 | Forrest City | St. Francis | (870) 633-4480 |
| Eden House Healthcare Academy120 W Tyler Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301Total cost about $1,170 | West Memphis | Crittenden | (501) 831-8664 |
| Gateway Allied Health174 Cornerstone Ln, Ste C, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913Total cost about $975 | Hot Springs National Park | Garland | (501) 521-2022 |
| Harper Health Certifications & More221 N 5th St, Ste C, West Memphis, AR 72301Total cost about $1,125 | West Memphis | Crittenden | (870) 717-2283 |
| JWS Helping Hands2332 Washington Ave, Conway, AR 72032Total cost about $2,045 | Conway | Faulkner | (501) 500-2427 |
| KEEMA House185A W Main St, Marianna, AR 72360Total cost about $935 | Marianna | Lee | (901) 314-1657 |
| National Apprenticeship Training Foundation: CNA Apprenticeship (Northwest)Multiple Northwest Arkansas locations, Northwest Arkansas, ARTotal cost about $1,555 | Northwest Arkansas | Multiple counties | (870) 246-0320 |
| National Apprenticeship Training Foundation: CNA Apprenticeship (Western)Not listed, Van Buren, ARTotal cost about $1,505 | Van Buren | Crawford | (870) 246-0320 |
| National Park College Adult Education525 Hammond Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71913Total cost about $225 | Hot Springs | Garland | (501) 760-4335 |
| North Arkansas College1515 Pioneer Dr, Harrison, AR 72601Total cost about $2,115 | Harrison | Boone | (870) 391-3181 |
| Northwest Technical Institute709 S Old Missouri Rd, Springdale, AR 72765 | Springdale | Washington | (479) 751-8824 |
| Nu Leif Logistics1300 W Park Dr, Ste 5, Little Rock, AR 72204Total cost about $1,319 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 904-1816 |
| Ozarka College218 College Dr, Melbourne, AR 72556Total cost about $950 | Melbourne | Izard | (870) 368-7371 |
| PAL CNA Training Academy11701 I-30 Frontage Rd, Ste 300, Little Rock, AR 72209Total cost about $1,050 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 776-8422 |
| Petra Allied Health3889 Willowood Ave, Springdale, AR 72762Total cost about $685 | Springdale | Washington | (800) 785-9876 |
| Pulaski County Special School District Adult Education2A Crestview Plaza, Jacksonville, AR 72076Total cost about $312 | Jacksonville | Pulaski | (501) 596-9209 |
| ReelCare Academy & Wellness1508 Macon Dr, Ste C3, Little Rock, AR 72211Total cost about $1,100 | Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 916-2292 |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech6415 Spellman Rd, Camden, AR 71701Total cost about $1,527 | Camden | Ouachita | (870) 574-4514 |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech: Camden Adult Education6415 Spellman Rd, Camden, AR 71701Total cost about $732 | Camden | Ouachita | (870) 574-4514 |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech: Magnolia Adult EducationNot listed, Magnolia, ARTotal cost about $732 | Magnolia | Columbia | (870) 574-4514 |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello: CrossettNot listed, Crossett, ARTotal cost about $895 | Crossett | Ashley | (870) 460-1032 |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville2005 White Dr, Batesville, AR 72501Total cost about $883 | Batesville | Independence | (870) 612-2000 |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton1537 University Blvd, Morrilton, AR 72110Total cost about $1,146 | Morrilton | Conway | (800) 264-1094 |
| University of Arkansas Community College at Rich Mountain1100 College Dr, Mena, AR 71953Total cost about $1,397 | Mena | Polk | (479) 394-7622 |
| University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana2500 S Main St, Hope, AR 71801Total cost about $1,334 | Hope | Hempstead | (870) 722-8274 |
| University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College Adult Education3000 W Scenic Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72118Total cost about $2,110 | North Little Rock | Pulaski | (501) 812-2779 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: Arkansas JobLink Eligible Training Provider List, nursing assistant programs (October 2026). Patient care technician programs are not included. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Arkansas CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in Arkansas?
The Office of Long Term Care (OLTC), part of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
How long is CNA training in Arkansas?
At least 90 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
What exam do Arkansas CNAs take?
The Headmaster exam, with a knowledge test and a skills test.
How do I renew my CNA certification in Arkansas?
Work for pay as a nursing assistant for at least 8 hours in each 24-month period.
Can I get CNA training for free in Arkansas?
Yes. A nursing home can't charge you if it employs you or has offered you a job, and the state pays your testing fees. Workforce Centers may also pay if you qualify.
Can I transfer my CNA from another state?
Possibly. Apply through the Headmaster out-of-state reciprocity form. OLTC decides each request.
Sources
- Arkansas JobLink: Eligible Training Provider List (nursing assistant programs, October 2026)
- Headmaster: Arkansas CNA
- Arkansas DHS: CNA and NHA Training Program
- NursingLicensure.org: CNA Requirements in Arkansas (hours, renewal, testing fees)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. Arkansas does not publish a full list of approved programs. The list below comes from Arkansas JobLink and includes only programs approved for WIOA funding. Training hours, renewal, and fee details come from a secondary source (NursingLicensure.org). Confirm with OLTC. See something out of date? Report a correction.