To obtain a certified nursing aide license in Arkansas, one has to undergo a training of 75 hours. The training courses have been designed to prepare students for their certification exam as well as their career as CNA. The guidelines for training are prepared by the Office of Long Term Care in Arkansas. The cost of training may be up to $2000 but the government may help by the way of scholarships. Also, various clinics provide sponsored trainings so as to help certified nursing assistants to build their career in health care.

After successful completion of training, the candidate has to challenge the competency exam within a year of program completion. Arkansas Department of Human Services undertakes the responsibility of health services in the state and has authorized Prometric to develop and administer the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam. The company is also responsible for managing the registry of nursing assistants in Arkansas. The cost of examination is around $89 and has two parts as follows:

• Written part consists of multiple choice questions.
• Onsite clinical skills test.

If the candidate fails to obtain passing score within twelve months or after three attempts, he/she has to reappear for the examination and complete the training once again. The graduates of Arkansas approved nursing assistant training programmes may choose the site from where they can challenge the competence examination.

Once licensed, an Arkansas CNA has to renew the license after 24 months and working at least eight hours in the state during that time period. Lots of paperwork has to be completed before the renewal forms are due and the forms must be filled and should be sent to the address provided along with the forms.