CNA License Renewal in Arkansas (2026)

CNA license renewal in Arkansas is handled by the Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry, which requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Arkansas CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Certification must be renewed every 24 months. To stay active the aide must document paid nursing-related work within the prior 24 months; anyone who can't is moved to inactive. A lapse beyond 24 months requires a new training program and re-passing the competency exam. No grace period.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	see board (fee not fixed/published)
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry

Go to the official Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry. manual review of Arkansas DHS Office of Long Term Care CNA program page.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in Arkansas

Renewal is contingent on paid work: at least one documented day (8 hours) of nursing or nursing-related services for compensation in the prior two years. Arkansas adopts the federal in-service standard (12 hours/year for working aides), but the controlling renewal condition is the paid-work requirement, not classroom CE.

Need approved hours? Compare Arkansas CNA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CNA license in Arkansas

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: The registry and testing are administered for DHS by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TMU portal. Arkansas no longer charges a CNA renewal fee. Employers submit work verification to maintain eligibility.

CNA license renewal in Arkansas: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in Arkansas?

Arkansas CNA licenses renew every 24 months. Certification must be renewed every 24 months. To stay active the aide must document paid nursing-related work within the prior 24 months; anyone who can't is moved to inactive. A lapse beyond 24 months requires a new training program and re-passing the competency exam. No grace period.

Can I renew my Arkansas CNA license online?

Yes — Arkansas offers online renewal through the Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Arkansas CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Arkansas Dept of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care — Nurse Aide Registry promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal