Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Public Safety
Corrections Officer Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education development certificate (GED). 4) Must be employed by a licensed Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Banker. 5) Criminal background check with fingerprints required. 6) Credit Report review with authorization required. 7) Must have completed 20 hours of required educational and testing requirements.
- Written National Exam required.
- Initial filing
- 2
Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education development certificate (GED). 4) Must be employed by a licensed Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Banker. 5) Criminal background check with fingerprints required. 6) Credit Report review with authorization required. 7) Must have completed 20 hours of required educational and testing requirements.
- Written National Exam required.
- Initial filing fee: $50.00, Renewal filing fee: $50.00
- 3
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 4
Requirements: 1) Must submit an application.
- 5
3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education development certificate (GED).
- 6
5) Criminal background check with fingerprints required.
- 7
7) Must have completed 20 hours of required educational and testing requirements.
- 8
Written National Exam required.
- 9
Initial filing fee: $50.00, Renewal filing fee: $50.00.
Exam and processing details
- Written National Exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate (GED)
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Commerce
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$40,330 median (30% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education devel...; Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education devel...).
- 2. Complete required education or training (Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education devel...).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education devel...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Written National Exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education devel...; Must submit an application. 2) Must be at least 18 years of age. 3) Must have received a high school diploma or a general education devel...).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Commerce and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $40,330, Corrections Officers in Arkansas earn 30% below the national median of $57,970. Arkansas ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$40,330Hourly estimate
$19.3930% below national median
Difference: -$17,640
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCorrections Officer Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $95,840 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $90,150 |
| #3 | Oregon | $83,120 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,830 |
| #5 | Illinois | $78,750 |
Nearby States Comparison
Corrections Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $40,330 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $41,310 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $51,490 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 1 month |
| Mississippi | $36,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $41,820 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $51,020 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $45,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Missouri | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Commerce
1 Commerce Way, Suite 402, Little Rock, AR, 72202-2086
Phone: 5013249260
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $42,100 | Varies by state board | 1-18 years |
| Police Officer | $48,090 | Specific course required | 1-21 years |
| Security Guards | $37,090 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | 1-5 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in Arkansas is $40,330. Salaries range from $30,790 (10th percentile) to $49,940 (90th percentile).
How does the Corrections Officer salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Corrections Officers in Arkansas earn 30% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $40,330.
How many Corrections Officers work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 4,250 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Commerce. Review agency details at https://www.securities.arkansas.gov/.
How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.