Application Fee
$425.00Verified by AR Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator in Arkansas, including $425.00 and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nursing Home Administrator in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 1-21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties. 4) Must have an associate degree or higher from a college or university. 5) Must have experience in a nursing home (3 months to 1 year depending on degree). 6) Must have work experience or education in the five basic core areas of accounting, management, personnel, writing, and resident care (one 3-hour college course per area or 18 weeks work experience per area). 7) Must pass a criminal record check.
- Application
- 2
Must be 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties. 4) Must have an associate degree or higher from a college or university. 5) Must have experience in a nursing home (3 months to 1 year depending on degree). 6) Must have work experience or education in the five basic core areas of accounting, management, personnel, writing, and resident care (one 3-hour college course per area or 18 weeks work experience per area). 7) Must pass a criminal record check.
- Application fee: $100.00, Written examination (State): included in application fee, Written examinations (National or NAB test): $425.00, Renewal fee: $100.00 active/50.00 inactive, Restoration Fee $150 ($100 application fee, $50 restoration fee).
- Applicant must pass NAB prior to taking the State exam.
- Continuing education must include 20 hours of continuing education at approved workshops, 6 hours at an accredited college or university in courses covered by the NAB Domains of Practice, or complete an approved course in nursing home administration as a prerequisite for annual license renewal.
- 3
Education: Specific course required.
- 4
Experience: Work experience required.
- 5
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
4) Must have an associate degree or higher from a college or university.
- 8
5) Must have experience in a nursing home (3 months to 1 year depending on degree).
- 9
6) Must have work experience or education in the five basic core areas of accounting, management, personnel, writing, and resident care (one 3-hour college course per area or 18 weeks work experience per area).
- 10
Application fee: $100.00, Written examination (State): included in application fee, Written examinations (National or NAB test): $425.00, Renewal fee: $100.00 active/50.00 inactive, Restoration Fee $150 ($100 application fee, $50 restoration fee).
- 11
Applicant must pass NAB prior to taking the State exam.
- 12
Continuing education must include 20 hours of continuing education at approved workshops, 6 hours at an accredited college or university in courses covered by the NAB Domains of Practice, or complete an approved course in nursing home administration as a prerequisite for annual license renewal.
Exam and processing details
- Written examination (State)
- included in application fee, Written examinations (National or NAB test): $425
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education must include 20 hours of continuing education at approved workshops, 6 hours at an accredited college or university in courses covered by the NAB Domains of Practice, or complete
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| included in application fee, Written examinations (National or NAB test) | $425.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Human Services • Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance
- Current Filing Fee
$425.00
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$88,340 median (25% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties. 4) Must have...; Must be 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties. 4) Must have...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required Written examination (State): included in application fee, Written examinations (National or NAB test): $425.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must be 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties. 4) Must have...; Must be 21 years of age. 2) Must be of good moral character. 3) Must be physically and mentally able to perform the duties. 4) Must have...).
- 6. Budget filing costs (included in application fee, Written examinations (National or NAB test): $425.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Human Services~Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $88,340, Nursing Home Administrators in Arkansas earn 25% below the national median of $117,960. Arkansas ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,118Median annual salary
$88,340Hourly estimate
$42.4725% below national median
Difference: -$29,620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $88,340 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-21 years |
| Missouri | $102,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $104,370 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Mississippi | $89,960 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $101,080 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $106,590 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $100,570 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | 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.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Arkansas Department of Human Services • Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 8059, Slot S402, Little Rock, AR, 72203
Phone: N/A
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nursing Home Administrators in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Nursing Home Administrators.
What education do you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Arkansas is $88,340. Salaries range from $55,050 (10th percentile) to $152,970 (90th percentile).
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in Arkansas earn 25% below the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $88,340.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 6,100 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nursing Home Administrators in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Human Services / Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance. Review agency details at https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dpsqa.
How often do you renew a Nursing Home Administrator license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.