Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 1-21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Current employment in field required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 7
(c) Be fingerprinted and a search initiated of state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.
- 8
(e) Be of good character as determined by a thorough background investigation.
- 9
(f) Be a high school graduate or have passed the General Education Development (GED) Test indicating high school graduation level.
- 10
(i) Be examined by an individual licensed to practice psychiatry or psychology and qualified to perform such evaluations in the State of Arkansas, who after examination finds the law enforcement officer to be competent and recommends the law enforcement agency hire the individual.
- 11
(j) Possess a valid driver's license.
- 12
(l) For continued employment, must successfully complete a minimum of twenty four (24) hours of CLEST approved training annually (to include firearms qualification, duty to intervene training, and 4 hours of racial profiling.).
Exam and processing details
- State of Arkansas, who after examination finds the law enforcement officer to be competent and recommends the law enforcement agency hire the individual
Continuing education and program notes
- certification will be an appointed law enforcement officer who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the criminal, traffic or highway laws o
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Public Safety • Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,090 median (37% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#49 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites ((e) Be of good character as determined by a thorough background investigation.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Current employment in field required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required State of Arkansas, who after examination finds the law enforcement officer to be competent and recommends the law enforcement agency hire the individual.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.; (c) Be fingerprinted and a search initiated of state and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record.).
- 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Public Safety~Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of $48,090, Police Officers in Arkansas earn 37% below the national median of $76,290. Arkansas ranks #49 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
$48,090Hourly estimate
$23.1237% below national median
Difference: -$28,200
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#49 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $48,090 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Missouri | $60,720 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Mississippi | $45,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Louisiana | $50,580 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Texas | $76,350 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $57,360 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| 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.
- 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 Public Safety • Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training
4 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72209
Phone: 5016822260
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $40,330 | Varies by state board | 1-18 years |
| Firefighter | $42,100 | Varies by state board | 1-18 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 Police Officer 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 Police Officers in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Arkansas is $48,090. Salaries range from $35,950 (10th percentile) to $69,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Arkansas earn 37% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $48,090.
How many Police Officers work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 5,490 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer 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 Police Officers in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Review agency details at https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/clest/.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Arkansas?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.