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Verified by AR Board of Education

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Licensing in Arkansas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for substitute teachers, short-term in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Arkansas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be of good moral character. 2) Must have completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent. 3) Satisfactory completion of the prescribed curriculum in a state-approved program for the preparation of Licensed Practical Nurses. 4) Must pass subjects as the Board may determine for practical nurses. 5) Must have a criminal background check prior to exam.

    • Written examination required.
    • License by
  2. 2

    Must be of good moral character. 2) Must have completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent. 3) Satisfactory completion of the prescribed curriculum in a state-approved program for the preparation of Licensed Practical Nurses. 4) Must pass subjects as the Board may determine for practical nurses. 5) Must have a criminal background check prior to exam.

    • Written examination required.
    • License by examination: $100.00, License by endorsement: $125.00, Temporary Permit fee: $30.00, Renewal fee: $90.00 biennially
  3. 3

    Education: Degree required.

  4. 4

    Experience: No experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  6. 6

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  7. 7

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  8. 8

    In a hospital, this includes assisting patients

    • recording fluid and food intake and output, preparing patients for examination or treatment and administering prescribed drugs.
  9. 9

    In doctors' offices and clinics, licensed practical nurses prepare patients for examination and often perform clerical duties.

  10. 10

    5) Must have a criminal background check prior to exam.

  11. 11

    Written examination required.

  12. 12

    License by examination: $100.00, License by endorsement: $125.00, Temporary Permit fee: $30.00, Renewal fee: $90.00 biennially.

Exam and processing details

  • $100.00, License by endorsement: $125.00, Temporary Permit

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $28,490 median (26% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be of good moral character. 2) Must have completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent. 3) Satisfactory comple...; Must be of good moral character. 2) Must have completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent. 3) Satisfactory comple...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required $100.00, License by endorsement: $125.00, Temporary Permit.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must be of good moral character. 2) Must have completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent. 3) Satisfactory comple...; Must be of good moral character. 2) Must have completed an approved high school course of study or the equivalent. 3) Satisfactory comple...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Arkansas

With a median salary of $28,490, Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Arkansas earn 26% below the national median of $38,470. Arkansas ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,118

Median annual salary

$28,490

Hourly estimate

$13.70
26% below national median

Difference: -$9,980

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$23,620
  • P2525th percentile$28,000
  • P50Median$28,490
  • P7575th percentile$29,290
  • P9090th percentile$32,760

State vs National Median

State: $28,490
National: $38,470

Total employment: 1,810 | Annual openings: N/A

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Substitute Teachers, Short-Term median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$57,260
#2Oregon$55,540
#3Washington$54,880
#4Hawaii$50,070
#5Minnesota$48,710

Nearby States Comparison

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arkansas$28,490Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$32,890Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$26,240Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$21,120Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$28,450Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$29,610Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$22,450No educational requirementsState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas54LowState-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 Health • Arkansas State Board of Nursing

University Tower Building, Suite 800, 1123 South University, Little Rock, AR, 72204

Phone: 5016862700

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Arkansas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,620Degree required5 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$64,610Degree required5 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$63,170Degree required5 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,020Degree required5 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Arkansas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Arkansas?

Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms.

What education do you need to become a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term in Arkansas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Substitute Teachers, Short-Term licensure in Arkansas.

What is the typical Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Arkansas is $28,490. Salaries range from $23,620 (10th percentile) to $32,760 (90th percentile).

How does the Substitute Teachers, Short-Term salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?

Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Arkansas earn 26% below the national median of $38,470, with a state median of $28,490.

How many Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms work in Arkansas?

Arkansas employs approximately 1,810 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 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 Substitute Teachers, Short-Terms in Arkansas?

The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://www.arsbn.org/.

How often do you renew a Substitute Teachers, Short-Term license in Arkansas?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.