Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Arkansas

Arkansas faces a shortage of primary care providers in over 70% of its counties—putting nurse practitioners on the front line of transforming healthcare access and outcomes across the state.

If your goal is to expand your clinical influence, serve communities deeply in need, and achieve advanced nursing autonomy, this guide provides the step-by-step framework to become a licensed Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Arkansas.

This comprehensive roadmap equips aspiring NPs with crucial details on state requirements, legal pathways, credentialing hurdles, and the rewards unique to the Arkansas landscape. From understanding the role of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) and navigating key regulatory codes, to grasping the realities of rural health gaps and telehealth expansion, each section clarifies what matters most for licensure and impact.

By following the guidance outlined here, readers will:

• Master every step in Arkansas’s APRN licensing process—from RN foundation to advanced practice registration
• Decode up-to-date requirements for prescriptive authority, including controlled substances and collaborative agreements
• Prepare for renewal, professional growth, and practice success, supported by links to official rules and state resources

Whether you seek to practice in Arkansas’s rural heartlands or lead in expanding telehealth, this guide delivers the legal, procedural, and strategic essentials to help you achieve recognition and authority as an Arkansas Nurse Practitioner.

Earn National Certification

Over 98% of nurse practitioners nationwide hold national certification—the critical credential that unlocks the authority to practice and prescribe as an APRN in Arkansas. Securing this certification signals to employers, patients, and the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) that you meet rigorous standards of advanced clinical knowledge and expertise.

Here’s how to earn your national certification and establish your eligibility for advanced practice licensure in Arkansas:

• 1. Determine Your Certification Body and Specialty Focus. The ASBN recognizes certifications for nurse practitioners granted by nationally accredited organizations. Common certifying bodies include the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), and National Certification Corporation (NCC). Select the organization and exam that align with your intended population focus (e.g., Family, Adult-Gerontology, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Psychiatric-Mental Health).
• 2. Confirm Eligibility Requirements. Each certifying body sets its own standards, typically requiring graduation from an accredited graduate NP program and documented clinical hours in the chosen specialty. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found on the respective certification organization’s website. Be prepared to submit transcripts, verify clinical practicum hours, and sometimes provide evidence of your unencumbered RN license—your Arkansas or multistate RN license qualifies.
• 3. Submit Your Application and Schedule the Exam. Complete the application process directly with your selected certification board. This includes submitting required documentation, paying application and testing fees (ranging from $240–$395 for most NP exams), and scheduling your exam at an approved testing center or via remote proctoring if permitted. Each board provides an official handbook outlining the step-by-step process.
• 4. Take and Pass the Certification Exam. The national certification exam is a comprehensive, computer-based test tailored to your population focus. The format, length, and passing score requirements vary by certifying body. Immediate pass/fail results are typical for computer-based tests, while official documentation follows—generally within a few weeks.
• 5. Receive Official Certification Results. Upon passing, you will receive an official certificate and verification number from your certifying organization. This documentation is required when you later apply for APRN licensure with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Pro Tip: Choose your national certification carefully—Arkansas requires your certification specialty to match your graduate education’s population focus and the scope in which you intend to practice. Mismatched credentials may delay or jeopardize licensure approval.

Maintaining national certification is essential: recertification cycles are typically every five years and may involve continuing education, clinical practice hours, or additional testing, depending on the certifying body. For more on ongoing requirements, visit your certifier’s website and reference the ASBN’s APRN rules.

National certification is the non-negotiable foundation of advanced nursing practice in Arkansas—your first and most vital step toward independent authority and professional recognition in the state.

Meet Additional Requirements

Over 70% of Arkansas counties are federally designated as primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas—underscoring the crucial need for compliant, practice-ready Nurse Practitioners. This checklist ensures full readiness for state-level practice, addressing requirements beyond core education and certification.

• Complete State and Federal Criminal Background Checks:
  All Nurse Practitioner applicants must undergo comprehensive Arkansas State Police and FBI fingerprint-based background checks. Instructions and required forms are provided through the
  Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) portal. The process typically requires submission of fingerprints at an approved location and payment of all relevant fees. Background clearance is mandatory prior to full licensure; failure to disclose prior convictions can result in application denial or disciplinary action.
• Submit a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) for Prescriptive Authority:
  Arkansas law requires Nurse Practitioners seeking prescriptive authority for legend drugs to file a formal Collaborative Practice Agreement with a licensed Arkansas physician. For Schedule II-V controlled substance prescribing, the CPA must specifically authorize such activity and comply with state prescriptive authority regulations. Only after Board approval of the CPA can prescriptive privileges be exercised.
• Register with the Arkansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP):
  All Nurse Practitioners with prescriptive authority for controlled substances must enroll with the Arkansas PDMP prior to issuing any prescriptions for Schedules II-V drugs. Querying the PDMP is mandatory before prescribing opioids and certain other controlled substances, in compliance with Arkansas Administrative Code § 074.00.03-5.
• Obtain Federal DEA Registration:
  To prescribe or manage controlled substances, Nurse Practitioners must acquire a federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number after state licensure is granted. This process is completed via the DEA Diversion Control Division website. DEA registration requires evidence of state authority and compliance with both federal and state regulations.
• Verify NLC and APRN Compact Participation:
  Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for RNs. However, the state does not currently participate in the APRN Compact. This means Arkansas APRNs must secure separate licensure for each state of practice outside Arkansas. NLC and APRN license verification can be performed through Nursys for most states.
• Comply with Telehealth Practice Regulations:
  Nurse Practitioners delivering care via telehealth must adhere to Arkansas’s telemedicine statutes, including initial patient-provider relationship requirements and standards for remote prescribing. For details, see the Arkansas Administrative Code Telemedicine Rules and the Arkansas Medical Practices Act.
• Ensure Adequate Professional Liability Coverage:
  While not mandated by Arkansas law for all practice settings, many employers and collaborative agreements require Nurse Practitioners to maintain professional liability (malpractice) insurance. Coverage should align with the scope and risk profile of your role and may be a prerequisite for employment or hospital credentialing.
• Fulfill Required Continuing Education in Prescribing:
  Arkansas APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete a minimum of five (5) contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics continuing education annually, including at least one (1) hour specific to the prescription of opioids, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances. These CE hours must be relevant, Board-approved, and properly documented for renewal. Refer to the ASBN APRN licensure page for current CE requirements.
• Notify the Board of Changes in Employment or Collaborative Agreements:
  Arkansas law requires prompt notification to the ASBN of any change in employer, collaborative physician, or practice location. Failure to update records can result in disciplinary action or interruption of legal practice authority.

Each item in this checklist is critical to safe, legal, and effective APRN practice in Arkansas. Thorough completion will prepare Nurse Practitioners to serve across diverse settings and address the state’s healthcare needs with confidence.

Application Process

Where do you begin once you’re eligible to apply for APRN licensure in Arkansas?

Everything starts with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN)—the sole authority for APRN licensure in the state. The process unfolds online through the ASBN’s official licensing portal. Every step, from documentation uploads to fee payment, is handled digitally for efficient tracking and communication.

Navigate the ASBN Online Licensing Portal

Your journey begins at the ASBN Licensing Portal. Create or log into your account, select “APRN Application,” and follow the guided workflow. The portal will prompt you, one section at a time, for all required uploads and attestations.

Upload Required Documentation

Wondering what paperwork you’ll need? The application requires:

• Official transcripts showing conferral of a graduate nursing degree (sent directly from your program to ASBN)
• Proof of unencumbered Arkansas RN license (or a multistate RN license if Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact)
• Verification of current national certification in your population focus, sent directly from your certifying body
• Completed background check and fingerprint card submission (see below)

The system will flag missing or incomplete items before you submit, reducing the risk of delays.

Pay All Required Fees

The application fee for Arkansas APRN licensure is clearly displayed in the portal at checkout. As of the latest guidelines, the standard APRN application fee is $100, with additional charges for background checks (typically around $36.25). All payments are made electronically through the portal. These fees are non-refundable, so double-check your entries before submitting.

Complete Criminal Background Check and Fingerprinting

How does Arkansas verify your eligibility? The ASBN requires a state and federal criminal background check for all APRN applicants. You’ll receive instructions through the portal for submitting fingerprints—typically via an approved live scan vendor or by mailing a fingerprint card if you’re out-of-state. The background check process can take several weeks, so initiate this step as soon as possible.

Arrange Primary Source Verifications

Who verifies your credentials? The ASBN requires primary source verification of your RN license—usually through Nursys for U.S.-based applicants. National certification must be confirmed directly from the certifying body (e.g., AANP, ANCC). The Board will not accept photocopies or emailed certificates; all verification must be sent directly to ASBN.

Track Application Status and Respond to Board Inquiries

After submission, you can log in to the portal at any time to check your application status. The ASBN will notify you by email if additional information or clarification is needed. Respond promptly to requests to avoid processing delays.

Receive Licensure Decision and Temporary Permits (if applicable)

How long does it take? Review times vary, but most applications are processed within 6–8 weeks, provided all documentation and fees are complete. In some cases, qualified applicants may be eligible for a temporary permit, allowing limited practice while awaiting full licensure. The ASBN will communicate your eligibility for a temporary permit directly in the portal.

Pro Tip: Don’t Wait on Your Background Check

Initiate your fingerprinting and background check as soon as you start the application. Delays in criminal background processing are the most common reason for extended wait times. Upload a copy of your completed fingerprint card receipt to the portal to help ASBN match your application with your background check results.

Common Pitfall: Incomplete National Certification Verification

Be sure your national certification body sends verification directly to the ASBN, not to you. Applications are often delayed because applicants attempt to upload certificates themselves—this does not fulfill Board requirements for primary source verification.