1.1 Arkansas CNA Exam Format & Headmaster Logistics

1.1 Arkansas CNA Exam Format & Headmaster Logistics

Preparing for the Arkansas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) examination requires a clear understanding of the administrative framework, testing structure, scoring criteria, and ongoing registry maintenance rules governing nurse aides in the state. In Arkansas, nursing assistant competency evaluation is overseen by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) through the Office of Long Term Care (OLTC). Operational administration, test development, scoring, and registry hosting are managed by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT)–Headmaster.

Headmaster Administration and Test Logistics

D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) administers both the knowledge examination and the skill test for Arkansas CNA candidates. Candidates schedule, pay, and manage demographics through the Arkansas TestMaster Universe (TMU©) portal at ar.tmutest.com. Testing takes place at approved regional test sites, community colleges, and nursing facility training centers across the state. Candidates must complete an approved NATCEP (or receive an approved eligibility route such as a military, nursing-student, or out-of-state training waiver) before scheduling.

On examination day, candidates must present a United States government-issued, signed, non-expired photo ID. Original IDs only—photocopies, faxes, mobile wallet images, and school IDs are not accepted. Acceptable examples include a state driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID, or tribal identification card that meets handbook criteria. The FIRST and LAST names on the ID presented to the RN Test Observer must exactly match the name of record in Arkansas TMU©. Candidates who arrive late, without proper identification, or dressed inappropriately (scrubs and non-skid closed-toe shoes are required for the skills portion) are marked as a no-show and forfeit testing fees.

Handbook currency: Arkansas Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook Version 10.0 (effective July 1, 2026) updated skill-task steps, check-in timing, security rules, and remotely proctored knowledge-exam attire. Always study from the current handbook PDF on hdmaster.com, not older printouts.

Comprehensive Exam Breakdown

The Arkansas CNA competency evaluation consists of two distinct components. Candidates must pass both to be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry (ARNAR).

Knowledge Examination Mechanics

The knowledge exam features 75 multiple-choice questions drawn from the DHS-approved Arkansas test plan and federal OBRA categories.

• Time Limit: 60 minutes for all 75 items; remaining time is displayed on screen.
• Passing Requirement: 76% or better (about 57 of 75 correct). There is no penalty for guessing—answer every question and use Previous/Next navigation.
• Delivery Format: Computer-based testing via TMU© at approved sites. Spanish and audio versions are available (audio knowledge fee is $40). Remotely proctored knowledge testing may be offered under handbook rules.

Skill Test Mechanics

The skill test evaluates hands-on competency under an RN Test Observer. Headmaster scoring teams officially score and double-check results.

• Task Assignment: Each skill test begins with one of four mandatory first tasks (for example, bedpan and output with hand washing; female catheter care with hand washing on a manikin; donning isolation gown/gloves and emptying a urinary drainage bag with hand washing; or female perineal care with hand washing on a manikin). TMU© then randomly assigns 2 or 3 additional tasks so the total is 3 or 4 tasks, keeping exams comparable in difficulty and length.
• Time Limit: 30 minutes total for the assigned tasks; a 15-minute remaining alert is given.
• Passing Rule: On each assigned task you must correctly perform all bolded key steps and at least 80% of all listed steps. Missing a single bolded key step fails that task.
• Corrections: If you believe you made a mistake, tell the RN Test Observer you want to make a correction and correctly demonstrate the step(s) again before finishing that task.
• Actor vs manikin: Most tasks use a live resident actor; catheter care and female perineal care are demonstrated on a manikin.

Testing Fees and Financial Waiver Provisions

Current Headmaster Arkansas fee schedule (Candidate Handbook V10.0):

Knowledge Exam or Retake:              $30
Knowledge Exam – Spanish or Retake:    $30
Audio Knowledge (or Spanish audio):    $40
Skill Test or Retake:                  $95
Combined knowledge + skills:           $125

Pay and schedule in TMU© at ar.tmutest.com before selecting a test event.

DHS Funding / Facility Fee Coverage

Under federal Title XIX (Medicaid) rules and Arkansas DHS policy:

• Facility-paid testing: DHS is responsible for paying the test fee for individuals who are employed by a Medicaid-certified nursing facility or who have a commitment (letter of intent) to be employed in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility.
• Self-pay otherwise: Candidates without that employment/commitment path pay the Headmaster fees above before scheduling.
• Confirm the current funding pathway with your training program, prospective employer, and TMU© account notices—do not assume a private facility will automatically cover fees unless it is Medicaid-certified and following the DHS funding process.

Retest Policy and Attempt Boundaries

1. Section-Specific Re-testing: Re-take only the portion you failed (knowledge and/or skill), after paying for that portion.
2. Three-Attempt Limit: You have three (3) attempts to pass the knowledge and skill portions.
3. One-Year Testing Window: All attempts must be completed within one year from the date you completed your nurse aide training program (NATCEP). If you do not finish testing within that year, you must retrain before becoming eligible again.
4. Retraining Trigger: Exhausting three attempts on a portion, or letting the one-year window expire without passing both components, requires successful completion of another approved Arkansas training program before further testing.

Registry Listing and 24-Month Work Renewal Rules

Upon passing both exam portions, Headmaster records results so you can be listed on the Arkansas Nurse Aide Registry (ARNAR). Active registry status allows work as a CNA in licensed long-term care and other settings that require ARNAR listing.

Maintaining Active Status (24-Month Work Rule)

This work rule is separate from the one-year testing window:

• Compensated Work Requirement: Under federal OBRA rules, a nurse aide becomes ineligible for employment if they do not perform at least 8 hours of nursing-related services for pay in a health care setting during any 24 consecutive months.
• Verification Process: Renew electronically in TMU© so an employer can verify work hours; verified work extends eligibility another 24 months.
• Lapse and Recertification: If the 24-month work requirement is not met, reestablish eligibility by successfully passing both components of the Arkansas nurse aide competency examination (contact Headmaster for authorization to schedule).