LicenseCompass

Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) License in Arkansas

Quick Answer

To become a nurse practitioner in Arkansas, you need an active RN license, a graduate-level NP program, national certification, 2,000 hours of RN experience, and criminal background checks. Initial license fee is $125 with $65 biennial renewal.

Exam
ANCC or AANP certification exam
Total Cost
$155 (est.)
Timeline
3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Biennial

Requirements

Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) registration in Arkansas

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$125
Renewal Fee
$65
Total Estimated Cost
$155

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) license in Arkansas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$125
Total Estimated Cost$125

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Arkansas licensing board.

Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) Salary in Arkansas

Entry Level

$95,160

Median

$113,660

Experienced

$141,760

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) in Arkansas.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — ANCC or AANP certification exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$125.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation.

Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) Licensing in Arkansas: What to Know

Arkansas provides detailed APRN-CNP requirements: applicants must hold an active RN license (or multistate compact privilege), complete a graduate-level NP program, hold national certification from an approved certifying body, pass criminal background and FBI fingerprint checks, and have practiced a minimum of 2,000 hours as an RN. Initial license fee is $125, biennial renewal is $65, and a temporary permit costs $30. Arkansas offers temporary licenses for military personnel and spouses. Arkansas is a reduced practice state requiring a collaborative practice agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) license cost in Arkansas?
The estimated total cost is $155, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) license in Arkansas?
The process typically takes 3-6 months after MSN/DNP graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) license in Arkansas?
You need to pass the ANCC or AANP certification exam. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.