Compact status
Nurse Licensure Compact member
AR · Internationally educated nurses
Arkansas RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Arkansas State Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Board rules require credentials review by a Board-approved agency, including verification of education and licensure. The public international guidance describes a full education course-by-course report with English-language proficiency.
English requirement
Board rules require oral and written English competence. Published guidance identifies TOEFL thresholds; confirm the current accepted tests and scores with the examination application because the accessible detailed page is labeled for internationally endorsed RNs.
SSN requirement
A valid U.S. SSN is required for multistate licensure. The reviewed official examination materials did not clearly establish an alternative for single-state initial licensure.
Background check
State and federal criminal background checks, including fingerprints, are required for examination applicants.
Education review
The credential review must verify the international program and education; the Board may require evidence that preparation is substantially comparable.
Application sequence
How to apply in Arkansas
- 1
Submit the Arkansas examination application.
- 2
Order the Board-approved credential and English review.
- 3
Complete state and federal background checks.
- 4
Register with Pearson VUE.
- 5
Test after Arkansas confirms eligibility and ATT is issued.
Documents to prepare
- Credential evaluation
- English proficiency evidence
- Foreign license verification
- State and federal background-check materials
- Certified translations as needed
Verify before paying
- • The Board’s clearest web checklist found in research is for endorsement; examination applicants should verify report type and current English scores directly in the Nurse Portal.
- • Do not treat endorsement-only active-practice rules as examination requirements.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Arkansas State Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.