Arkansas

Arkansas has a universal license recognition law. As a Rhode Island-licensed professional, your license is generally recognized in Arkansas, subject to meeting basic eligibility requirements. This is the strongest form of license portability available. Universal recognition law enacted 2023; requires residency for recognition.

Arkansas is a member of 6 compacts: Nurse Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Physical Therapy Compact, EMS Compact (REPLICA), Counseling Compact, Occupational Therapy Compact. You share 3 of these with Rhode Island: Nurse Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Counseling Compact.

Both Rhode Island and Arkansas are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate nursing license from Rhode Island, you can practice in Arkansas without obtaining a separate license.

Teaching license portability from Rhode Island to Arkansas: NASDTEC member; reciprocal agreements with most states. Most states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but specific requirements vary by state and endorsement area.

Arkansas supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from Rhode Island can apply for licensure by comity, which is a streamlined process using your NCEES Record. This typically requires verifying your education, exam passage, and experience meet Arkansas's requirements.

Expedited licensing for military spouses; temporary permit within 30 days. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), updated December 2024, all states are now required to recognize valid professional licenses from other states for military personnel and their spouses.

Enacted universal license recognition 2023.

For the most current licensing requirements and compact participation details, visit the official Arkansas licensing page at https://www.arcounties.org/. Requirements and compact memberships may change as new legislation is enacted.