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Abstracter: One who compiles an abstract of title that provides a summary giving details of the title deeds and documents that prove an owner’s right to dispose of land, together with any encumbrances that relate to the property.

Abstract: The condensed history of the title to a particular parcel of real estate, consisting of a summary of the original grant and all subsequent conveyances and encumbrances affecting the property and a certification by the abstracter that the history is complete and accurate.

Certificate of Registration

Every applicant for a Certificate of Registration (except those individuals authorized to practice law in this state) shall:

• have a minimum of one year land title-related experience or training prior to the time he or she applies
• not have a criminal record
• either be affiliated with (work under) a firm that has been granted a Certificate of Authority or apply for a Certificate of Authority on his or her own behalf

Upon successful completion of the application, the board shall notify the applicant of the time and place of the next scheduled examination.

The examination shall be comprised of two (2) sections:

1. Legal descriptions; and
2. General knowledge of the practice of abstracting.

Tests shall be graded either pass or fail.
Seventy percent (70%) of the questions must be answered correctly to pass.
If failed, the test can be taken two additional times during the next 12 months.

Once an applicant passes the examination, he or she is issued a Certificate of Registration, which must be renewed annually.

Certificate of Authority

Any person, firm, or corporation desiring to engage in the business of abstracting in this state shall make application to the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors for a Certificate of Authority.

An applicant shall:

• have an abstract plant available for each county for which abstracts will be prepared
• be or have employed a registered abstracter in each of the counties for which abstracts will be prepared
• provide a bond as required in Arkansas Code § 17-11-32

Upon successful completion of the application, the applicant shall be issued a Certificate of Authority, which includes the county(ies) of this state wherein the applicant may operate. The Certificate of Authority must be renewed annually.

Links to the applications are on the Forms tab.