(a) The applicant must present evidence of:

1. (1) Graduation from an approved or accredited school of nursing as a registered nurse or first-level nurse;
2. (2) Licensure or proof of eligibility for licensure in the country of graduation;
3. (3) Theory and practice in medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and psychiatric nursing that is substantially similar in length and content to that in equivalent Arkansas State Board of Nursing-approved nursing programs at the time of application as verified by a credentials review agency;
4. (4) State and federal criminal background checks within the past twelve (12) months on file with the board; and
5. (5) Credentials review by a board-approved credentialing evaluation agency, which includes verification of the candidate’s education, training, experience, and licensure with respect to the statutory and regulatory requirements for the nursing profession, as well as oral and written competence in English.