CNA Classes in Illinois

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Illinois, you need to meet several important requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old (no upper age limit)
• Must have completed at least eighth grade or demonstrate equivalent knowledge through testing
• Must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check through IDPH-approved vendors like Livescan
• Must complete required health screenings:
  • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test within six months of starting training
  • Up-to-date immunizations (MMR, Tdap, varicella, and hepatitis B)
  • Physical exam confirming ability to lift 50+ pounds and stand for extended periods
• Foreign-trained applicants must submit translated diplomas and may need to pass English proficiency assessments

Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from certification, including violent felonies, recent drug-related offenses, and any history of patient abuse or neglect. Waivers for these disqualifying offenses are rarely granted in Illinois.

Illinois has specific requirements for CNA training programs to ensure all nursing assistants receive standardized education:

• Total of 120 training hours required:
  • 80 hours of classroom instruction
  • 40 hours of supervised clinical training in skilled nursing facilities
• Core curriculum topics include:
  • Infection control
  • Patient hygiene
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Mobility assistance
  • Dementia care

Most programs take between 4 and 16 weeks to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. While some theoretical portions may be available online in hybrid formats, all clinical hours must be completed in-person at approved healthcare facilities.

Finding the right CNA training program is an important step in your certification journey:

• Training is offered through various approved providers:
  • Community colleges (like College of DuPage and Lincoln Land Community College)
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Vocational schools
  • Some high school health occupation programs

To verify a program’s approval status, check the IDPH-approved Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program (BNATP) directory on their website.

Program costs vary by provider but typically include:

• Tuition and fees (College of DuPage charges approximately $1,398.95 for their complete program)
• Textbooks
• Background checks
• Exam fees
• Additional costs for uniforms ($50-$100) and medical requirements like TB tests ($25-$50)

Financial assistance options include:

• Illinois Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
• Federal Pell Grants for students attending accredited colleges
• Employer tuition reimbursement programs
• Free training through work agreements with healthcare facilities

After completing your training, you must pass the Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam (INACE) administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC):

• The exam consists of two parts:
  • Written test: 85 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes)
    • Covers communication (23%), safety protocols (19%), and clinical skills (58%)
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nursing assistant tasks
    • Examples include handwashing, blood pressure measurement, and patient transfers
• Exam fee is $85, paid directly to SIUC
• Testing is available at 28 locations throughout Illinois
• You’re allowed three attempts to pass both sections
• If you fail all three attempts, you must complete additional training before retesting

On exam day, bring government-issued photo identification and wear appropriate attire (many testing centers require scrubs). Arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid being turned away.

Automatic failure occurs if you omit critical safety steps like proper glove removal or hand hygiene during the skills evaluation.

The final step is registering with the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry:

• After passing your exam, your results and background check information are submitted to the registry
• Most new CNAs appear in the system within 2-3 weeks of passing their exam
• You can verify your listing by contacting the Health Care Worker Registry at 1-844-789-3676 or checking their online portal

To maintain an active status on the registry:

• Work at least one 8-hour paid shift under RN/LPN supervision every 24 months
• No continuing education is required in Illinois
• Your employer is responsible for submitting employment verification to the IDPH

If your certification lapses due to inactivity, you’ll need to retake both sections of the INACE to reactivate your status.

For out-of-state CNAs seeking reciprocity:

• Submit proof of your active certification from another state
• Pass a 20-question Illinois jurisprudence exam on state-specific regulations
• No clinical skills retest is required unless your previous certification has lapsed

The Illinois Health Care Worker Registry maintains records of all certified nursing assistants in the state. Through the registry, you can verify certification status, submit renewal applications, and request license transfers. Employers also use this resource to confirm that potential employees are in good standing.

• Website: https://hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov
• Phone: 844-789-3676
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: 525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth Floor, Springfield, IL 62761
• Fax: 217-524-0137

• Website: www.nurseaidetesting.com
• Phone: 877-262-9259
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, 1840 Innovation Drive, Suite 103, Carbondale, IL 62903
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

In Illinois, your CNA certification remains active as long as you regularly work as a nursing assistant. However, specific requirements must be met to maintain your certification:

• Your CNA certification becomes inactive if you do not provide nursing or nursing-related services for pay for 24 consecutive months
• Illinois does not require a specific renewal application if you maintain continuous employment
• No continuing education hours are required to maintain certification
• There are no renewal fees if you maintain active status through employment

If your certification becomes inactive after 24 months without working as a CNA, you’ll need to complete the recertification process:

1. Fill out the Online Recertification Form on the Nurse Aide Testing website
2. Call the number listed on the form and leave your name and social security number
3. Pass a written competency test (you’ll have three attempts to pass)
4. If you fail the test three times, you must complete an Illinois-approved CNA training program before retesting

If you’re certified in another state and moving to Illinois, you can transfer your credentials through the reciprocity process:

Who is eligible:

• CNAs with active certification in good standing from another state
• You must have no administrative findings of abuse, neglect, or theft on any state’s CNA registry
• You must have no disqualifying convictions on your home state’s registry

Required documentation:

• Completed Out-of-State Application form (available on the Nurse Aide Testing website)
• $25.00 fee paid by money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks or cash accepted)

Application process:

1. Verify your active status in your current state before applying
2. Complete the Out-of-State Application form
3. Mail the application with the $25 fee to the Southern Illinois University Nurse Aide Testing office
4. No retesting is required once reciprocity is granted

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within a few weeks

If you need to transfer your Illinois certification to another state, you’ll need to contact that state’s CNA Registry for their specific requirements and application process.