How to Become a CNA in Illinois 2026
To become a CNA in Illinois, complete a state-approved basic nursing assistant training program covering 80 hours of instruction and 40 hours of clinical practice, then pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Illinois Department of Public Health adds passing candidates to the Health Care Worker Registry, which employers use to verify CNA status.
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Illinois certifies nursing assistants through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which maintains the Health Care Worker Registry. To be listed on the registry, candidates must complete an approved training program, clear a background check, and pass the state competency examination. Military personnel, nursing students, and nurses licensed in other states have alternate qualification routes.
Use the links below to jump to each stage of the Illinois CNA certification process.
- Eligibility requirements
- Approved CNA training programs
- Alternate training pathways
- The competency examination
- Special accommodations
- Background check requirements
- The application process
- Out-of-state CNA certification
- Recertification
Eligibility Requirements
Illinois sets minimum criteria that candidates must meet before enrolling in a CNA training program or applying for certification. Candidates must be at least 16 years old and have completed at least eight years of grade school or demonstrate equivalent knowledge. They must be able to speak and understand English, or a language spoken by a substantial percentage of residents at their facility. Candidates must also provide a work and residence history covering the two years before their current employment and must undergo a criminal background check under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
CNA Training Programs in Illinois
The standard pathway to CNA certification is completing an IDPH-approved basic nursing assistant training program (BNATP). These programs cover the state-mandated curriculum and require a minimum of 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, for a total of 120 hours. At least 12 of the instructional hours must address dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Most BNATPs can be completed in three to twelve weeks, though programs that run on a semester schedule may exceed the standard 120-day limit. Community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities offer IDPH-approved programs. A searchable list of approved programs is available at the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry site at hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov.
The IDPH does not approve home study programs. Any program that includes clinical hours must conduct them on-site at an approved facility.
Alternate Training Pathways
Illinois accepts several forms of training as equivalent to a BNATP.
Nursing students. A current or former nursing student who has completed a fundamentals course (such as Nursing 101 or Fundamentals of Nursing) and at least 40 hours of supervised clinical experience may apply for CNA certification on that basis.
Military personnel. U.S. military members may qualify based on training as medical services specialists or hospital corpsmen. Documentation includes a diploma or certificate showing at least 40 hours of clinical experience, or a DD 214 reflecting completion of the relevant training program.
Illinois-licensed nurses. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses with a current, valid Illinois license may work as CNAs without being placed on the registry. Nurses with an inactive Illinois license, or with a current license from another U.S. state, must meet training requirements and be placed on the registry before working as a CNA in Illinois.
Foreign-trained nurses. Individuals who completed an LPN or RN equivalent program outside the United States must submit translated diplomas and official transcripts showing training hours for each course, a copy of their Social Security card, and proof of employment authorization if they are not U.S. citizens.
To apply for CNA certification based on alternate training, contact the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry at 217-785-5133 or by email at [email protected].
CNAs who want to continue into registered nursing can explore options for advancing from CNA to RN, including bridge programs that accept prior healthcare experience.
The Competency Examination
All candidates for Illinois CNA certification must pass a written competency examination. Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU-C) administers the written exam at testing sites throughout the state.
Candidates who complete an IDPH-approved BNATP submit their examination application and the $85 fee through their training program. The program verifies eligibility and handles the paperwork submission. Candidates who are reapplying after a failed attempt or a no-show, or who are applying through an alternate pathway, submit their application directly to SIU-C.
Rescheduling after a no-show costs $55. Retaking the examination after a failed attempt costs $85.
Candidates may attempt the written examination up to three times, and all three attempts must occur within 12 months of the program completion date. If that 12-month window closes without a passing score, the candidate must complete a new IDPH-approved training program before reapplying. Unofficial test results are mailed two to three weeks after the exam. The registry receives results electronically, and employers are required to verify CNA status directly with the registry rather than relying on the candidate’s paperwork.
Exam dates, test site locations searchable by zip code, and a sample written test are available at nurseaidetesting.com.
Special Accommodations
Candidates who need testing accommodations may request them with appropriate documentation. Approved accommodations include an oral examination format and large print. Accommodations are not granted on the basis of language background alone. In most cases, the examination is offered only in English. An exception applies when at least half of the residents at a candidate’s facility speak another language.
Background Check Requirements
Candidates must clear a background check before being added to the Health Care Worker Registry. For candidates completing a BNATP, the training program approves candidates for testing only after confirming that the background check requirement has been met. Candidates applying through alternate pathways receive fingerprint materials after submitting their application to the IDPH.
Candidates with disqualifying criminal history may apply for a waiver. Waiver requests are available through the Illinois Department of Public Health at dph.illinois.gov.
The Application Process
Candidates who complete an IDPH-approved BNATP receive application materials from their program. The program is responsible for submitting completed applications on the candidate’s behalf.
Candidates applying through alternate pathways download application packets from the IDPH website. The IDPH provides separate packets for nursing students, military personnel, and foreign-trained nurses.
Nursing students must have a school official verify completion of basic nursing coursework and at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Military applicants include copies of training certificates or DD 214 forms. Foreign-trained nurses must include translated diplomas and official transcripts showing hours of training for each course, and a copy of their Social Security card. Non-U.S. citizens must also include proof of work authorization.
Illinois does not issue a physical CNA license or certificate. Once SIU-C reports that a candidate has passed the competency examination, the IDPH adds that candidate to the Health Care Worker Registry. Registry status can be verified online through the IDPH website.
Out-of-State CNA Certification
CNAs currently certified in another state can be placed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry without retaking the competency examination, provided they meet the requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR, Sections 483.151 and 483.152). Candidates must have no administrative findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property on any state CNA registry, and no disqualifying convictions on their home state’s registry.
Out-of-state applications are available from the IDPH. Contact the Health Care Worker Registry at [email protected] for application materials.
For information on RN and LPN licensing in Illinois, see the full guide to Illinois nursing licensure requirements.
Recertification
CNAs must perform at least one eight-hour shift of paid nursing or nursing-related services within every 24 consecutive months to maintain active certification. A CNA who goes 24 consecutive months without performing paid nursing-related services loses their certified status.
Recertification requires passing the written competency examination. The IDPH will confirm that the candidate’s background remains clear before restoring registry status. Candidates who have been out of the field for many years and want additional preparation may complete an IDPH-approved training program before testing.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does CNA training take in Illinois?
Most IDPH-approved programs can be completed in three to twelve weeks. Programs offered on a semester schedule may run longer. All programs must include at least 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
Who administers the Illinois CNA competency examination?
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU-C) administers the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination at sites throughout the state. Exam dates, test site locations by zip code, and a sample test are available at nurseaidetesting.com.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Illinois?
Yes. CNAs with current certification in another state can be placed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry without retaking the competency examination, as long as they meet the federal requirements in 42 CFR Sections 483.151 and 483.152 and have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state CNA registry.
How do I maintain my CNA certification in Illinois?
You must perform at least one eight-hour shift of paid nursing or nursing-related services within every 24 consecutive months. If 24 months pass without qualifying paid work, you lose your certified status and must complete the recertification process before returning to practice.
What happens if I fail the Illinois CNA competency examination?
You may attempt the written examination up to three times, and all three attempts must occur within 12 months of your program completion date. Retaking costs $85 per attempt. If all three attempts are unsuccessful, or if the 12-month eligibility window closes before you pass, you must complete a new IDPH-approved training program before reapplying.
Key Takeaways
- 120 hours of training required — IDPH-approved programs combine 80 hours of classroom instruction with 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, including at least 12 hours on dementia care.
- Written exam required — The Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination is a written test administered by SIU-C. Passing it is required before being added to the Health Care Worker Registry.
- Registry, not a license — Illinois does not issue a CNA license or certificate. The Health Care Worker Registry is the official record that employers and facilities verify before hiring.
- Out-of-state transfer is available — CNAs certified in another state can transfer to the Illinois registry without retesting, provided they meet federal requirements and have a clean disciplinary record.
- Active status requires paid work — CNA certification lapses after 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related services.
Search for IDPH-approved CNA training programs in Illinois by location, including community colleges, vocational schools, and employer-based programs.