CNA Classes In Illinois

The healthcare industry in Illinois is growing and it can provide a more stable job for individuals. If you are a high school graduate you can get a certification as a Nursing Assistant. A CNA training program in Illinois will take few weeks to complete and if you pass the certification exam, you will be eligible to work in hospitals, nursing homes, and many other healthcare institutions. According to the May 2024 Bureau of Labor and Statistics data, Certified Nursing Assistants in Illinois have an annual salary of $41,300 and they also may receive health and dental benefits. A CNA job is definitely rewarding so if you plan to pursue this career, you have to know what the CNA programs are all about.

Where To Find CNA Classes in Illinois


Interested in classes in Chicago? Check out our CNA classes in Chicago page.

Who is the Regulatory Body for CNAs in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, nurse aides are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Who Administers the CNA Exam in Illinois?

The Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam is administered by a partnership with The Illinois Department of Public Health and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. If you’re interested in preparing for the exam we encourage you to take one of our free CNA practice test options available on this site. For a complete list of practice tests on this site:

Illinois State Requirements for CNAs

Illinois approves several training programs that aspiring CNAs should take in order to become certified. Although there are no online programs available, numerous facilities within the state offer CNA classes and programs. Depending on the facility you choose, it is expected that the program will reach to 150 hours covering topics on body mechanics, back care, anatomy, mental health, physiology and other nursing skills. The fees for the instruction will vary on the facility you choose but it often ranges to $700 and $1,500. Try to check the facility whether you can pay the tuition by working right after you pass the CNA exam and get certified.

As soon as you are finished with the training, your next plan is to take and pass the exam. The test is divided into 6 sections and it will measure your skills and knowledge on resident rights, patients with social service needs and mental health, restorative skills, giving personal care, basic nursing skills and communicating information. Two weeks after the exam, you will receive a pass or fail results. During the exam, you have to bring two number 2 lead pencils having erasers and a photo ID issued by the state. There are websites on the internet that can help you identify where to take the exam. You simply have to enter the zip code and see the closest sites. If you wished to take a practice test, these websites can give you that.

Once you passed the exam, you can apply for certification. Make sure that you completed all the necessary requirements and you have a clean criminal record so that you are allowed to apply. Hundreds of healthcare related job openings are available in Illinois these days and if you are a Certified Nursing Assistant, you may get a job right away.

Illinois CNA Exam Details

The Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam covers content in the following areas:

  • Communicating Information
  • Performing Basic Nursing Skills
  • Performing Personal Care Skills
  • Performing Basic Restorative Skills
  • Providing Mental Health and Social Service Needs
  • Providing Residents’ Rights

How Much Does the Illinois CNA Exam Cost?

The cost of the Illinois CNA exam is $67.

Where Can I Take the CNA Exam in Illinois?

Candidates can take the CNA exam in Illinois at various sites throughout the state. Additionally, there is an online exam option. Details are listed here.

How Much Does a CNA Get Paid in Illinois?

The average pay for a CNA in Illinois is $19.85 per hour according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, with the average annual salary being $41,300.

Illinois Nurse Aide Registry

For contact information follow this link to learn more about the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. If you’re looking to verify if a CNA is in good standing on the registry, use this link.

CNA Program Locations in Illinois

If you’re looking for free CNA classes in Chicago or throughout Illinois, the following accredited facilities offer free CNA instruction. Please contact these institutions directly to learn more about their programs and requirements, as some of these locations may be nursing homes or medical facilities that require trainees to accept a position with that organization upon completing their Illinois CNA exam and getting their certification. Each facility’s contact information and website is available for your convenience.

CNA Free Class LocationsCityPhone
Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center
Chicago, IL 60623(773) 890-3100
Norwood Crossing
Chicago, IL 60631(773) 631-4856
TTI Medical Program
Chicago, IL 60656(773) 774-2222
Joliet Job Corps Center
Joliet, IL 60433(815) 727-7677
Hamilton Memorial Hospital District
McLeansboro, IL 62859(618) 643-2361
Whitehall of Deerfield Healthcare Center
RoadDeerfield, IL 60015(847) 945-4600
Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
RoadLemont, IL 60439(630) 243-0400
International Program Academy
Schaumburg, IL 60173(847) 995-1932
Alden North Shore
Skokie IL 60077(847) 679-6100

If you were unable to find free CNA classes in our listings above, there are plenty of opportunities to find reasonably priced CNA training near you. Browse our listings below to find the right course for you. or find CNA training programs here. 

The CNA schools displayed in this section offer tuition-based programs.

LocationCityPhone
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, IL 62221-5899618-235-2700
John A. Logan College
Carterville, IL 62918(618) 985-3741
Kennedy-King College
Chicago, IL 60621773-602-5000
John Marshall Metropolitan High School
Chicago, IL 60624773-534-6455
Samland Institute of Allied Health and Technology
Chicago, IL 60641773-283-0440
Sauk Valley Community College
Dixon, IL 61021815-288-5511
Lewis & Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL 62035618- 468-7000
Lake County High Schools Technology Campus
Grayslake, IL 60030847-223-6681
Southeastern Illinois College
Harrisburg, IL 62946618-252-5400
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL 60431815-280-2463
Lake Land College
Mattoon, IL 61938-9366217-234-LAKE
Snyder Village
Metamora, IL 61548309-367-4300
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL 62305217-224-6500
KAM Technology and Healthcare Institute
Oak Park, IL 60302708-848-1700
Indian Valley Vocational Centre
Sandwich, IL 60548815-786-9873
Seneca Township High School
Seneca, IL 61360815-357-5000
South Suburban College
South Holland, IL 60473-1200708-596-2000
Solex College
Wheeling, IL 60090866-797-6539