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Becoming a CNA in Illinois

Steps to Become a CNA in Illinois

If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois, it’s important to understand the steps and requirements involved. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide that breaks down everything you need to know—from meeting the basic requirements to maintaining your certification. Let’s dive in so you can get started on your CNA career.

  • Meet Basic Requirements: Understand the fundamental criteria for enrolling in CNA training and gaining certification in Illinois.

  • Attend a School: Learn about the training program options available in Illinois and considerations when choosing a program.

  • Test Information: Get details on the state’s CNA exam and how to prepare. (Includes a link to practice tests.)

  • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Discover how to register your certification and maintain it over time.



1. Meet Basic Requirements

Before applying to a CNA training program in Illinois, you’ll need to ensure you meet the following basic requirements.

Basic Requirements for CNA Training and Certification:

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to enroll in a CNA program.

  • Education: Illinois requires at least 8 years of grade school or proof of equivalent knowledge.

  • Health: You must be in good physical health with up-to-date immunizations and negative TB test results.

  • Criminal Background Check: A background check is mandatory to ensure that you have no disqualifying convictions. Employers will not hire a CNA with specific criminal convictions unless a waiver is granted.

  • Language Proficiency: You need to be able to speak and understand English or a language that is understood by a large percentage of the residents at a facility.

Once you meet these basic criteria, you’re ready to begin searching for an accredited CNA program.

2. Attend a School

Finding the right CNA training program in Illinois is a key step. Your program must be approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and meet specific training requirements.

CNA Training Program Requirements:

 

  • Total Training Hours: Illinois requires a minimum of 120 hours of training. This consists of:

  • 80 hours of classroom instruction focused on technical medical knowledge and nursing skills.

  • 40 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in a healthcare setting such as a nursing home or hospital.

Topics Covered in a CNA Program:

During your training, you will cover various essential topics, including:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Learning how to communicate effectively with patients and staff.

  • Basic Nursing Care: Including taking vital signs, bathing, grooming, and feeding patients.

  • Infection Control: Methods to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare environments.

  • Emergency Procedures: Including basic first aid and safety protocols.

  • Patient Rights: Understanding residents’ rights and how to protect their privacy and dignity.

  • Caring for Patients with Dementia or Alzheimer’s: Illinois requires that at least 12 hours of your training focus on caring for patients with mental health disorders, such as dementia.

Choosing the Right Program:

There are several factors to consider when selecting a CNA program:

  • Program Length: Some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 3-4 weeks, while part-time options may take 1-4 months to complete.

  • Cost: CNA programs in Illinois typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the institution. Keep in mind that these fees may not include textbooks, uniforms, or other materials. Some employers, such as nursing homes, may offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment.

  • Location: Training programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities across Illinois. Some high schools also offer CNA training as part of their curriculum.

You can search for local CNA programs through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.

Featured CNA Programs in Illinois

Chicago’s Pulse CPR

Chicago’s Pulse offers hands-on, in-person training with a focus on essential skills, preparing students for the state exam and registry, with accreditation from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Read more…
$1,175
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Online

Anmut Nursing School, LLC

Ánmut Nursing School offers flexible hybrid learning, job placement assistance, and free state exam review classes, all led by experienced registered nurses, ensuring a comprehensive, career-focused education. Read more…
$1,650
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Career Training Center Of Chicago

CTCC offers a fast-paced, 4-week completion option with perfect attendance, combining flexible class schedules and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for the Illinois State Certification Exam. Read more…
$900
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Lights of Zion Worship Center

Lights of Zion Training Institute offers a 7-week state-approved program with hands-on clinical experience, CPR certification, and transportation assistance, all led by experienced instructors in a supportive environment. Read more…
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Nirvana Institute – West Campus

The Nirvana Institute’s CNA program stands out for its fast 25-day completion time, affordable $1,600 tuition with books and uniforms included, flexible class schedules, and job placement assistance. Read more…
$1,600
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Fairmont Care

Fairmont Care’s program offers free training with part-time work experience, plus guaranteed full-time employment after graduation and passing the state exam—ideal for job security and hands-on learning. Read more…
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3. Test Information

After completing your CNA training program, the next step is to pass the Illinois CNA competency exam.

CNA Exam Overview:

The CNA exam in Illinois consists of two parts:

  1. Written Exam: The written portion includes 70 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of nursing care, safety procedures, and patient handling. If English is not your first language, you may opt to take an oral exam. You will have 90 minutes to complete this section.

  2. Skills Evaluation: During the skills test, you’ll be required to demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills out of a list of 21 essential CNA skills (such as handwashing, taking vital signs, and transferring a patient). You must complete these tasks within 25 minutes under the supervision of a nurse evaluator.

Testing Provider:

The written portion of the exam is administered by Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIU-C). You can find testing locations across the state through the SIU-C testing website.

Exam Fees:

Here’s a breakdown of the fees associated with the CNA exam in Illinois:

  • Written & Skills Evaluation: $65

  • Translated Exam (for non-native English speakers): $45

  • Written Exam Retests: $35

Prepare for the Exam:

It’s always a good idea to take a practice test before the real exam. Click here for our free CNA practice test to help you prepare.

You are allowed up to three attempts to pass the exam. If you fail the exam three times, you’ll need to retake the entire CNA training program before trying again.

 

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass the written and skills exams, it’s time to get listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.

How to Register:

After passing the competency exam, your results will be submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Your name will be added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry, and you’ll be officially recognized as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). There is no certificate or license issued to CNAs in Illinois; your registration on the state registry serves as proof of your certification.

You can verify your certification status online through the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.

Keeping Your CNA Certification Active:

To maintain your CNA certification, Illinois requires that you:

  • Work at least 8 hours in a paid nursing or nursing-related role under the supervision of a licensed nurse every 24 months.

  • Work History Reporting: Your employer is required to submit your work history to the registry to ensure your certification remains active. If you do not work within the required 24-month period, your certification will become inactive, and you’ll need to complete a manual skills test and written exam to reactivate it.

Renewal Process:

CNA certification in Illinois does not have a formal expiration date, but it becomes inactive if you fail to meet the work requirements. Employers are responsible for verifying your employment status on the registry and updating your work history at least annually. If you stop working as a CNA for more than 24 consecutive months, you will need to complete recertification by passing both a manual skills test and the written exam again.

Transferring Your CNA Certification to Illinois:

If you are already a CNA in another state, you can apply for reciprocity. To transfer your certification to Illinois, you must provide documentation from your home state indicating that you meet the federal training requirements outlined in 42 CFR, Sections 483.151 and 483.152. You must also have a clean record with no convictions or findings of abuse or neglect.

For more information on transferring your CNA certification, contact Southern Illinois University Nurse Aide Testing at (877) 262-9259 or visit their website at http://www.nurseaidetesting.com.

 

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a CNA in Illinois! Whether you’re just starting out or transferring your certification, understanding the req

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