CNA Classes in Illinois | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

IDPH-Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Illinois

Launch your healthcare career in the Land of Lincoln with state-approved certification programs. Complete your training in as little as 4-12 weeks.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

120

Training Hours Required

$85

State Exam Fee

$43,950

Average Annual Salary

4-12

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Illinois

Start Your Healthcare Career Today

Illinois offers excellent opportunities for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), with a strong healthcare sector spanning major metropolitan hospitals in Chicago to skilled nursing facilities throughout the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates CNA certification through the Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR), ensuring all nursing assistants meet rigorous training and competency standards.

With competitive wages averaging $43,950 annually and consistent demand for qualified healthcare workers, becoming a CNA in Illinois provides a rewarding entry point into the healthcare industry.

State-approved training programs across Illinois

Flexible scheduling: full-time, part-time & evening options

Many employers offer free training with work commitment

Career advancement opportunities to LPN and RN

Illinois CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 120 hours minimum

Classroom/Lab 80-90 hours

Clinical Hours 40-50 hours

Exam Format 85 questions, 90 min

Exam Fee $85

Regulatory Body IDPH

Registry HCWR

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Illinois

Browse IDPH-approved nursing assistant training programs near you. All programs listed meet state requirements for CNA certification.

Browse CNA Schools in Illinois

Explore our directory of IDPH-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Illinois

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Illinois.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in an IDPH-approved Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP). Illinois requires a minimum of 120 training hours, typically split between 80-90 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 40-50 hours of supervised clinical experience. Before direct resident contact, you must complete at least 16 hours of classroom training. Programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities throughout Illinois.

Pass the State Exam (INACE)

After completing your training, pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). The exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions covering infection control, safety, resident care, and patient rights. You have 90 minutes to complete it. The exam fee is $85, and you may attempt up to three times within 12 months of program completion.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. After passing the exam and clearing the background check, your name is added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR). Employers are legally required to verify CNA eligibility through the registry before hiring. You may work up to 120 days as a trainee while awaiting results.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Illinois.

Most CNA training programs in Illinois can be completed in 4-12 weeks, depending on whether you choose a full-time or part-time schedule. The state requires a minimum of 120 total training hours, typically split between 80 hours of classroom/laboratory instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience. Some accelerated programs may combine 90 hours of classroom/lab work with 40-50 hours of clinical training. After completing your training, you'll schedule and take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Exam results are typically posted within 3 business days, and upon passing, your name is added to the Health Care Worker Registry. The entire process from enrollment to certification generally takes 2-4 months, though motivated students in intensive programs may complete it faster. Community colleges throughout Illinois, from Chicago City Colleges to Southern Illinois University, offer flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend classes.

CNA training costs in Illinois typically range from $600 to $2,000, depending on the type of institution and program format. Community college programs, such as those at College of DuPage, College of Lake County, or City Colleges of Chicago, tend to be more affordable, often ranging from $600-$1,200. Private vocational schools may charge $1,200-$2,000 or more but often offer accelerated timelines. In addition to tuition, you'll need to budget approximately $85 for the state competency exam fee, plus costs for textbooks ($50-$150), scrubs and clinical supplies ($75-$150), and the fingerprint-based background check (approximately $50-$70). Many skilled nursing facilities and healthcare employers in Illinois offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment of 6-12 months after certification. Financial aid, including federal Pell Grants and state MAP grants, may be available for eligible students at accredited institutions. Some workforce development programs through Illinois workNet also provide funding assistance for CNA training.

Illinois permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours. The didactic portion of your training, which covers topics like anatomy basics, infection control, patient rights, communication skills, and documentation, can often be completed through online coursework. However, the Illinois Department of Public Health requires that all clinical training hours be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component cannot be done virtually, as it involves direct patient care skills like vital signs measurement, patient positioning, bathing, feeding assistance, and mobility support. When searching for programs, look for IDPH-approved hybrid options that clearly state their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of programs claiming to be entirely online, as these would not meet Illinois certification requirements. The best hybrid programs offer flexible online scheduling for theory work while coordinating clinical rotations at facilities convenient to your location.

The Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE), administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale, consists of an 85-question multiple-choice written test covering six main duty areas: basic nursing care, personal care skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and residents' rights. You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The test is computer-based and administered at approximately 65 testing sites across Illinois, including many community colleges. To pass, you must demonstrate competency across all duty areas. The exam covers 200 validated nurse aide tasks grouped into these categories. Test questions focus on practical scenarios you'll encounter as a CNA, including infection control protocols, safety procedures, communication with residents and healthcare teams, and proper documentation. The exam fee is $85, and you can attempt the test up to three times within 12 months of completing your training program. Results are posted to the Health Care Worker Registry within 3 business days. A sample test is available on nurseaidetesting.com to help you prepare.

Yes, Illinois accepts CNA certification from other states through a reciprocity process. If you hold an active, good-standing CNA certification from another state, you can apply for reciprocity through the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) without retaking the competency exam. To transfer your credentials, submit the Out-of-State Nurse Aide Application to Southern Illinois University Carbondale along with a $25 money order. You must also provide verification of your out-of-state credentials and complete an Illinois fingerprint-based background check. Before applying, verify that your current state certification is active by checking your home state's registry. The IDPH will verify your information with your current licensing body. Processing typically takes 14-21 days after all materials are received. If your out-of-state certification has lapsed or you have findings of abuse, neglect, or misconduct on your record, you may need to retake training and/or the competency exam. For questions about reciprocity, contact the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing office at SIUC: 1-877-262-9259 or the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry at 217-785-5133.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Illinois

Unlike many states that require periodic license renewal with fees, Illinois maintains CNA certification through an employment-based verification system managed by the Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR). Your CNA status remains active as long as you have verifiable paid CNA employment under nurse supervision within each 24-month period. The Illinois Department of Public Health does not set a specific minimum hour count, but your employment must be properly documented by your employer, who reports your work status to the registry. Importantly, IDPH does not mandate Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for registry renewal, though federal regulations require nursing facilities to provide at least 12 hours of in-service training annually to their CNA staff. If you change jobs, ensure your new employer properly reports your employment to maintain your active status. Your certification becomes inactive if you have a 24-consecutive-month period without providing paid nursing or nursing-related services. If this happens, you cannot work as a CNA until you recertify by passing the written competency exam again. To recertify after a lapse, complete the Online Recertification Form on nurseaidetesting.com, call 1-877-262-9259 (option 2) to provide your information, and pay the $85 exam fee. You can check your current registry status anytime through the HCWR public lookup at hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov.

Renewal Fee

No Fee Required

Work Requirement

Employment within 24 months

CEU Requirement

None (12 hrs in-service by employer)

Recertification Fee (if lapsed)

$85 Exam Fee

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Illinois

Strong Job Market & Competitive Pay

Illinois offers strong career prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants, with the healthcare sector representing one of the state's largest employment industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNAs in Illinois earn a median salary of $43,950 per year, or approximately $21.13 per hour, which exceeds the national median for nursing assistants.

The highest-paying metropolitan areas in the state include the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin region, Champaign-Urbana, and Springfield. CNAs working in hospital settings typically earn higher wages than those in skilled nursing facilities or home health, though all sectors offer competitive compensation.

With an aging population driving increased demand for long-term care services, employment opportunities for CNAs in Illinois are expected to remain strong. Many CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to advanced healthcare careers, including Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) positions, with several Illinois colleges offering bridge programs for certified nursing assistants seeking to advance their education.

Average Annual Salary

$43,950

per year

$21.13/hour • Above national average

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Illinois CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Illinois Dept. of Public Health

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification and healthcare worker standards.

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Health Care Worker Registry

Verify your CNA status and check employment eligibility through the official HCWR portal.

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Illinois Nurse Aide Testing

SIUC-administered exam registration, test sites, fee schedule, and sample tests.

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Exam Registration Portal

IDPH Registry Contact

525 W. Jefferson St., 4th Floor
Springfield, IL 62761

Call: 217-785-5133

Nurse Aide Testing Support

SIUC Nurse Aide Testing
1840 Innovation Drive, Carbondale, IL 62903

Call: 1-877-262-9259

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