CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

Illinois requires 120 hours of approved training (80 classroom + 40 clinical) to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Illinois is unique in requiring annual certification renewal.

Training Program Requirements

Illinois CNA programs must be approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Programs are available at:

• Community colleges
• Long-term care facilities
• Private vocational schools
• Some hospital-based programs

Training includes:

• 80 hours of classroom instruction
• 40 hours of supervised clinical practice
• Basic life support (BLS) certification

Certification Exam

Illinois CNA testing is administered by Southern Illinois University (SIU):

• Written Test: 60 multiple-choice questions
• Skills Test: 5 randomly selected clinical competencies
• Cost: ~$90 total
• Results: Typically available within 2 weeks

You have 3 attempts to pass within 2 years of completing your training program.

Renewal

Illinois is one of the few states requiring annual renewal:

• 12 hours of continuing education per year
• Must maintain active employment as a CNA
• Renewal is through the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry

Background Check

Illinois requires:

• Criminal background check through the Illinois State Police
• Health Care Worker Background Check (HCWBC)
• Fingerprinting for initial certification

Reciprocity

Illinois accepts out-of-state CNA certifications if:

• Your certification is active and in good standing
• You pass the Illinois background check requirements
• Your training met or exceeded Illinois’s 120-hour requirement