State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). Illinois CNA facts ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Illinois Department of Public Health; Southern Illinois University Nurse Aide Testing.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Illinois?
Route to review: Out-of-state reciprocity. Check all the conditions for this route. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in Illinois?
Basic training requires 120 hours: 62 theory, 18 laboratory and 40 clinical.
- Complete approved training and demonstrate required performance skills; pass the Department written competency examination.
- Background checks must start before classes; disqualifying convictions require an approved waiver. Pending checks may continue for up to three months under the rule.
Official training directory: Illinois Nurse Aide Testing training-program list (state contractor) ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state reciprocity
Current active out-of-state CNAs
- Other-state competency/registration must meet federal training requirements; no abuse, neglect, property-misappropriation findings or disqualifying convictions.[1]
This route may not apply to:
- Inactive applicant cannot be processed
Check registry
Confirm active status on every listed registry before applying.[1]
Complete identity/history fields
List all CNA states, name changes, residence/work history and required findings/conviction information; sign the form.[3]
Mail application and payment
Use the linked out-of-state form; send to SIU Nurse Aide Testing, 1840 Innovation Drive, Suite 103, Carbondale IL 62903.[1]
Official route: mail. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Illinois?
Prior approved Illinois CNA status is lost after 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related services. Follow recertification guidance rather than assume a fresh interstate application.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
Provide current registration documentation and all certified states. Reviewed form has no separate receiving-registry authority section; source-specific follow-up may still be requested.[1] [3]
What exceptions apply?
No additional exception is listed in the reviewed sources.
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state reciprocity: Reciprocity | $25 money order payable to SIUC or Nurse Aide Testing; no cash/personal check[1] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Processing time is not guaranteed.
- If you previously held Illinois certification, confirm recertification with IDPH and SIU.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Illinois planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Out-of-state reciprocity)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Illinois? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- SIU Out-of-State CNA Application ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Requirements, payment, mailing address; updated 10/8/2025
- IDPH CNA Facts ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Requirements 5-6; Resources links SIU; Out of State Nurse Application
- SIU Out-of-State Nurse Aide Application July 2023 ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Both pages; states, names, conviction/finding disclosure and signature
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Facts about Certified Nurse Aides ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Recertification and 24-month work requirement
- Illinois Administrative Code Part 395 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 77 Ill. Adm. Code 395: 395.150 (120 hours: 62 theory, 18 lab, 40 clinical); 395.171 (background check before class; up to 3 months pending); 395.265 (certification revoked after 24 months with under 8 paid hours; recertify by passing the competency test; fee paid first); 395.400 (three attempts within 12 months).