State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). Illinois CNA facts ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Illinois at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Illinois Department of Public Health; Southern Illinois University Nurse Aide Testing |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Illinois CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Illinois?
Basic training requires 120 hours: 62 theory, 18 laboratory and 40 clinical.[3] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- Complete approved training and demonstrate required performance skills; pass the Department written competency examination.[3]
- Background checks must start before classes; disqualifying convictions require an approved waiver. Pending checks may continue for up to three months under the rule.[3]
- Three written-test opportunities are allowed within 12 months of program completion; failure to pass within either limit requires retaking training.[3]
Where can you find training programs?
Illinois Nurse Aide Testing training-program list (state contractor) ↗[2] [4] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What are the steps?
Verify the Chicago program
Use the IDPH approved-program directory rather than an unverified local shortlist.[2]
Complete the program and written test
Follow the approved program and SIUC written-testing instructions linked by IDPH.[1] [3]
Verify registry status
Check the Health Care Worker Registry after competency reporting.[1]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm Chicago school approval, tuition, start dates and admissions directly with the school.
- This profile covers basic CNA I training, not advanced CNA II or intern pathways.
Where did this information come from?
- Illinois IDPH CNA Facts ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Initial Illinois-program route; approved training and written competency test; SIUC testing and Health Care Worker Registry reporting.
- Illinois IDPH Approved CNA Training Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current public approved-program list linked by IDPH CNA Facts; Illinois-wide directory contains Chicago entries.
- 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).
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing training-program list ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · State contractor training-program list with names, addresses and CNA I/CNA II labels. This is not the state approval list; IDPH publishes the CNA approved training programs list separately.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Illinois?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Illinois Department of Public Health; Southern Illinois University Nurse Aide Testing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state reciprocity — Current active out-of-state CNAs
Key requirement: Other-state competency/registration must meet federal training requirements; no abuse, neglect, property-misappropriation findings or disqualifying convictions.
What are the first steps for Out-of-state reciprocity?
Check registry
Confirm active status on every listed registry before applying.
Complete identity/history fields
List all CNA states, name changes, residence/work history and required findings/conviction information; sign the form.
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.
What should you confirm?
- Processing time is not guaranteed.
- If you previously held Illinois certification, confirm recertification with IDPH and SIU.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Illinois?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Your certification stays valid as long as you meet the work requirement below (77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.265). |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work, in a row or not, in every 24-month period. |
| CE or in-service | Illinois's recertification rule and IDPH's CNA facts page don't list a continuing-education requirement. |
| Renewal window | If you go 24 consecutive months without at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work, your certification is revoked. |
| If the credential lapses | Illinois's rule says you can recertify by passing the competency evaluation (written) test, and you pay the test fee first. IDPH's CNA facts page lists different options: a manual skills test with an approved evaluator, or an approved training program plus the written test. Ask IDPH which one applies to you. |
Your Illinois CNA certification stays valid as long as you do at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in every 24-month period. If you don't, your certification is revoked. Illinois's rule lets you recertify by passing the written competency test after paying the test fee, while IDPH's CNA facts page lists a manual skills test or retraining with the written test, so ask IDPH which applies. Neither source lists a continuing-education requirement.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health: Facts about Certified Nurse Aides ↗ Illinois Administrative Code Part 395 ↗
Open the official Illinois registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state