CNA Entry-Level

Illinois CNA Certification Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois

Training Hours

120+ hours

Total Initial Cost

$145

Program Duration

4-10 weeks for training program

Renewal Period

No fixed cycle

Official source: licensing in Illinois is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health / Health Care Worker Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Illinois.

Apply on Official Site

How do you renew a CNA certification in Illinois?

Illinois nurse aide registration has no fixed renewal cycle. Your Illinois CNA certification has no expiration date; it stays active as long as you provide nursing or nursing-related services for pay for at least 8 hours (consecutive or not) in every consecutive 24-month period. Your employer, not you, records your work history on the Health Care Worker Registry.

Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.265 (Recertification of CNA I or CNA II), eff. Dec. 2, 2024, checked 2026-11-06.

1 Training Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program

120+

Minimum training hours

4-10 weeks for training program

Typical program length

Additional Requirements

Illinois requires 120 hours of approved training
Must include at least 40 hours of clinical training
Program must be approved by Illinois Department of Public Health

2 Competency Examination

Exam Name

Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam

Test Provider

Southern Illinois University

Exam Components

Written/Oral Test

Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills

Skills Demonstration

Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator

Exam Fee

$90

Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.

3 Background Check

Criminal background check and fingerprinting

CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $55.

4 Fees

Initial Certification

Training Program	$500-$2,000*
Competency Exam	$90
Background Check	$55
Application/Registry Fee	$0

*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment

Renewal

Renewal Fee	No renewal step
Work Requirement	8 hours in 24 months

Certification Renewal

No fixed cycle

Renewal cycle

8+ hours

Work requirement

Your Illinois CNA certification has no expiration date; it stays active as long as you provide nursing or nursing-related services for pay for at least 8 hours (consecutive or not) in every consecutive 24-month period. Your employer, not you, records your work history on the Health Care Worker Registry.

Career Advancement

CNAs can advance to LPN/LVN or RN with additional education

LVN/LPN Licensing RN Requirements All Career Paths

Illinois CNA Certification FAQs

How much does CNA certification cost in Illinois?

Expect about $145 in total initial CNA certification costs in Illinois, including a $90 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Illinois Department of Public Health / Health Care Worker Registry.

How do you renew a CNA certification in Illinois?

How long does it take to get CNA certification in Illinois?

Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 12 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues CNA certifications in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Public Health / Health Care Worker Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (217) 785-5133.