CNA License Requirements in Illinois
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois is one of the fastest paths into healthcare. This guide covers every requirement, exam detail, cost, and salary figure, verified against current IDPH and SIUC sources.
Requirements At A Glance
| Requirement | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | Must be at least 16 years old | State law |
| Training program | Complete an Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) | Required |
| Competency exam | Successfully pass the Illinois-approved written (or oral) examination and skills evaluation | Required |
| Background check | Complete any required fingerprint-based criminal screening in accordance with Illinois law and employer requirements | Required |
| Healthcare worker registry | After meeting all requirements, eligible CNAs are added to the Illinois Healthcare worker registry (HWR), which employers use to verify employment eligibility. | Required |
| Physical certificate | Illinois generally verifies CNA status through the Healthcare Worker Registry rather than issuing physical certification card | Registry verification |
Who Regulates CNA Certification in Illinois?
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, competency testing, and the Healthcare Worker Registry are overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDPH approves training programs, establishes program requirements, and maintains the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry (HWR). The Illinois-approved testing provider administers the competency evaluation and reports successful candidates to IDPH for placement on the registry.
The Healthcare Worker Registry serves as the official record of CNA certification and employment eligibility in Illinois.
How to Get Certified: Step by Step
Enroll in an IDPH-approved training program
Complete at least 120 hours of instruction, covering theory, skills lab, and supervised clinical hours. Programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare facilities, and other IDPH-approved training providers.
Pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE)
The exam includes a written knowledge test (85 multiple-choice questions) and a hands-on skills evaluation. Candidates receive up to three attempts before retraining is required.
Clear the fingerprint background check
Illinois requires a fingerprint-based background check under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Certain convictions may require an IDPH waiver before employment eligibility is granted.
Get listed on the Health Care Worker Registry
After passing the exam, Your testing provider reports successful completion to IDPH Once listed on the registry, you are legally eligible to work as a CNA in Illinois.
What’s On The Illinois CNA Competency Exam?
Written knowledge test
- Approximately 85 multiple-choice questions
- Oral exam option available if eligible
- Covers infection prevention and infection control
- Resident rights and OBRA requirements
- Basic nursing care and safety
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Candidates who do not pass may retest according to Illinois testing policies
Hands-on skills evaluation
- Hand hygiene and infection prevention
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Safe transfers and mobility assistance
- Personal care skills
- Resident safety and communication
- Following standard precautions throughout the exam
| Topic Area | What It Covers | Exam Component |
|---|---|---|
| Infection control | Hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation precautions | Written + Skills |
| Patient safety | Fall prevention, emergency response, safe care practices | Written + Skills |
| Resident rights | Privacy, dignity, consent, abuse prevention and OBRA regulations | Written |
| Basic nursing care | Vital signs, positioning, personal hygiene, feeding, comfort measures | Written + Skills |
| Mobility and transfers | Ambulation, transfers, gait belt use, positioning | Skills |
| Communication | Documentation basics, reporting observations, resident interaction | Written |
How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Illinois?
Most candidates complete the full certification process- from starting an approved training program to appearing on the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry- in approximately 6 to 12 weeks. Individual timelines may vary based on program schedule, exam availability, background check processing, and registry updates.
| Program Type | Training Duration | Total Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (days) | 4–6 weeks | Approximately 6–10 weeks |
| Part-time (evenings/weekends) | 8–12 weeks | Approximately 10-16 weeks |
| Employer-sponsored program | Varies (often accelerated) | May be completed more quickly depending on the employer and testing schedule |
How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Illinois?
The total cost of becoming a CNA in Illinois varies by school, location, and program type. Some employers cover training costs entirely in exchange for a post-certification work commitment, so it’s worth asking about before paying out of pocket.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training program tuition | $800 | $2,000 | Varies by school |
| Competency exam | Varies | varies | Check the current fee with the Illinois-approved testing provider |
| Background check | ~$50 | ~$75 | Cost varies by fingerprint vendor |
| Study materials | $0 | ~$80 | Often included with tuition |
| Estimated total cost | ~$935 | ~$2,240 | Employer-sponsored programs may significantly reduce or eliminate costs |
CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Illinois (2026)
Choosing to become a CNA isn’t just fast way to enter healthcare- it is the one of the most in-demand career paths in Illinois and it’s financially practical.
CNA pay in Illinois is competitive and continues to grow alongside demand. The figures below are sourced from four independent platforms as of April 2026 and represent statewide averages, urban areas like Chicago and Naperville typically pay slightly higher.
The difference between salary websites reflect varying data sources and calculation methods. Actual earnings depend on your employer, geographic location, years of experience, certifications, overtime opportunities, and shift differentials.
Mostly newly certified CNAs in Illinois can expect to earn approximately $17–$20/hr, with experienced CNAs and those working in higher-paying settings often earning $22–$26/hr.
Salary Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information from multiple sources. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, experience, specialty, certifications, overtime opportunities, shift differentials, and demand within your local market.
CNA License Renewal in Illinois
Although people often refer to is as “CNA License,” Illinois CNAs are listed on the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry (HWR) rather than issued a traditional license.
To remain eligible to work, you must maintain your registry status by meeting Illinois work requirements during each renewal period. If you don’t meet this requirement within the renewal window, you may need to complete retraining or retest before your certification can be reinstated.
Learn more here: License Map
| Renewal Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | Every 24 months |
| Work requirement | At least one paid 8-hour CNA shift under a licensed nurse’s supervision during the 24-month renewal period |
| CEU requirement | None. Illinois follows a work-activity model rather than requiring continuing education credits. |
| How to renew | Maintain eligibility by meeting the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry work requirements |
| If certification lapses | Additional training or competency testing may be required before returning to active status |
Can You Transfer a CNA License to Illinois?
Yes. Out-of-state CNAs can apply to be added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HWC) through Illinois’ reciprocity (endorsement) process, provided you meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
Learn more: CNA License
| Step | What’s Required |
|---|---|
| Active certification | Hold a current and valid CNA certification in your home state that is not expired, suspended, or revoked. |
| Good standing | No disciplinary actions, license revocations, or pending investigations on your record. |
| Application | Submit the Illinois reciprocity application through the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry process. |
| Background check | Illinois requires a fingerprint-based background check even if one was completed previously in another state. |
| Registry listing | After approval, your certification is added to the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry. |
Where Can You Work as a CNA in Illinois?
Once you’re listed on the registry, you’re legally eligible to work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including:
| Setting | Common CNA Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Skilled nursing facility | Long-term resident care, ADLs, documentation |
| Hospital | Patient care, mobility assistance, vital signs |
| Rehabilitation | Therapy support, transfers, mobility |
| Home health | Personal care in clients’ homes |
| Hospice | Comfort care and daily living assistance |
| Memory Care | Dementia-focused resident support |
| Behavioral health | Observation, safety, and patient support |
What Happens After You Get Certified?
Once you’re on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry, you can begin applying for CNA positions almost immediately. Many healthcare facilities in Illinois are actively hiring, which means faster placement, scheduling flexibility, and the ability to choose shifts that fit your life.
With platforms like MyShyft, you can pick up shifts based on your availability, work at facilities near you, and get paid quickly, without waiting weeks for a traditional hiring process.
Find CNA shifts in Illinois and start working on your schedule.
Start Working as a CNA in Illinois
Once you’re certified, you can start working right away, no need to wait through long hiring processes.
With MyShyft, you can:
Start earning quickly
Pick up shifts that fit your schedule
Work at facilities near you
Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Illinois Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.