CNA Certification in Illinois

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois

Those who live in Illinois, or who are planning to move to the state, will need to understand what it takes to become or remain a CNA if they hope to obtain employment there. The following details are the most useful for those who are looking to become certified, or who need to renew their previous licensing.

It is the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing Program that administers the written test required by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This group also handles the criminal background checks that allow a candidate to enroll (or not) in an approved training program.

The Illinois Health Care Worker Registry is the agency that manages the lists of nurse aides who have met all requirements of the state of Illinois.

Eligibility Requirements

Like so many other states, Illinois has the following prerequisites before the candidate can even enroll in one of the approved training programs:

The candidate is 16 or older;They speak English with fluency;They must provide proof of employment prior to seeking to become a CNA;They must have reached the eighth grade level of school or demonstrate equivalent knowledge;They must submit to a criminal history check and have no disqualifying convictions (the state does not allow enrollment in training but will consider requests for waivers); andThey pass a health screening that includes TB testing and drug testing.

Applying for CNA Certification in Illinois

Because not all CNA candidates are just beginning to get training, there are exceptions for those with previous or applicable experience. For instance, the following people may not require enrollment and completion of an approved program:

Those with RN or LPN licensing may be listed on the state registry;Those with RN, LPN, or CNA licensing from other states;Nursing students who have done 40 hours or more of clinical work;Those with military experience as CNAs; andThose with approved CNA programs from other countries.

When a candidate meets these requirements, they can apply for training at one of the many approved sites (or book a seat at the competency exam). Approved training is available by using the lists at this link.

CNA certification programs approved in Illinois will feature a minimum of 75 hours of training. Typical certified nursing assistant certification programs run for six to twelve weeks and divide the time between classroom and practical learning.

Costs

The costs for training programs for CNA certification in Illinois average between $400 and $800 with some facilities paying the candidates enrollment fees. There are also fees associated with the testing, and these are:

First time applicants: $65

Retake of the written exam: $35

Translated exam: $45

Re-test for those who have not worked in 24 months: $65

FAQ

Below are some of the most useful facts to know about CNA certification in Illinois:

The state uses the Health Care Worker Registry to conduct background checks on CNA candidates. There are some criminal offenses that disqualify individuals from being accepted for enrollment in any program;CNAs must renew prior to the expiration date of their training (usually every 24 months), but if you have allowed the license to expire you may require retesting before it can be renewed. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 217-785-5133 if this appliesA person may fail the test 3 times before he/she is required to retake a training course, but you will need to pass the exam within 24 months of completing an approved training program or take re-training; andNursing students may work as a nurse aid in a long-term care facility and be approved for the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry if they successfully complete the exam within 120 days of employment. If the exam is not passed, the employer must remove the person from service until the exam is passed.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Nurse Aide Testing
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Mail Code 4340
Carbondale, IL 62901-4340
Phone: 1-877-262-9259
Email: wednat@siu.edu

Health Care Worker Registry
525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
Website: http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/home.htm