Illinois CNA exam at a glance
Exam format, fees and rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Testing program | Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam, run by Southern Illinois University Carbondale for IDPH |
| Initial exam fee | $85 (covers a 12-month period) |
| Retake fee | $85 (within 12 months of program completion) |
| No-show reschedule | $55 |
| Out-of-state CNA application | $25 |
| Attempts | 3 attempts, all within 12 months of program completion, then retrain |
| Language | English only - ESL is not an accommodation category in Illinois |
| Scoring | Pass/fail; the cut score is not released |
What makes Illinois different
- Illinois does not issue CNA certificate numbers - employers verify you on the Health Care Worker Registry.
- All three attempts must fall within 12 months of program completion, a tighter window than most states.
- Aides listed through reciprocity from another state do not take the Illinois written test.
How to get certified in Illinois
- Complete an IDPH-approved training program (BNATP)
Your program coordinator submits you on a roster.
- Create your INACE account
You get an email and create your account with your email, SSN and date of birth - use a personal email.
- Pay and schedule
Pay the $85 exam fee and choose a test date and site.
- Check your result on the registry
Results post to the IDPH Health Care Worker Registry, which employers must use for verification.
Test day checklist
- Accommodations for a documented learning disability must be requested at least 30 days before your test date.
- If you need accommodations beyond extended time, choose a paper-based exam.
Registry and contacts
IDPH Health Care Worker Registry: 217-785-5133.
Federal minimums that apply everywhere
Federal rules set the floor for every state: nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). States can require more. After you are certified, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting before you can work in a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home (42 CFR 483.35(d)).
CNA practice test (written exam)
CNA practice test (written exam)
Practice for the Illinois CNA written exam
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Frequently asked questions
How do I become a CNA in Illinois?
1) Complete an IDPH-approved training program (BNATP). 2) Create your INACE account. 3) Pay and schedule. 4) Check your result on the registry.
Who runs the Illinois CNA exam?
Southern Illinois University Carbondale (Illinois Nurse Aide Testing) administers testing; Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) - Health Care Worker Registry oversees certification and the registry.
How much does the Illinois CNA exam cost?
$85 (covers a 12-month period) (verified 2026-09-23 from the official handbook or fee page).
How many times can I take the Illinois CNA exam?
3 attempts, all within 12 months of program completion, then retrain.
Sources
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIUC) - Fee Schedule (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing - Frequently Asked Questions (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (accessed 2026-09-23)