Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant License
Illinois Dept of Public Health
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks (for reciprocity applications)
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
- State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $25
How to Apply
-
Enroll in an Approved CNA Training Program ▾Enroll in and successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) maintains a list of approved programs.
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Complete Required Training Hours ▾Fulfill all program requirements, which include a minimum of 120 hours of training, with at least 40 hours dedicated to clinical experience.
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Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Exam ▾Successfully pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam within 24 months of completing your training program. This exam has both a written/oral portion and a skills demonstration portion.
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Program Submits Documentation to Registry ▾Your approved training program will submit all necessary documentation regarding your successful completion and exam pass directly to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry on your behalf.
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Verify Listing on Health Care Worker Registry ▾Once your information has been processed by the IDPH, your certification will be active and listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry. You can verify your status using the online search tool.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks (for reciprocity applications)
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Illinois Dept of Public Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Illinois Dept of Public Health. The application fee is $25.
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Provide License Verification ▾Illinois requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
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Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Illinois requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Illinois can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 4 Weeks (for reciprocity applications) once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (based on employment and in-service education)
Compact
No
Board
Illinois Dept of Public Health
Keeping Your License Active
Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (based on employment and in-service education). Contact the Illinois Dept of Public Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Questions
Who administers the Illinois CNA exam?
▾
The Illinois nurse aide exam is administered by SIU-C (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) via nurseaidetesting.com.
How do I transfer my CNA to Illinois?
▾
Submit the Out-of-State CNA Application on nurseaidetesting.com with a $25 money order payable to SIU-C. A written competency retest is usually required.
How do I verify an Illinois CNA?
▾
Search the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) at hcwr.illinois.gov or call (844) 789-3676 (M-F 8:30am-5pm CT).
Board Info
Sources