If you’re pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois, you need to know exactly what the state requires before you can start working. Illinois has specific training, testing, and registry requirements that differ from other states, and getting them wrong can delay your career by weeks or months.
This guide covers everything you need to become a CNA in Illinois in 2026 — training hours, the competency exam, state registry, renewal requirements, reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs, and what you can expect to earn.
Training requirements
State requires a minimum of 120 hours of training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, exceeding the federal 75-hour minimum.
CNA training programs in Illinois are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare facilities, and the American Red Cross. When choosing a program, make sure it is state-approved — only graduates of approved programs are eligible to take the competency evaluation.
Competency exam
Competency evaluation administered by Southern Illinois University, consisting of a written knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration.
You must pass both portions of the exam to be placed on the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry. If you fail, most states allow retakes, but check with the Illinois Department of Public Health Health Care Worker Registry for Illinois’s specific retake policy.
State registry
Once you pass the competency evaluation, your name is placed on the Illinois Department of Public Health Health Care Worker Registry. Employers are required to verify your certification through this registry before hiring you.
You can verify your certification status or find more information at: Illinois Department of Public Health Health Care Worker Registry.
Illinois note: Illinois has higher-than-average CNA training requirements at 120 hours. Chicago-area facilities tend to offer higher pay than downstate locations.
Average salary in Illinois
CNAs in Illinois typically earn $34,000-$40,000 per year. Pay varies by setting, experience, shift differentials, and geographic location within the state.
Top employers in Illinois include Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health, Rush University Medical Center, OSF HealthCare, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Renewal requirements
Certification is valid for 2 years. Must have performed nursing-related services for compensation within the 24-month period to maintain active status.
Reciprocity (transferring from another state)
Illinois accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity if the applicant's training met Illinois's 120-hour requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Illinois?
CNA training programs in Illinois typically take 4-12 weeks to complete. State requires a minimum of 120 hours of training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice, exceeding the federal 75-hour minimum. After completing your training, you must pass the competency evaluation to be placed on the state registry.
How much do CNAs make in Illinois?
CNAs in Illinois typically earn $34,000-$40,000 per year. Pay varies by setting (hospitals generally pay more than skilled nursing facilities), shift differentials, and geographic location within the state. Major employers include Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health, Rush University Medical Center, OSF HealthCare, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to Illinois from another state?
Illinois accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity if the applicant's training met Illinois's 120-hour requirement. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health Health Care Worker Registry for the most current reciprocity requirements.