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 Completion — Certificate or transcript from an IDPH-approved BNATP.
- Social Security Card — A copy of your official Social Security card is required for registry placement.
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for fingerprinting and admission to the testing center (e.g., Driver's License, Passport).
- Livescan Request Form — A uniquely generated form provided by your employer or training program for fingerprinting.
How to Apply
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Complete an Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and successfully complete an Illinois-approved Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP) consisting of at least 120 hours (80 classroom, 40 clinical).
Find Approved Programs -
Undergo a Fingerprint Background Check ▾Your training program or employer will initiate a fingerprint-based criminal history records check through an IDPH-approved Livescan vendor.
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Register for the Competency Exam ▾Create an account on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Nurse Aide Testing website to schedule and pay for your written competency exam.
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Pass the Written Competency Exam ▾Successfully pass the 85-question multiple-choice exam. You have three attempts within one year of completing your training.
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Verify Registry Status ▾Once you pass the exam and your background check is cleared, SIUC will report your results to the IDPH. Verify your 'Active' status on the Health Care Worker Registry.
Search Registry
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
-
Verify Home State Status ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing on your current state's registry with no findings of abuse or neglect.
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Complete Out-of-State Application ▾Download and fill out the 'Out-of-State Nurse Aide Application' form.
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Submit Application and Fee ▾Mail the completed application along with a $25.00 money order or cashier's check (payable to SIUC) to the Nurse Aide Testing office in Carbondale.
Mailing Instructions -
Complete Illinois Fingerprinting ▾After your application is processed, IDPH will mail you a Livescan Request Form. You must use this form to get fingerprinted at an Illinois-approved vendor.
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
Disqualifying Convictions
▾
Criminal records with disqualifying offenses require a formal waiver from IDPH, which can take 6-8 weeks to process.
Incomplete Applications
▾
Missing signatures, incorrect Social Security numbers, or missing fees will result in the application being returned.
Payment Method Errors
▾
SIUC does not accept personal checks or cash; using these will delay processing until a money order is provided.
Fingerprinting Out-of-State
▾
Fingerprints must be taken by an Illinois-approved Livescan vendor; out-of-state prints are generally not accepted for the initial registry placement.
Questions
Does Illinois issue a physical CNA license or certificate?
▾
No. Illinois does not issue paper certificates or license numbers. The Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) is the sole official record of certification.
How do I renew my Illinois CNA certification?
▾
There is no renewal application or fee. To stay active, you must work at least one 8-hour shift performing nursing-related services for pay under a licensed nurse's supervision every 24 months.
What happens if my CNA status becomes 'Inactive'?
▾
If you have not worked in 24 months, you must recertify by passing both a manual skills evaluation and the written competency exam through SIUC.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for Illinois CNAs?
▾
No, Illinois does not currently require continuing education hours for CNAs to maintain active status on the registry.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes