What is the Illinois CNA exam pass rate?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Illinois publishes its official nurse aide exam results as "cluster score reports" on the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing site run by Southern Illinois University Carbondale, including first-time pass rates for each training program. Use the latest annual or mid-year report rather than a number quoted elsewhere, because rates change every reporting period.
| Report | What it shows | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster score reports (index) | All published reports | nurseaidetesting.com/cluster-score-reports |
| 2025 annual cluster scores | Full-year results by training program, incl. first-time pass rate | 2025 annual report |
| Latest mid-year report | Partial-year results | Linked from the reports index |
| IDPH CNA facts | Who runs the exam and registry rules | IDPH Health Care Worker Registry |
Who runs the Illinois CNA exam
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) states that Southern Illinois University Carbondale administers the written portion of the competency exam. The Illinois Nurse Aide Testing website is where candidates, training programs and the public find exam information and score reports.
How to use the pass-rate reports
- Choosing a training program: compare first-time pass rates across programs near you, alongside class size and schedule.
- Planning your study: cluster scores show which content areas candidates do worst on — study those first.
- Reading carefully: small programs can swing a lot between reports; look at more than one period.
Raise your own odds
Program pass rates don't decide your result — your preparation does. Practice under timed conditions and drill weak topics. Start with the free 20-question test, then check your score by topic.
Quick answers
- Is there an official Illinois CNA practice test from SIU?
- Check the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing site for current candidate materials. For extra practice, use our free CNA practice test (independent, not affiliated with SIU).
- How many times can you fail the Illinois CNA exam?
- Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities to take the evaluation. Illinois's specific retest and retraining rules are published by IDPH and Illinois Nurse Aide Testing.
- What's on the Illinois CNA skills test?
- The current skills list and checklists are in Illinois's official candidate materials. Prepare with our skills checklists.
What to do next
Find your weak topics before the real exam does.
Take the free practice testRelated guides
- Illinois CNA exam guide
- Is there a CNA practice test that shows my weak areas?
- What happens if you fail the CNA exam 3 times?
- How do I transfer my CNA license to another state?
- My CNA certification expired — do I have to retest?
- Can you take the CNA exam without a CNA class? (Challenge exam rules)
- What's the difference between STNA and CNA in Ohio?
- What is the passing score for the California CNA exam?
Sources
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU) — Cluster score reports
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing — 2025 annual cluster scores
- IDPH — Health Care Worker Registry: CNA facts
- 42 CFR 483.154 (Cornell LII)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.