How does the Illinois CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Illinois's nurse aide competency exam has two parts you must pass: a knowledge test (written, or oral if you choose — federal rules require that option) and a hands-on skills test. Illinois Department of Public Health names Southern Illinois University Carbondale (written portion) as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the Illinois nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | IDPH — Health Care Worker Registry: CNA facts |
| State agency | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Health Care Worker Registry | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Southern Illinois University Carbondale (written portion) | IDPH — Health Care Worker Registry: CNA facts |
| Pass rates | Published as cluster score reports with training-program first-time pass rates | Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU) — Cluster score reports |
| Oral option | Yes — you may choose an oral exam instead of written | 42 CFR 483.154 |
| Attempts | At least three opportunities (state may set further rules) | 42 CFR 483.154 |
Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.
Steps to get certified in Illinois
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federal minimum: 75 clock hours including 16 supervised practical hours), unless your state accepts another route.
- Apply and schedule your exam through the testing program described in the Illinois candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the Illinois nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to Illinois
IDPH says SIU Carbondale administers the written portion of the Illinois competency exam. The Illinois Nurse Aide Testing site has candidate information and the official pass-rate reports. See Illinois CNA exam pass rate.
How to prepare
The knowledge test covers standard nurse aide topics: residents' rights, infection control, safety, personal care, basic nursing skills, communication, mental health, the aide's role, vital signs and nutrition. Take the free 20-question practice test to see your weakest topics, rehearse every skill with our skills checklists, and do a timed full exam the week before.
Quick answers
- What is the Illinois CNA exam pass rate?
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing publishes official cluster score reports with first-time pass rates by training program. See Illinois pass rate.
- Illinois CNA exam: number of questions and passing score?
- Check the current candidate information on the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing site; formats are updated over time.
- How many times can you fail the Illinois CNA exam?
- Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities; Illinois's specific retest and retraining rules are on IDPH and Illinois Nurse Aide Testing pages.
- Can I take the Illinois CNA exam orally?
- Yes. Federal rules require that candidates can choose an oral exam instead of the written one. The candidate handbook explains how to request it.
- How many times can I take the Illinois CNA exam?
- Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities to pass the competency evaluation; check the handbook for retest fees, waiting periods and retraining rules.
What to do next
Find your weak topics before Illinois test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- IDPH — Health Care Worker Registry: CNA facts
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU) — Cluster score reports
- Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU)
- 42 CFR 483.154 — Nurse aide competency evaluation (Cornell LII)
- 42 CFR 483.152 — Nurse aide training requirements (Cornell LII)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.