Illinois CNA License — How to Get, Transfer, Renew & Verify (2025 Updated)

To earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Illinois, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry. This guide explains how to obtain, verify, renew, or reinstate your license and transfer an active credential from another state—based on current standards from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

How to Get Your CNA License in Illinois

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification process in Illinois is overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and administered through Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). Follow these steps to earn your CNA license and be listed on the state registry.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Enroll in an IDPH-approved Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP). Each program must include at least 120 hours of instruction:

• 80 hours of classroom learning
• 40 hours of supervised clinical practice

You may also qualify through RN or LPN coursework, U.S. military health care training, foreign nursing education with verified transcripts, or out-of-state CNA certification that meets federal standards.

Step 2: Complete the Background Check

All applicants must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act. If the results show a disqualifying conviction, you must obtain a Health Care Worker Waiver from IDPH to remain eligible for CNA employment.

Step 3: Apply for the Illinois Competency Exam

After training, register for the Illinois Written Competency Exam through Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIUC). The exam includes 85 multiple-choice questions covering infection control, safety, resident care, and patient rights.

You may attempt the exam up to three times. If unsuccessful after three attempts, you must complete another approved training program before retesting.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry

After passing the exam, SIUC reports your results to IDPH. Your name will then be added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR). Employers are legally required to verify CNA eligibility through the registry before hiring.

Note: Illinois does not issue a physical CNA license, certificate, or number. The registry is the sole record of CNA certification status.

How to Verify Your CNA License in Illinois

The Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR), maintained by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), is the official system for confirming CNA training, testing, and work eligibility. Employers must use the registry to verify certification before hiring.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Go to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry Search.

Step 2: Search by Name

• Enter the worker’s last name (required)
• Add the first name if available
• Click Search to view results and select the correct record

Step 3: Review the Registry Record

The record shows:

• Work Eligibility: Must show Eligible for CNA employment
• Administrative Findings: Records of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• Background Check: IDPH determination of the Illinois State Police fingerprint check
• Employment Verification: Work history reported by employers
• Certification Program Information: Training completion date and exam status

Step 4: Validate for Employment

Employers must confirm eligibility, training, and work history before hiring. Use the Validate SSN option to verify identity.

Need help? Call IDPH at (844) 789-3676, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT.

How to Renew Your CNA License in Illinois

Illinois does not require renewal applications. Your certification stays active on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) if you meet work and reporting requirements. No renewal fee is required.

Work Requirement

You must complete at least one paid 8-hour shift providing nursing or nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse every 24 months to remain active.

Employer Reporting

Employers must update the HCWR within 30 days of each hire or separation and verify employment annually. Timely reporting ensures compliance and keeps your record active.

Inactive Status

If you do not perform qualifying work for 24 consecutive months, your record will be marked Inactive. You cannot work until you complete recertification.

Check Your Status

You can confirm your certification through the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.

Important: Only supervised, paid employment in approved healthcare settings counts toward maintaining active status. Private duty home care does not qualify.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Illinois

If you have not worked as a CNA for more than 24 consecutive months, your certification will show as Inactive on the HCWR. To regain active status, you must complete recertification through Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC).

Step 1: Submit the Recertification Request

Complete the online recertification form. SIUC will review your record and notify you by email if you are eligible. For help, call (877) 262-9259.

Step 2: Register and Schedule the Exam

Once approved, purchase and schedule your exam through SIUC. Testing is offered statewide.

Step 3: Pass the Competency Exams

• Knowledge Exam: Written or oral
• Skills Exam: Performance of manual tasks

You may attempt the exam up to three times. If unsuccessful, you must complete a new BNATP before retesting.

Step 4: Verify Active Status

After passing, SIUC updates your record. Confirm active status through the HCWR.

Note: Illinois does not issue license numbers or paper certificates. Your registry listing is the only official proof of certification.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to Illinois

CNAs certified in another state may apply for Illinois certification through reciprocity. You cannot work until your record shows Active on the HCWR.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold a current, active CNA certification in another state
• Completed approved training and passed a competency exam
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• No disqualifying convictions (unless granted a waiver)

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

Download and complete the Out-of-State CNA Application. Provide full and accurate details. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Step 3: Pay the Processing Fee

• $25 non-refundable fee
• Money order payable to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) or Nurse Aide Testing
• Cash and personal checks are not accepted

Step 4: Submit the Application Package

Step 5: Verify Your Listing

After processing, check the HCWR to confirm your status is Active before starting work.

Need help? Call SIUC at (877) 262-9259 or email wednat@siu.edu.

Illinois Nurse Aide Registry

The Illinois Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) through the HCWR, is the official record of CNAs authorized to work in Illinois. It tracks training, employment, background checks, and administrative findings. Employers must use the registry to verify work eligibility, while CNAs use it to confirm status, update details, and monitor certification history.

Contact Information

• Agency: Illinois Department of Public Health – Health Care Worker Registry
• Division: Office of Health Care Regulation (OHCR)
• Address: 525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth Floor, Springfield, IL 62761
• Phone: (844) 789-3676
• Fax: (217) 524-0137
• Email: DPH.HCWR@illinois.gov
• Registry Search: Illinois Health Care Worker Registry

State-Approved CNA Programs in Illinois

The following CNA training programs are approved by IDPH. Consider tuition, location, schedule, clinical sites, and job placement support when selecting a program.

1. Black Hawk College East Campus

   26230 Black Hawk Rd, Galva, IL 61434

   (309) 854-1700

2. Carl Sandburg College

   2400 Tom L Wilson Blvd, Galesburg, IL 61401

   (309) 344-2518

3. College of DuPage

   425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

   (630) 942-2800

4. College of Lake County

   19351 W Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030

   (847) 543-2000

5. Elgin Community College

   1700 Spartan Dr, Elgin, IL 60123

   (847) 697-1000

6. Harper College

   1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067

   (847) 925-6000

7. Heartland Community College

   1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761

   (309) 268-8000

8. Illinois Central College

   1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611

   (309) 322-0634

9. J Renee College

   415 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL 60123

   (815) 444-7751

10. John A. Logan College

    700 Logan College Dr, Carterville, IL 62918

    (618) 985-2828

11. John Wood Community College

    1301 S 48th St, Quincy, IL 62305

    (217) 224-6500

12. Joliet Job Corps Center

    1101 Mills Rd, Joliet, IL 60433

    (815) 727-7677

13. Joliet Junior College

    1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431

    (815) 729-9020

14. Kankakee Community College

    100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901

    (815) 802-8100

15. Kaskaskia College

    27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801

    (618) 545-3000

16. Kishwaukee College

    21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150

    (815) 825-2086

17. Lewis & Clark Community College

    5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035

    (618) 468-7000

18. Lincoln Land Community College

    5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

    (217) 786-2200

19. llinois Eastern Community Colleges - Wabash Valley College

    2200 College Dr, Mt Carmel, IL 62863

    (618) 262-8641

20. Malcolm X College

    1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612

    (312) 850-7000

21. McHenry County College

    8900 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

    (815) 455-3700

22. Methodist College

    7600 N Academic Dr, Peoria, IL 61615

    (309) 672-5513

23. Midwest Technical Institute

    280 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611

    (309) 427-2750

24. Midwest Technical Institute

    2731 Farmers Market Rd, Springfield, IL 62702

    (217) 527-8324

25. Moraine Valley Community College

    9000 College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465

    (708) 974-4300

26. Morton College

    3801 S Central Ave, Cicero, IL 60804

    (708) 656-8000

27. Oakton Community College

    1600 E Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

    (847) 635-1600

28. Parkland College

    2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821

    (217) 351-2200

29. Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center

    3348 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623

    (773) 890-3100

30. Rend Lake College

    468 Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846

    (618) 437-5321

31. Richland Community College

    1 College Park, Decatur, IL 62521

    (217) 875-7200

32. Rock Valley College

    3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114

    (815) 921-7821

33. Sauk Valley Community College

    173 IL-2, Dixon, IL 61021

    (815) 288-5511

34. Shawnee Community College

    8364 Shawnee College Rd, Ullin, IL 62992

    (618) 634-3200

35. South Suburban College

    15800 State St, South Holland, IL 60473

    (708) 596-2000

36. Southeastern Illinois College

    3575 College Rd, Harrisburg, IL 62946

    (618) 252-5400

37. SWIC Southwestern Illinois College

    2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221

    (618) 235-2700

38. Triton College

    2000 5th Ave, River Grove, IL 60171

    (708) 456-0300

39. Verve College

    2625 Butterfield Rd #102e, Oak Brook, IL 60523

    (630) 705-9999

40. Waubonsee Community College

    18 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506

    (630) 801-7900

41. Waubonsee Community College

    2060 Ogden Ave, Aurora, IL 60504

    (630) 585-7900

42. Waubonsee Community College

    100 Waubonsee Drive, Plano, IL 60545

    (630) 552-7900

43. Waubonsee Community College

    IL-47 & Waubonsee Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554

    (630) 466-7900

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a CNA while waiting for my exam results?

No. You must first pass the exam and be listed as Active on the HCWR. Employers must verify status before hiring.

Are testing accommodations available?

Yes. Submit a Testing Accommodations Form with supporting documentation before scheduling.

What should I bring on exam day?

Arrive at least 15 minutes early, wear clinical attire, and bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Personal items, electronics, food, and visitors are not allowed.

Can military-trained personnel apply for CNA certification?

Yes. Submit the Military Personnel Application with proof of training to SIUC.

Does foreign nurse training qualify?

Yes. Submit official transcripts with the Foreign Nurse Application. If approved, you may test without completing BNATP.

What if my employer does not update my work history?

Employers must enter hire and separation dates within 30 days and verify employment annually. If updates are missing, contact HR or call the HCWR at (844) 789-3676.

Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Yes. Illinois does not issue CNA license numbers. Your SSN is used to track certification records.

How do I update my name or address?

Send a written request to IDPH. For name changes, include legal documentation. Submit updates by mail, fax, or email to DPH.HCWR@illinois.gov. Include your full name, date of birth, and SSN.

Can I work as a CNA with a disqualifying conviction?

No, unless granted a Health Care Worker Waiver by IDPH. Waiver decisions are made case by case.

Key Takeaways

To work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois:

• Complete training: Finish a 120-hour BNATP (80 classroom + 40 clinical) approved by IDPH.
• Pass the exams: Successfully complete both the knowledge and skills tests administered by SIUC.
• Get certified: SIUC submits your results to IDPH for placement on the HCWR. Illinois does not issue license numbers or paper certificates.
• Stay active: Work at least one paid 8-hour shift in a qualifying facility every 24 months.
• No renewal: Illinois requires no forms or fees. Certification stays active if you meet work and employer reporting requirements.
• Transfer certification: Apply by reciprocity, complete the background check, and pay a $25 fee to SIUC.

All CNA certification and registry services are managed by IDPH and SIUC.

Amanda Jordan Amanda writes clear, regulatory-focused content that guides and supports healthcare professionals in their practice.