CNA License in Illinois

Do you think that in Illinois it is impossible to find a medical career that you can train for in just a few weeks? If you are among the people who think this way, we are happy to announce that you are wrong! Not only are CNA programs incredibly short, a CNA certificate will also allow you to obtain employment in the medical sector easily because of the high demand of CNAs throughout the United States.

CNA Certification Requirements in Illinois

To obtain CNA certification in Illinois, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Complete a state-approved training program
• Complete a nursing arts course
• Complete a U.S. military training program with nurse aide training included
• Foreign LPN/RN training with all documents translated into English
• And pass a written competency test.

You can also obtain the certification by being competent on another state’s registry for CNAs.

How to Get Your CNA Certification in Illinois

Prior to taking your nursing aide competency exam, you will need to submit to a background check. With a clear background check and passing score on the exam, the testing center will send your score to the Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry. At this point, the Registry will add your name to their list of active nursing aides in the state.

How to Verify Your CNA Certification in Illinois

At times, you or your employer may need to check your CNA certification status in Illinois. When that happens, go to the Illinois Department of Public Health website and search for “CNA certification verification.” Next, click on "Health Care Worker Registry." Finally, on "Search the Health Care Worker Registry." This will take you to the CNA verification tool.

How to Renew Your CNA Certification in Illinois

Illinois requires its CNAs to renew their certifications every two years. The Department of Public Health will send you a renewal form several weeks before your certification's expiration date. You must fill this form out and submit it back to the Department to renew your certification.

How to Reinstate Your CNA Certification in Illinois

In Illinois, you must reinstate your CNA certification if you fail to provide nursing or related services for pay for a period of 24 consecutive months. Reinstatement involves passing a manual skills test and then passing the written competency test. An acceptable score on both tests will make you eligible for reinstatement.

How to Transfer Your CNA Certification from Illinois to Another State

The first thing you need to do to transfer your CNA certification from Illinois to a different state is to locate your new state's CNA regulatory agency. You can do this on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website. Once you locate your new state's CNA regulatory agency, you must contact them to learn about any unique transfer requirements they may have for CNA certifications.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Illinois

The first step to beginning your exciting new career involves finding an accredited school. The following institutions in Illinois should do it for you:

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. Harper College

   1200 W Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067 (847) 925-6000

5. Heartland Community College

   1500 W Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761 (309) 268-8000

6. Illinois Central College

   1 College Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611 (309) 322-0634

7. J Renee College

   415 Airport Rd, Elgin, IL 60123 (815) 444-7751

8. John A. Logan College

   700 Logan College Dr, Carterville, IL 62918 (618) 985-2828

9. John Wood Community College

   1301 S 48th St, Quincy, IL 62305 (217) 224-6500

10. Joliet Junior College

    1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431 (815) 729-9020

11. Kankakee Community College

    100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL 60901 (815) 802-8100

12. Kaskaskia College

    27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 545-3000

13. Kishwaukee College

    21193 Malta Rd, Malta, IL 60150 (815) 825-2086

14. Lewis & Clark Community College

    5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey, IL 62035 (618) 468-7000

15. Lincoln Land Community College

    5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 786-2200

16. Malcolm X College

    1900 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 850-7000

17. Methodist College

    7600 N Academic Dr, Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 672-5513

18. Moraine Valley Community College

    9000 College Pkwy, Palos Hills, IL 60465 (708) 974-4300

19. Parkland College

    2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821 (217) 351-2200

20. Rend Lake College

    468 Ken Gray Pkwy, Ina, IL 62846 (618) 437-5321

21. Rock Valley College

    3301 N Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 921-7821

22. South Suburban College

    15800 State St, South Holland, IL 60473 (708) 596-2000

23. Southeastern Illinois College

    3575 College Rd, Harrisburg, IL 62946 (618) 252-5400

24. SWIC Southwestern Illinois College

    2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221 (618) 235-2700

25. Triton College

    2000 5th Ave, River Grove, IL 60171 (708) 456-0300

26. Verve College

    2625 Butterfield Rd #102e, Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 705-9999

27. Waubonsee Community College

    18 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506 (630) 801-7900