Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 120 hours, which includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE). Certification is maintained by working at least one 8-hour shift as a CNA for pay under licensed supervision every 24 months, and a criminal background check is required for all applicants. The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees CNA certification and maintains the Health Care Worker Registry.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Public Health |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 120-hour state-approved training program (80 hours classroom, 40 hours clinical) OR equivalent pathways (e.g., nursing student, military training, foreign nurse) |
| Experience Required | 40.0 hours |
| Exam | Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) via SIUC ($85) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age 16. Must have completed at least 8 years of grade school or provide proof of equivalent knowledge. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least one 8-hour shift within the past 24 months under licensed supervision. A criminal background check is required. Must be able to speak and understand English or a language understood by a substantial percentage of a facility's residents. Immunization and health standards must be met. |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Illinois
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Illinois is $44,750 per year, which is 13.2% above the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,270 |
| 25th | $38,520 |
| 50th (median) | $44,750 |
| 75th | $48,110 |
| 90th (experienced) | $50,800 |
Illinois employs approximately 64,660 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.