A comprehensive guide to the Illinois CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Illinois! The Illinois CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Illinois CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status. If you’re just starting your CNA journey and need to complete your training first, visit our guide to CNA programs in Illinois.
Requirements to get on the Illinois CNA Registry
Fees
- CNA application: $0 (no application fee)
- Competency exam: Fee varies by test site (typically around $65, set by SIUC testing program)
- Fingerprint-based background check: Fee varies by Livescan vendor (typically $45-$75)
- Renewal: $0 (no renewal fee)
Minimum Age
IDPH does not set a specific minimum age requirement; however, most training programs and employers require candidates to be at least 16 years old, with many preferring 18+
Minimum Education
High school diploma/GED is not required by IDPH but strongly preferred by most training programs and employers.
Training Requirements
In Illinois, CNA programs require a minimum of 120 hours of training, which includes 40 hours of clinical practice. If you’re looking for approved training programs in Illinois, check out our comprehensive list of CNA programs in Illinois.
Competency Test
The Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam is administered through Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) via the INACE (Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Evaluation) project.
Knowledge test:
- 85 multiple-choice questions
- 90 minutes to complete
- Pass/fail result (specific cut-off score not publicly released)
- Available in paper-based and computer-based format at approximately 50 testing sites statewide
- Covers six duty areas: communicating information, basic nursing skills, personal care skills, basic restorative skills, mental health and social services, and residents’ rights
Skills test:
- 21 mandated manual skills are evaluated during the BNATP training program by approved instructors
- No separate state-administered skills exam (unlike most other states)
- Must complete within 12 months of program completion date
- Up to 3 attempts allowed; after 3 failed attempts, candidate must complete another approved BNATP before retesting
Background Check
- Mandatory fingerprint-based criminal background check under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46)
- Conducted through an IDPH-approved Livescan vendor
- Results are automatically reported electronically to the Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR)
- Applicants with disqualifying convictions may apply for a Health Care Worker Waiver from IDPH (waiver processing can take 6-8 weeks and is not guaranteed)
Applying to appear on the Illinois CNA Registry
Where to apply
Illinois does not require a traditional CNA application. After completing training and passing the competency exam, SIUC automatically submits your information to IDPH for placement on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR). Register for the exam at nurseaidetesting.com.
Required Documentation
- Completion certificate from IDPH-approved BNATP
- Social Security number
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check results
- Two forms of ID (including photo ID) for exam day
- Proof of employment authorization if not a U.S. citizen
Restrictions
- Applicants with disqualifying convictions under the Health Care Worker Background Check Act cannot work as a CNA unless a Health Care Worker Waiver is granted
- Individuals with administrative findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property on any state registry are ineligible
- First-time exam candidates must apply through their training program if within 12 months of program completion
Processing Time
You will be listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) after SIUC submits your exam results and your background check is posted. Background check results are typically posted within a few business days of fingerprinting. Once listed on the Registry, you are eligible to work as a CNA in Illinois. Note: Illinois does NOT issue license numbers or paper certificates, so the HCWR listing is the sole official proof of certification.
How to keep your license on the Illinois CNA Registry
Stay Active
- Must provide nursing or nursing-related services for pay, under the supervision of a licensed nurse, at least once within every 24-month period
- If no qualifying paid work is performed for 24 consecutive months, certification becomes inactive
- Employers are legally required to verify employment dates to the HCWR (at hire, separation, and no less than annually for continuing employees)
Renew
- No renewal application required
- No renewal fee
- No continuing education required
- Certification remains active automatically as long as work requirements are met and employers report employment to the HCWR
- Must be listed as active on the HCWR within 120 days of being hired
Reactivate your expired license
If your certification becomes inactive due to 24+ consecutive months without qualifying paid work, you must:
- Pass the written competency test again through SIUC
- Complete a new fingerprint-based criminal background check
- Submit the recertification application through SIUC at nurseaidetesting.com
- Note: Retraining is NOT required if you previously completed an approved BNATP. Only the written competency test must be retaken.
- Once you pass the exam and your background check is cleared, SIUC will update your record and your certification will be listed as Active on the HCWR
Illinois CNA reciprocity
Illinois accepts CNA certification by reciprocity from other states. Out-of-state CNAs with current, active certification on another state’s registry who meet federal training requirements can apply through SIUC. Reciprocity applicants are not required to take the Illinois written competency test. For detailed information on transferring your out-of-state CNA license to Illinois, see our Illinois CNA license reciprocity guide.
Illinois Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov/
Link to license lookup: https://hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov/search.aspx
Contact information:
Email: DPH.HCWR@Illinois.gov
Phone: (844) 789-3676
Address: 525 W. Jefferson Street, 4th Floor, Springfield, IL 62761