CNA Certification in Illinois

How to Become a CNA in Illinois

The medical industry is anticipated to grow in upcoming years. Choosing to be a certified nurse aide can prove to be an excellent choice. Becoming certified is not complicated and can be done in a matter of months or even weeks. Certification programs are regulated by The Illinois Department of Public Health and are designed to help you pass the state-mandated certification exam. There are over 30,000 CNA jobs in Chicago alone, and the medical field is only expected to expand over the next decade.

It is an amazing feeling to work with people and to know that you are accomplishing something great for your community. Also, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment makes this career exciting along with plenty of potential for growth.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find a CNA Training Program

An approved CNA certification program curriculum will cover all areas that fit state requirements. This includes courses on nursing basics and fundamentals. You will receive instruction on sanitation, patient rights, CPR skills, basic phlebotomy techniques, and other other relevant skills that you will need to be successful as a CNA.

Step 2

State law  requires that all enrollees for cna classes in Illinois must be at least 16 years of age.  You must submit to a full physical examination and a background check prior to enrollment. This is common for most jobs in the medical field and is necessary to ensure the good character of potential employees in order to maintain patient safety. Other requirements to work in a licensed facility as a nurse assistant include passing the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Exam. This exam is conducted by the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing Program. It must be taken and passed no more than 120 days after you complete your training.

Step 3

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

After completing the CNA certification program, you must then take the written competency test. You must be physically present at a testing site and be prepared to show legal identification. Be sure to bring along your cna certificate to the test. Also dress comfortably and be ready to test for around three hours.

Step 2

The Illinois Nurse Aide testing association will give the test at a preapproved location. There, you will be tested on many nurse skills. The test will be divided into two parts: a written test and a clinical test. The written portion consists of about 50-60 questions in a multiple-choice format. In the second test portion, you must perform five nurse aide skills that you will have learned during hands-on training. If you pass both portions of the test, you will be added to the Illinois Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 3

Upon completion of the exam you will then be a certified nursing assistant.  Make sure to begin applying for a job after you are certified as you want to keep your skills fresh and also gain a cna position as quickly as possible. As we work with employers, you should also start by creating an online resume and profile in our database which will help us to help you get into the job market quickly.

Illinois Nurse Aide Registry
Illinois Department of Public Health Worker Registry
525 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62761
Phone: (217) 785-5133
License Verification: (217) 782-3070
Fax: (217) 524-0137