CNA Certification in Illinois

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Congratulations if you have made the decision to train for employment as a CNA.  A certified nursing assistant provides basic care services for patients in a variety of healthcare settings.  CNAs are often in the highest demand in nursing care and retirement facilities.  You must complete a training program and pass the certification exam for certification if you want to become a CNA.

Illinois CNA Hours and Training Requirements

You will need to attend a training program that has been approved by the state of Illinois before you can sit for the certified nursing assistant competency exam.  The state of Illinois requires individuals to complete a minimum of 120 hours of training before they are eligible to sit for the exam.  Your course will include both classroom lessons and hands on clinical experience.

Training courses can be found in a variety of settings throughout the state of Illinois.  Many long-term care centers offer nursing assistant training.  You can check with other healthcare providers in your area for potential training courses as well.  Some community colleges and technical schools will offer state-approved CNA training.

Transferring Certification From Another State to Illinois

If you received your nursing assistant certification in another state, you might be eligible to transfer that certification to Illinois.  You can begin working as a CNA if your certification is transferred to Illinois without any stipulations.  It will not be possible to transfer your nursing assistant certification if you have not worked as a CNA for two years or more.  Otherwise, you will need to take both the skills and written nursing assistant certification exam again before working as a CNA in Illinois.

Exact steps for transfer:

1) Download the form for reciprocity from the Illinois nurse aide registry website. The form URL is http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/Out_of_State_Nurse_Application.pdf

2) Fill out the form while making sure to provide accurate information. They will verify the information your provide with your current licensing body.

3) Send the completed form by mail to: Illinois Department of Public Health
Health Care Worker Registry, 525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth Floor, Springfield, IL 62761
Phone 217-785-5133 Fax 217-524-0137

4) They will then send you a fingerprint scan form. Use this form and go take your fingerprints at a registered facility near your area. (A list of facilities will be provided in the form they send you)

5) Send the fingerprint form back to the registry. They will contact you in 14 to 21 days with a reply. If you do not meet the Illinois CNA regulations, you might need to retake either the exam or the training as well.

CNA Recertification in Illinois

States require recertification of nursing assistants every so often (typically every two years).  You do not need to take a certification training course or exam again as long as you complete your certification forms by the due date, have not allowed too much time to lapse between employment as a nursing assistant and have completed all necessary continuing education credits.

In the state of Illinois, it is necessary to have worked at some point during the past 24 month as a nursing assistant or providing nursing-related services.  It is also necessary to have receive pay for your services.  You can easily recertify if you have met the requirements by completing your recertification papers and submitting any fees.  You should receive your recertification paperwork from the state of Illinois in plenty of time to renew on time. If you allow your certification to expire, you will need to take and pass the certification exam again before becoming a nursing assistant.

FAQ

Q: I am currently in a nursing program and I have successfully completed med surg and ob can I sit for CNA boards, if so how do i go about it.
A: If you have already completed your fundamentals of nursing course and done 40 hours of clinical work you can sit for the nurse aide exam in Illinois.

Q: I need to transfer my CNA to Florida from Illinois. Where do I get the paper work to do that?
A: You can get all the information on our page for CNA certification in Florida

Q: I’m currently in a CNA course in my home town illinois, i have passed the class and need to take the test in June but i will be gone by june i was wondering can i take the test in louisiana where i will be moving to soon?

A: I do not see this as being a problem as LA is pretty leanient on their CNA rules. (A high school diploma isn’t even required) Here is what I was able to find out for you. For CNA’s that hold licensure in other states, they can be transfered to LA via reciprocity. To find out if you can test there when having trained in IL, here is the info for contact: send an application for testing along withy a copy of your LA ID (you will have to wait until you get there and get a new ID or drivers license) to 5647 Superior Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Hope this helps and good luck in your new life down south!