CNA Classes in Chicago, IL

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Chicago?

Tuition at Chicago programs runs $900 to $1,600 (about $1,167 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($85 for the initial exam (retake also $85; no-show reschedule $55)), the application/registry fee ($25 application processing fee for out-of-state reciprocity (no application fee for in-state applicants)), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Illinois typically falls around $0 (employer-sponsored) to $1,500 (community college or private program).

How to Become a CNA in Chicago, IL

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the prerequisites

   You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions under the Illinois Healthcare Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46), and able to read and follow basic English instructions. IDPH does not require a high school diploma or GED, though some programs do.

2. 2

   Complete an Illinois Healthcare Worker Background Check

   Submit fingerprints through a Live Scan vendor approved by the Illinois State Police. The results are sent to IDPH and to your training program. Disqualifying offenses are listed under 225 ILCS 46/25; a waiver process exists for certain non-violent offenses.

3. 3

   Enroll in an IDPH-approved Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP)

   Find a 120-hour program (80 classroom + 40 clinical) approved jointly by the Illinois Community College Board and IDPH. Programs are offered at community colleges, career schools, and nursing facilities across the state. IDPH publishes the list at dph.illinois.gov.

4. 4

   Complete the 120-hour BNATP

   Finish all 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience. The clinical hours must be completed in a long-term care setting. Your program issues a completion certificate and registers you with SIUC for the competency exam.

5. 5

   Pass the SIUC Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam

   Schedule and pay the $85 exam fee at nurseaidetesting.com. The written portion is 85 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. The skills portion covers the 21 mandated nurse aide skills. You must complete both within 12 months of finishing your BNATP.

6. 6

   Get added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry

   After you pass, SIUC transmits your results to IDPH and your name is added to the Health Care Worker Registry at hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov. You can verify your status by name. Employers across Illinois are required to check the registry before hiring you.

Becoming a CNA in Illinois

Becoming a CNA in Illinois is a 120-hour commitment — substantially more than the federal 75-hour minimum but less than California's 160. Most candidates complete full-time Basic Nurse Assistant Training Programs (BNATPs) in 6 to 10 weeks, with the 120 hours split into 80 hours of classroom and skills-lab time and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care setting. The Illinois Community College Board co-approves BNATPs alongside IDPH, which means community colleges across the state run the largest network of low-cost training options — typically in the $400 to $1,200 range, with many districts offering financial aid for healthcare pathway students.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Chicago