1.1 About the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE)
Key Takeaways
- The INACE is Illinois's own state-specific CNA exam, not the national NNAAP used by most states
- The written portion has 85 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit
- The clinical skills evaluation tests 5 randomly selected skills from 21 mandated performance skills
- SIUC administers the exam on behalf of IDPH at approximately 50 testing sites statewide
- The exam fee is $85 and covers both the written and skills portions
- Scores are reported across six duty areas (DA1-DA6) on a cluster score report
About the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE)
The Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) is the state-specific certification examination required for all Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who wish to work in Illinois healthcare facilities. Unlike many other states that use the national NNAAP exam administered by Prometric, Illinois maintains its own unique testing system, which is developed and administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Why Illinois Has Its Own Exam
Illinois is one of a handful of states that chose to develop a state-specific competency evaluation rather than adopt the national NNAAP exam. The INACE is tailored to reflect Illinois-specific regulations, the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, and the state's unique requirements for long-term care facilities. This means that study materials designed for the generic NNAAP exam may not fully prepare you for the INACE.
Exam Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE) |
| Administrator | Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) |
| Regulatory Authority | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) |
| Written Questions | 85 multiple-choice questions |
| Written Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Clinical Skills Tested | 5 randomly selected from 21 mandated skills |
| Skills Time Limit | Approximately 31 minutes |
| Passing Standard | Must pass BOTH written and skills components |
| Exam Fee | $85 (effective July 1, 2023) |
| Testing Format | Computer-based or paper-based |
| Testing Sites | Approximately 50 locations statewide |
Two-Part Examination Structure
The INACE consists of two separate components that you must pass independently:
Part 1: Written (or Oral) Examination
- 85 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of nursing assistant knowledge
- 90 minutes to complete the entire written portion
- Questions are organized into six duty areas (cluster categories)
- Computer-based testing is the standard format at most sites
- An oral examination option is available for candidates with documented reading difficulties or language barriers
- You receive a cluster score report showing your performance in each duty area
Part 2: Clinical Skills Evaluation
- 5 skills are randomly selected from the 21 mandated performance skills
- You must demonstrate competency on each skill while an evaluator observes
- Skills are performed on a mannequin or simulated patient (actor)
- Each skill has specific critical steps that must be completed correctly
- Hand hygiene (handwashing) is a required component of virtually every skill
- You must verbalize actions, explain what you are doing to the patient, and maintain proper infection control throughout
The Six Duty Areas (Written Exam Categories)
Your written exam score is broken down into six duty area clusters:
| Duty Area | Category | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| DA1 | Communicating Information | Documentation, reporting, team communication |
| DA2 | Performing Basic Nursing Skills | Vital signs, measurements, observations |
| DA3 | Performing Personal Care Skills | Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting |
| DA4 | Performing Basic Restorative Skills | Mobility, range of motion, rehabilitation |
| DA5 | Providing Mental Health and Social Services | Emotional support, dementia care, behaviors |
| DA6 | Providing Resident Rights | Privacy, dignity, autonomy, legal protections |
Key Differences from Other State Exams
| Feature | Illinois INACE | National NNAAP |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 85 | 60-70 |
| Administrator | SIUC | Prometric |
| Skills Tested | 5 of 21 | 3-5 of varying lists |
| State Specific | Yes — Illinois regulations | General federal standards |
| Format | Computer-based or paper | Varies by state |
| Registry | IL Health Care Worker Registry | State-specific registries |
Who administers the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam (INACE)?
How many multiple-choice questions are on the written portion of the INACE?
How many clinical skills are randomly selected for testing on the INACE skills evaluation?
What is the current fee for the Illinois CNA competency exam?