200+ Free Illinois CNA Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Illinois CNA Exam
85
Written Questions
SIUC / INACE
90 min
Written Time Limit
SIUC / INACE
~70%
Written Passing Score
IDPH scaled score
75 hrs
Min. Training Required
IL Admin Code Title 77 Part 395 / federal OBRA
24 months
Lapse Period for Recertification
Illinois HCWR policy
2 weeks
Registry Posting Time
Illinois IDPH HCWR
Illinois uses its own state-specific exam — the INACE — not the national Prometric NNAAP used by most states. It is administered by SIUC and covers 85 questions in 90 minutes. After passing, your name is added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) within approximately 2 weeks. Illinois CNAs are subject to the Health Care Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46) and must comply with mandatory abuse reporting under the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act (210 ILCS 30). Lapsed CNAs (24+ consecutive months without qualifying work) can recertify by competency testing only if in good standing. Illinois CNA salaries average $33,000–$41,000 annually.
About the Illinois CNA Exam
The Illinois CNA exam is the INACE (Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam), administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). It consists of an 85-question written test (90 minutes) and a clinical skills evaluation. Passing certifies you for the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR). Illinois requires completion of an IDPH-approved Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP) under Illinois Administrative Code Title 77, Part 395 (minimum 75 hours per federal OBRA requirements). The exam is available in computer-based and paper-based formats.
Questions
85 scored questions
Time Limit
90 minutes written + clinical skills evaluation
Passing Score
Scaled score per IDPH standard (~70%)
Exam Fee
Varies — contact SIUC Nurse Aide Testing at (877) 262-9259 (SIUC Nurse Aide Testing / Illinois IDPH)
Illinois CNA Exam Content Outline
Physical Care Skills
Personal Care/ADLs (19%): bathing, grooming, oral hygiene, dressing, nutrition/feeding, elimination, perineal care. Basic Nursing (20%): vital signs, body mechanics, positioning, transfers, wound observation, data collection and reporting
Restorative Skills
Range of motion (passive/active), ambulation and assistive devices, restorative programs, self-care independence, prevention of complications such as contractures and pressure injuries
Psychosocial Care Skills
Dementia/Alzheimer's care, mental health basics (depression, anxiety in LTC), behavioral interventions, spiritual and cultural needs, cognitive impairment care under Illinois LTC regulations
Role of the Nurse Aide
Illinois scope of practice, interdisciplinary care team, delegation from RN/LPN, ethics and professionalism, care planning participation, Illinois Administrative Code Part 395 requirements
Infection Control
Hand hygiene (WHO 5 Moments), PPE donning/doffing, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions (contact/droplet/airborne), medical vs. surgical asepsis, isolation protocols in Illinois LTC
Safety and Emergency
Fall prevention in Illinois nursing homes, fire safety (RACE/PASS), restraint-free/least-restraint policy, disaster preparedness, emergency response, resident safety in IDPH-licensed facilities
Communication
Therapeutic communication, reporting to charge nurse, SBAR, documentation in Illinois LTC, verbal and nonverbal communication, change-of-condition reporting
Resident Rights
OBRA 1987 resident rights, Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45), dignity/privacy/autonomy, advance directives, mandatory abuse and neglect reporting (210 ILCS 30), grievance procedures
How to Pass the Illinois CNA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score per IDPH standard (~70%)
- Exam length: 85 questions
- Time limit: 90 minutes written + clinical skills evaluation
- Exam fee: Varies — contact SIUC Nurse Aide Testing at (877) 262-9259
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Illinois CNA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who administers the Illinois CNA exam?
The Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam (INACE) is administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Unlike most states that use Prometric, Illinois has its own SIUC-administered exam system. You register online at inace.nurseaidetesting.com. After passing both the written (85 questions, 90 min) and clinical skills evaluation, your certification is added to the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) within approximately 2 weeks.
What are Illinois CNA training requirements?
Illinois requires completion of an IDPH-approved Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program (BNATP). Illinois follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours of training under Illinois Administrative Code Title 77, Part 395. Programs include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Your program coordinator submits your eligibility to SIUC, then you can create an INACE account and schedule your exam.
What is the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR)?
The Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR), maintained by IDPH, is the official database of CNAs and other health care workers in Illinois. After passing the INACE exam, you are listed on the HCWR. Employers use this registry to verify CNA status. Results are posted approximately 2 weeks after testing, viewable at hcwrpub.dph.illinois.gov. Findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation are also noted on the registry.
What are Illinois CNA background check requirements?
Under the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46), all CNAs working in Illinois licensed and certified facilities must undergo a criminal background check. This includes fingerprinting and review of any criminal history. Certain disqualifying offenses prevent employment in Illinois health care facilities. Your training program or employer typically initiates the background check process.
How do I recertify as a lapsed Illinois CNA?
If you have not worked in nursing-related services for 24 consecutive months or more, your Illinois CNA certification is considered lapsed. If you are in good standing (no findings of abuse, neglect, or theft), you may recertify by competency testing only — you do not need to repeat training. Contact the SIUC Nurse Aide Testing Program at (877) 262-9259 or inat@siu.edu to start the recertification process.
How do I report abuse as an Illinois CNA?
Illinois CNAs are mandatory reporters under the Abused and Neglected Long Term Care Facility Residents Reporting Act (210 ILCS 30). You must immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to your charge nurse/supervisor. Facilities must report to IDPH. The Illinois Adult Protective Services Act (320 ILCS 20) also requires reporting of vulnerable adult abuse in community settings. A substantiated finding of abuse results in a notation on the Illinois HCWR.