CNA Certification: Quick Reference

Prerequisites for CNA Certification

• CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant (formerly NA).

• Criminal background check must be clean; no abuse; not a danger to patients.

• Name appears on the Health Care Worker Registry (employers check this registry).

• Must complete an IDPH-approved course.

• Must pass the state exam; up to $3$ attempts.

Certification Process and Exams

• Class pass rate is high; typically around $95\%$.

• If exam day is tough or a personal emergency occurs, you can reschedule (fee may apply).

• After meeting criteria, you are certified and eligible to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health.

Maintaining Certification

• Program duration: about $16$ weeks of schooling.

• Certification expires after $2$ years.

• Renewal requires at least $12$ CE units (CEUs).

• If employed, workplaces provide ongoing training (e.g., hand washing) to stay current.

• If not employed, certification remains valid for the two-year period post-exam, but you must work at least $8$ hours for pay in a facility within that period to renew.

• Ensure there are no hits on the Health Care Worker Registry.

Quick Timeline and Exam Hint

• Example timeline: certification earned in Jan $2026$; validity $2026$–$2028$.

• To renew by $2028$: complete at least $8$ paid hours in a facility and $12$ CEUs; keep registry clear.