Illinois CNA skills test list: is there a skills exam in Illinois?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Illinois is different: the state competency exam administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a written test, and IDPH's CNA facts page describes only a written competency test. Hands-on skills are checked inside your Illinois-approved training program, so the skills list you must master is the one your program uses.
| Illinois | Typical state (e.g. NC, VA) | |
|---|---|---|
| State exam | Written competency test (SIU Carbondale) | Written/oral test + skills evaluation |
| Hands-on skills | Evaluated in your approved training program | Performed for a nurse evaluator at the test site |
| Attempts | 3, then retraining | Set by each state |
| Time window | All three tests within 12 months of program completion (SIU FAQ) | Varies |
Where the Illinois skills list comes from
Your Illinois-approved program evaluates your manual skills before you're eligible for the written test. Ask your instructor for the program's skills checklist; that is the list that matters for you.
Moving to another state
If you later move to a state with a test-site skills evaluation, learn that state's list and checkpoints; the rules on critical steps and tolerances in our vendor comparison will apply there.
Quick answers
- Illinois CNA skills test list?
- There's no separate state skills exam at the test site; skills are evaluated within your approved training program, using that program's checklist.
- How many times can you fail the Illinois CNA exam?
- Three times; then you must complete another Illinois-approved training program.
- Does Illinois publish the passing score?
- No. SIU's FAQ says the cut-off score cannot be released.
What to do next
In Illinois the state exam is the written one. Practice it with a timed simulator.
You must pass the written test too. Take the free 20-question practice test, or unlock the timed 60-question exam simulator, the full question bank and every skill checklist for $29 one-time (or $9/month).
Related guides
- Credentia vs Prometric vs Headmaster: how the CNA skills test differs
- Washington NAC skills test: how does it work?
- How long is the CNA skills test?
- Texas CNA skills test list 2026: which skills are on the exam?
- Florida CNA skills checklist: what's on the Prometric skills test?
- What skills are tested on the California CNA skills exam?
- PA CNA skills test: is hand washing always on it, and which skills are tested?
- North Carolina Nurse Aide I skills test: which skills are on it?
Sources
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.