CNA License Renewal in Illinois (2026)

CNA license renewal in Illinois is handled by the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry, which requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s to renew on the schedule set by the board. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Illinois CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	See board
Deadline rule	Illinois CNAs do not file a periodic renewal application. Active status is kept by working: certification is lost if 24 consecutive months pass with no paid nursing or nursing-related work under a licensed nurse since the last competency evaluation.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	see board (fee not fixed/published)
Online renewal	Check board
Governing body	Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry

Go to the official Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry. manual review of IDPH Health Care Worker Registry CNA Facts page.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in Illinois

There is no fixed renewal CE/in-service hour requirement to keep CNA status — status is maintained by working, not coursework. To stay active you must perform paid nursing or nursing-related services under a licensed nurse at least once within any 24-month window; otherwise certification lapses and the written competency exam must be retaken. In-service training is handled as an ongoing employer obligation in long-term-care settings.

Need approved hours? Compare Illinois CNA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CNA license in Illinois

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Illinois issues no physical CNA credential, certificate, or license — the Health Care Worker Registry is the official record of certification and background-check status and the only source employers may use to verify a CNA. Employers update employment records in the registry, which keeps status active. No standard renewal fee applies.

CNA license renewal in Illinois: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in Illinois?

Renewal timing is set by the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry. Illinois CNAs do not file a periodic renewal application. Active status is kept by working: certification is lost if 24 consecutive months pass with no paid nursing or nursing-related work under a licensed nurse since the last competency evaluation.

Can I renew my Illinois CNA license online?

Check the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry for the current renewal method.

What happens if I let my Illinois CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal