Illinois CNA CE Courses (2026)

To renew your CNA license in Illinois you need to satisfy the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry's in-service / continuing-education training requirement . Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying training. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.

What Illinois requires for CNA renewal

In-service / CE required	No single fixed hour count — see details
Governing body	Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry

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.

Full CNA renewal guide for Illinois (deadlines, fees & CE) →

Illinois CNA CE course providers

Heads-up: These are independent, third-party CE providers — we are not affiliated with them and don't guarantee approval. Always confirm a course is accepted by the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry before purchasing.

Medline University
Free and low-cost in-service training modules for nurse aides.
CEUfast — Nurse Aide
In-service and continuing-education courses for nursing assistants.
Elite Learning — CNA In-Service
CNA in-service training packages covering federally required topics.
Relias
Employer-oriented in-service and competency training widely used in long-term care.

Illinois CNA CE courses: frequently asked questions

How many CE hours do I need to renew my CNA license in Illinois?

Illinois does not set a single fixed CE-hour count for CNA renewal. 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.

Do online CNA CE courses count in Illinois?

Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry. Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.

Where do I report my Illinois CNA CE?

Illinois generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry.

Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry. Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.

Official Illinois Department of Public Health — Health Care Worker Registry site →

CNA CE courses in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal