INACE Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
The INACE (Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam) determines your eligibility to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Illinois. Administered by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), this certification is a critical step for aspiring healthcare professionals statewide.
Our comprehensive guide covers everything from INACE nurse aide testing requirements to effective study strategies. Start preparing today with our free practice questions and ensure you are ready to pass the Illinois nurse aide competency exam on your first attempt.
The INACE exam consists of a written knowledge test and a manual skills evaluation. You must pass both components within 24 months of completing your nurse aide training program to be listed on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry.
Free INACE Practice Test Questions
Prepare effectively with our specialized INACE practice test modules. These free resources mirror the actual Illinois nurse aide competency exam structure, helping you identify areas for improvement before test day.
INACE Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam
INACE Exam Study Guide
The INACE exam assesses the fundamental skills required for nursing assistants in Illinois. This guide breaks down the structure, registration, and scoring to help you navigate the Illinois nurse aide testing process successfully.
| What is the INACE exam? | The INACE exam is the state competency test for Certified Nursing Assistants in Illinois, administered by SIU Carbondale. |
| Who needs to take the INACE test? | Individuals who have completed an approved Illinois CNA training program and wish to be listed on the Health Care Worker Registry must take the INACE exam. |
| What does INACE stand for? | INACE stands for Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam. |
| Is the INACE certification valid in other states? | While INACE is specific to Illinois, many states offer reciprocity for CNAs who are in good standing on the Illinois registry. |
| How many questions are on the INACE exam? | The written portion of the INACE exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions. |
| How long is the INACE test? | Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the written portion of the INACE test. |
| What topics are covered on the INACE exam? | The INACE exam covers basic nursing skills, personal care, safety, communication, and resident rights. |
| Is there a skills portion? | Yes, you must pass a manual skills evaluation demonstrating competency in selected nursing tasks before taking the written INACE exam. |
| How do I register for the INACE exam? | Registration is completed online through the SIU Carbondale Nurse Aide Testing website after your training program submits your roster information. |
| What is the INACE exam cost? | The fee for the INACE written exam is approximately $85, though costs may vary slightly by testing center. |
| Where can I find INACE testing centers near me? | There are numerous testing sites across Illinois, including community colleges and SIU testing centers. |
| Can I reschedule my INACE test? | Yes, you can reschedule your INACE exam exam up to 48 hours before your appointment without penalty. |
| What is the INACE passing score? | You must answer approximately 70-75% of questions correctly to pass the INACE exam, though the exact cut score can vary. |
| How soon do I get INACE results? | Unofficial results are often available immediately after computer-based testing, with official results posted to the registry within a few days. |
| What happens if I fail the INACE test? | You are allowed up to three attempts to pass the INACE exam. If you fail three times, you must retrain. |
| How do I check my INACE status? | You can verify your certification status on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) website. |
| What is the average CNA salary in Illinois? | The average annual salary for CNAs in Illinois is approximately $38,000, depending on location and experience. |
| Do INACE certified CNAs get benefits? | Most full-time CNA positions in hospitals and long-term care facilities offer benefits packages including health insurance and paid time off. |
| Can I advance my career after INACE certification? | Yes, many CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to become LPNs or RNs through bridge programs. |
| Is there a demand for CNAs in Illinois? | Yes, there is a high demand for INACE certified nursing assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies across the state. |
INACE Test Format and Structure
Understanding the INACE test format is crucial for success. The exam is designed to verify that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, competent care in Illinois healthcare settings.
The computer-based knowledge test assesses your understanding of nursing concepts.
- Topics: Safety, Communication, Resident Rights
- Questions: 85 Questions
Demonstration of practical nursing skills in a clinical setting or lab.
- Topics: Hygiene, Vital Signs, Mobility
- Questions: 5 Random Skills
Focuses on preventing injury and controlling the spread of infection.
- Topics: Hand washing, isolation, fire safety
- Questions: ~15-20 Questions
Tests ability to interact effectively with residents and the healthcare team.
- Topics: Documentation, listening, barriers
- Questions: ~10-15 Questions
Covers assistance with daily living activities and hygiene.
- Topics: Grooming, skin care, nutrition
- Questions: ~20-25 Questions
Ensures understanding of patient rights and legal boundaries.
- Topics: HIPAA, ombudsman, choice
- Questions: ~10-15 Questions
Focus heavily on the "Basic Nursing Skills" and "Personal Care" sections, as these make up nearly half of the exam. Reviewing the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing manual is highly recommended.
INACE Score Calculator
Estimate your Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam score
INACE Salary Information
Average annual earnings for INACE certified CNAs in Illinois.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $32,500 | $2,708 | 0-1 Years |
| Early Career | $36,200 | $3,016 | 2-4 Years |
| Mid Career | $40,800 | $3,400 | 5-9 Years |
| Experienced | $44,500 | $3,708 | 10-19 Years |
| Traveling CNA | $48,000+ | $4,000+ | Contract Based |
Earning your INACE certification is the first step toward a nursing career. Many Illinois healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs advancing to LPN or RN degrees.
How to Become a CNA in Illinois
The journey to passing the INACE exam and joining the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry involves specific steps. Here is the standard timeline for Illinois nurse aide testing candidates.
- Enroll in Training - Complete an IDPH-approved Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program (BNATP) at a community college or facility.
- Pass Skills Check - Successfully demonstrate required manual skills with your training instructor before the written exam.
- Create SIUC Account - Once your instructor submits the roster, create your account on the INACE login portal.
- Schedule Exam - Choose a testing center and pay the exam fee to schedule your Illinois nurse aide testing appointment.
- Prepare for Exam - Use our free INACE practice test questions and study guides to review key concepts.
- Take the Test - Bring valid ID to the center and complete the 85-question computer-based exam.
- Verify Registry Status - Once passed, check the Health Care Worker Registry to confirm your active status before working.
INACE Certification Cost
Budgeting for your INACE certification is important. The costs below outline what you can expect to pay for training and the INACE exam in Illinois.
Expect to invest between $800 and $1,500 total. Many employers offer reimbursement for the INACE exam fee and training costs if you are hired shortly after certification.
INACE Career Opportunities
Specialized roles for Illinois Certified Nursing Assistants
INACE Testing Contacts
Official resources for Illinois nurse aide testing and registry.
Website: idph.illinois.gov
Services: Certification verification, renewals
Contact: dph.hcwr@illinois.gov
Website: Approved BNATP List
Services: CNA classes, clinical training
Contact: Local Community Colleges
Check local hospital and nursing home websites for "CNA" or "Nurse Aide" listings. The IDPH registry is also used by employers to verify your eligibility to work.
INACE Test Day Checklist
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Join thousands of Illinois students who passed with our help. Access free practice questions, detailed answers, and study guides today.
START FREE INACE PRACTICE TESTINACE Certification Renewal
To maintain your status on the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry, you must keep your INACE certification active. Here are the key renewal requirements for Illinois CNAs.
You must work at least one 8-hour shift for pay in a nursing capacity within every 24-month period to stay active. Your employer must report this work to the IDPH registry.
INACE Exam Questions and Answers
How do I access my INACE login?
To access your INACE login, visit the SIU Carbondale Nurse Aide Testing website. You will need the login credentials created during your registration process or provided by your training instructor.
Where can I find INACE testing centers near me?
You can find INACE testing centers near me by checking the schedule on the SIUC website. Testing is offered at many community colleges and approved facilities throughout Illinois.
What is the Health Care Worker Registry?
The Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR) is a public database maintained by the IDPH that lists individuals who have successfully passed the INACE exam and are eligible to work as CNAs in Illinois.
How do I check my INACE results?
You can check your INACE results by logging into your SIUC account or verifying your status on the HCWR website approximately 2-5 business days after your exam.
What if I forget my INACE login?
If you forget your Illinois INACE login, use the "Forgot Password" feature on the SIUC testing portal or contact their support team for assistance with account recovery.
Is there an INACE practice test online?
Yes, taking an INACE practice test online is highly recommended. Our free practice modules cover basic nursing skills, communication, and safety to help you prepare.
What is the INACE passing score?
The INACE passing score is typically based on answering a sufficient number of the 85 questions correctly, usually around 70-75%, though exact cut scores vary by exam version.
How much does the INACE exam cost?
The INACE exam cost is approximately $85 for the computer-based written exam. Re-tests also require an additional fee.
Can I work while waiting for INACE results?
In some cases, you may be allowed to work as a nurse aide for up to 120 days from the start of your training while you wait to pass your INACE nurse aide testing requirements.
What is the INACE roster?
The INACE roster refers to the list of students submitted by training programs to SIUC, authorizing them to register for the competency exam.