INACE (Illinois Nurse Assistant Test 2026 May

(INACE) Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam Practice Test

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.

⏱️

90 Minutes

Time Limit

📝

Questions

✅

75%

Pass Rate

💵

$85

Exam Fee

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.

INACE Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the INACE - Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

INACE Basic Nursing Skills

INACE Exam Questions covering Basic Nursing Skills. Master INACE Test concepts for certification prep.

INACE Communication and Documentation

Free INACE Practice Test featuring Communication and Documentation. Improve your INACE Exam score with mock test prep.

INACE Ethics and Legal Responsibilities

INACE Mock Exam on Ethics and Legal Responsibilities. INACE Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

INACE Patient Care and Safety

INACE Test Prep for Patient Care and Safety. Practice INACE Quiz questions and boost your score.

FREE INACE PRACTICE TEST

INACE Exam Flashcards

Quick review for the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Exam

📚 🧠What is the normal pulse rate range for adults?

The normal pulse rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

🎯 🩺What does "NPO" mean in medical terms?

NPO stands for "Nil Per Os" (nothing by mouth), meaning the patient should not consume food or fluids.

💡 ⚖️Who is responsible for protecting patient privacy?

Every member of the healthcare team is responsible for protecting patient privacy under HIPAA regulations.

🔑 🦠What is the single most important way to prevent infection?

Hand washing is the single most effective method to prevent the spread of infection.

📝 🛏️How often should a bedbound patient be repositioned?

A bedbound patient should be repositioned at least every two hours to prevent pressure ulcers.

⭐ 🚨What is the first step in a fire emergency (RACE)?

The first step is Rescue (R) - remove anyone in immediate danger from the fire area.

INACE EXAM QUESTIONS QUIZ

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.

📚 INACE Basics

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.

📝 INACE Format

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.

📅 INACE Registration

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.

📊 INACE Results

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.

💰 INACE Salary

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.

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.

START INACE REVIEWER QUIZ

INACE Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

Estimated score calculation

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct ✓ PASS

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.

FREE ILLINOIS CNA PRACTICE TEST

INACE Career Opportunities

Specialized roles for Illinois Certified Nursing Assistants

INACE TEST PRACTICE QUESTIONS

INACE Test Day Checklist

Valid Government Photo ID

Testing Confirmation Number

Know Login Credentials

Arrive 30 Minutes Early

Leave Personal Items in Car

No Study Materials Allowed

Comfortable Clothing (Scrubs OK)

Positive Attitude!

Ready to Pass the INACE Exam?

Join thousands of Illinois students who passed with our help. Access free practice questions, detailed answers, and study guides today.

INACE: Pros and Cons

Pros

inace — iNACE exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
Study materials and practice tests are widely available
Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively

Cons

Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
Testing center availability may require advance scheduling

INACE Questions and Answers

What is the INACE exam?

The INACE (Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation) is the state certification exam for nursing assistants in Illinois. Administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health, it tests whether candidates have the knowledge and clinical skills required to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in long-term care facilities throughout the state.

What is the format of the INACE exam?

The INACE exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration. The written portion is multiple-choice, while the skills test requires candidates to perform selected nursing assistant tasks in front of an evaluator. Both sections must be passed to earn CNA certification in Illinois.

How many questions are on the INACE written exam?

The written portion of the INACE exam contains approximately 75 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are given a set time period to complete the knowledge test. An oral version is available for candidates who have difficulty reading English, where questions and answer choices are read aloud by a proctor.

What topics are covered on the INACE exam?

The INACE exam covers core nursing assistant competencies including infection control, safety and emergency procedures, resident rights, communication, personal care skills, vital signs measurement, body mechanics, nutrition, and mental health concepts. The skills portion tests hands-on tasks such as handwashing, positioning, range of motion exercises, and taking blood pressure.

What are the eligibility requirements for the INACE exam?

To sit for the INACE exam, candidates must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) of at least 120 hours, including both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Candidates must also pass a background check through the Illinois State Police and the Department of Public Health before testing.

How do I register for the INACE exam?

Registration for the INACE exam is handled through the Southern Illinois University (SIU) testing program website. Your training program typically submits your eligibility paperwork, after which you can schedule your test date and location online. You must test within 24 months of completing your nurse aide training program.

How many skills are tested on the INACE clinical exam?

During the clinical skills portion, candidates must perform five randomly selected nursing assistant skills from a master list. Each skill is evaluated by a trained nurse aide evaluator using a standardized checklist. Candidates must correctly complete all critical steps of each skill to pass the clinical portion of the exam.

What are the best ways to prepare for the INACE exam?

Focus your study on the Illinois Nurse Aide Training curriculum, paying close attention to infection control and resident rights, which appear frequently. Practice all clinical skills from the master checklist until each feels routine. Use practice tests to identify weak areas, review your training program materials, and time yourself on the written portion to build test-day confidence.

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