INACE (Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam) Guide

INACE Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam Practice Test 2026 FREE Ace in 3 Days — 1,009+ Questions with instant results & real exam

INACE - Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency ExamBy Dr. Sarah MitchellApr 7, 202654 min read
INACE (Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam) Guide
⏱️90 MinutesTime Limit
📝85Questions
75%Pass Rate
💵$85Exam Fee
📊Pass/FailScoring
🖥️CBTFormat
🔄3Max Retakes
🏢SIUCCenters
📍IllinoisBased
🩺CNALicensure
💻YesComputer
🎓DiplomaDegree

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 - Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam study guide

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 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.

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🩺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.

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⚖️Who is responsible for protecting patient privacy?

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

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

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

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🛏️How often should a bedbound patient be repositioned?

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

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🚨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.

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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.

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.

✍️Written Exam / Knowledge

The computer-based knowledge test assesses your understanding of nursing concepts.

MultipleChoiceMinutesComputerBasedTheory
  • Topics: Safety, Communication, Resident Rights
  • Questions: 85 Questions
👐Skills Evaluation / Clinical

Demonstration of practical nursing skills in a clinical setting or lab.

Hands-onInstructorLedPerformance
  • Topics: Hygiene, Vital Signs, Mobility
  • Questions: 5 Random Skills
🛡️Safety & Infection / Core Topic

Focuses on preventing injury and controlling the spread of infection.

StandardPrecautionsEmergencyHazards
  • Topics: Hand washing, isolation, fire safety
  • Questions: ~15-20 Questions
🗣️Communication / Core Topic

Tests ability to interact effectively with residents and the healthcare team.

VerbalNon-verbalReportingRecords
  • Topics: Documentation, listening, barriers
  • Questions: ~10-15 Questions
🧼Personal Care / Core Topic

Covers assistance with daily living activities and hygiene.

BathingDressingFeedingToileting
  • Topics: Grooming, skin care, nutrition
  • Questions: ~20-25 Questions
⚖️Rights & Ethics / Core Topic

Ensures understanding of patient rights and legal boundaries.

PrivacyConfidentialityAbuseNeglect
  • 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

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correctPASS

INACE Salary Information

💰

$38,500

Median Annual Salary

🌱Entry Level
$32,500
$2,708/mo0-1 Years
🌿Early Career
$36,200
$3,016/mo2-4 Years
🌳Mid Career
$40,800
$3,400/mo5-9 Years
💼Experienced
$44,500
$3,708/mo10-19 Years
✈️Traveling CNA
$48,000+
$4,000+/moContract Based

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.

💻
Week 9

Register

Complete an IDPH-approved Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program (BNATP) at a community college or facility.
✍️
Week 10

Test

Successfully demonstrate required manual skills with your training instructor before the written exam.
🏥
Week 11

+WorkListe

Once your instructor submits the roster, create your account on the INACE login portal.

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.

🎓$500+Training Program Tuition varies by college
💵$85Exam Fee Written knowledge test
📚$100Books & Supplies Uniforms and texts
🔍$50Background Check Fingerprinting fee
🔄$85Retake Fee Per attempt if failed
🏥$50Physical/TB Health clearance

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 Certification Exam - Illinois Nurse Assistant Competency Exam study guide

INACE Career Opportunities

Specialized roles for Illinois Certified Nursing Assistants

🧸

Pediatric CNA

Provide care for children in Illinois children's hospitals and clinics. Requires patience and specialized training in child development.

✈️

Traveling CNA

Take short-term contracts at various facilities across Illinois or nationwide. Offers higher pay rates and flexible scheduling.

🕊️

Hospice CNA

Provide compassionate end-of-life care and emotional support to patients and families in their homes or hospice centers.

🏥

Hospital CNA

Work in acute care settings like med-surg or ER units. Fast-paced environment with exposure to diverse medical cases.

🏡

Home Health CNA

Deliver one-on-one care in patients' private residences. Offers independence and the chance to build strong patient relationships.

INACE Testing Contacts

Official resources for Illinois nurse aide testing and registry.

🏫

SIU

Carbondale Testing Administrator

Services: Exam scheduling, rosters, study guides

Contact: inat@siu.edu

🏛️

IDPH

Registry State Registry

Services: Certification verification, renewals

Contact: dph.hcwr@illinois.gov

📋

Pearson VUE

Testing Partner

Services: Computer-based testing sites

Contact: Customer Service

INACE Test Day Checklist

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.

📅 Validity Period24 Months 💼Work RequirementPaid Nursing Work 📝ReportingEmployer Verify Stay Certified

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

About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.