Best Step Academy
10448 West Cermak Road, Westchester, IL 60154 · (708) 710-5714
Data: Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor) approved list (April 2026); SIU Carbondale INACE 2025 annual cluster scores
- First-time pass rate
- 90%50 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- −3.2points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #173of 234 programs
- Since 2024
- −4.0points vs 94% (50 testers)
- Chicago area rank
- #81of 117 ranked nearby
How Best Step Academy graduates do on the CNA exam
90% of 50 first-time test-takers from Best Step Academy passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 3.2 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #173 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers, and #81 of 117 ranked programs in the Chicago area.
In 2024, 94% of 50 first-time testers passed, so the rate fell 4.0 points year over year.
With 50 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 2 points. Illinois reports the written (knowledge) exam only; the skills test isn't included in this figure.
See the best CNA programs in Chicago by pass rate · All 234 ranked Illinois programs
How Best Step Academy stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 90%, Best Step Academy is in the third quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 50 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the larger programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 84 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 53 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was William Rainey Harper Coll. - Conant H.S. in Palatine (100.0%, about 20 mi away).
Ranked programs are those with 10 or more first-time testers in the SIU Carbondale INACE 2025 annual cluster scores. Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres.
Program details
| Approval | Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor), program 7013 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 10448 West Cermak Road, Westchester, IL 60154 Cook County |
| Phone | (708) 710-5714 |
| CNA median pay, Chicago area | $46,940 a year ($22.57/hour, BLS) |
Call the program to confirm the next start date, schedule and total cost; the state lists don't publish prices.
Other approved CNA programs near Westchester
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Step Academy-Hybrid | Westchester | same ZIP | — |
| Plymouth Place CNA Academy-Hybrid | LaGrange Park | 1 mi | 100.0% |
| Loyola University Medical Center | Maywood | 3 mi | — |
| Dominican University-Cristo Rey San Martin | River Forest | 5 mi | 69.2% |
| Dominican University-Paulina | River Forest | 5 mi | 81.0% |
| Dominican University-River Forest | River Forest | 5 mi | — |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is Best Step Academy's CNA exam pass rate?
90% of 50 first-time test-takers from Best Step Academy passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 3.2 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #173 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is Best Step Academy a state-approved CNA program?
Yes. It is on the official list of approved nurse aide training programs (Illinois Nurse Aide Testing (SIU Carbondale, the state's exam vendor), April 2026) as program 7013. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is Best Step Academy's pass rate going up or down?
Down: 90% of 50 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 94% of 50 in 2024 (−4.0 points).
How many hours of training does Illinois require?
120 hours: 62 theory, 18 skills lab, 40 clinical, with at least 12 hours on Alzheimer's and dementia care (77 Ill. Adm. Code 395.150). The exam is run by Southern Illinois University Carbondale (INACE).
How does Best Step Academy compare with CNA programs nearby?
84 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 53 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was William Rainey Harper Coll. - Conant H.S. in Palatine (100.0%, about 20 mi away).
What other approved CNA programs are near Westchester?
The closest are Best Step Academy-Hybrid in Westchester (about 1 mi), Plymouth Place CNA Academy-Hybrid in LaGrange Park (about 1 mi, 100% pass rate), Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood (about 3 mi). Distances are between ZIP code centres.