CAREERTEC
2037 W Galena Ave., Freeport, IL 61032 · (815) 235-1652
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
- 100%40 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- +6.8points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #1of 234 programs (top 1%)
- Since 2024
- +4.4points vs 95.65% (46 testers)
How CAREERTEC graduates do on the CNA exam
100% of 40 first-time test-takers from CAREERTEC passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 6.8 points above the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #1 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers (top 1%).
In 2024, 95.65% of 46 first-time testers passed, so the rate rose 4.4 points year over year.
With 40 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 2.5 points. Illinois reports the written (knowledge) exam only; the skills test isn't included in this figure.
How CAREERTEC stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 100%, CAREERTEC is in the top quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 40 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the larger programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 2 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; none had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025.
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 0048 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 2037 W Galena Ave., Freeport, IL 61032 Stephenson County |
| Phone | (815) 235-1652 |
| CNA median pay, Illinois | $45,960 a year ($22.10/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 Freeport
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Comm. Coll. - Hybrid | Freeport | same ZIP | 100.0% |
| Highland Community College-Hybrid | Freeport | same ZIP | — |
| Byron High School | Byron | 23 mi | 100.0% |
| Jo Daviess Carroll Vocational Center | Elizabeth | 28 mi | 80.0% |
| Wesley Willows Academy | Rockford | 28 mi | — |
| Illinois Institute of Nursing Studies-Hybrid | Rockford | 29 mi | 77.0% |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is CAREERTEC's CNA exam pass rate?
100% of 40 first-time test-takers from CAREERTEC passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 6.8 points above the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #1 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is CAREERTEC 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 0048. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is CAREERTEC's pass rate going up or down?
Up: 100% of 40 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 95.65% of 46 in 2024 (+4.4 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 CAREERTEC compare with CNA programs nearby?
2 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; none had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025.
What other approved CNA programs are near Freeport?
The closest are Highland Comm. Coll. - Hybrid in Freeport (about 1 mi, 100% pass rate), Highland Community College-Hybrid in Freeport (about 1 mi), Byron High School in Byron (about 23 mi, 100% pass rate). Distances are between ZIP code centres.