First Step to Excellence Health Care Training
1639 East 87th St., Chicago, IL 60617 · (773) 437-5003
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
- 91.43%35 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- −1.8points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #162of 234 programs
- Since 2024
- −8.6points vs 100% (15 testers)
- Chicago area rank
- #73of 117 ranked nearby
How First Step to Excellence Health Care Training graduates do on the CNA exam
91.43% of 35 first-time test-takers from First Step to Excellence Health Care Training passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 1.8 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #162 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers, and #73 of 117 ranked programs in the Chicago area.
In 2024, 100% of 15 first-time testers passed, so the rate fell 8.6 points year over year.
With 35 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 2.9 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 First Step to Excellence Health Care Training stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 91.43%, First Step to Excellence Health Care Training is in the third quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 35 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the smaller programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 64 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 35 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Moraine Valley Community College-Hybrid in Palos Hills (100.0%, about 14 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 7033 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 1639 East 87th St., Chicago, IL 60617 Cook County |
| Phone | (773) 437-5003 |
| 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 Chicago
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blessings Healthcare Career Academy | Chicago | 3 mi | 84.8% |
| Blessings Healthcare Career Academy-Madison | Chicago | 3 mi | — |
| Blessings-Simeone Career Academy H.S. | Chicago | 3 mi | — |
| Kodex Health Institute | Chicago | 3 mi | — |
| Chicago State University | Chicago | 4 mi | — |
| Lights of Zion Ministries | Chicago | 4 mi | 80.8% |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is First Step to Excellence Health Care Training's CNA exam pass rate?
91.43% of 35 first-time test-takers from First Step to Excellence Health Care Training passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 1.8 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #162 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is First Step to Excellence Health Care Training 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 7033. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is First Step to Excellence Health Care Training's pass rate going up or down?
Down: 91.43% of 35 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 100% of 15 in 2024 (−8.6 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 First Step to Excellence Health Care Training compare with CNA programs nearby?
64 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 35 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Moraine Valley Community College-Hybrid in Palos Hills (100.0%, about 14 mi away).
What other approved CNA programs are near Chicago?
The closest are Blessings Healthcare Career Academy in Chicago (about 3 mi, 85% pass rate), Blessings Healthcare Career Academy-Madison in Chicago (about 3 mi), Blessings-Simeone Career Academy H.S. in Chicago (about 3 mi). Distances are between ZIP code centres.