Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School
1200 W. Algonqin Road, Palatine, IL 60067 · (847) 309-5271
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%57 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- +6.8points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #1of 234 programs (top 1%)
- Since 2024
- ±0.0points vs 100% (52 testers)
- Chicago area rank
- #1of 117 ranked nearby
How Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School graduates do on the CNA exam
100% of 57 first-time test-takers from Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School 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%), and #1 of 117 ranked programs in the Chicago area.
In 2024, 100% of 52 first-time testers passed, so the rate held steady year over year.
With 57 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 1.8 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 Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 100%, Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School is in the top quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 57 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the larger programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 70 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 7124 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 1200 W. Algonqin Road, Palatine, IL 60067 Cook County |
| Phone | (847) 309-5271 |
| 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 Palatine
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington H.S.-Harper College | Palatine | same ZIP | 95.2% |
| Harper College--John Hersey High School | Palatine | same ZIP | 100.0% |
| Prospect Heights High School-Harper College | Palatine | same ZIP | 100.0% |
| Rolling Meadows High School-Harper College Dual | Palatine | same ZIP | 84.4% |
| William Rainey Harper Coll. - Conant H.S. | Palatine | same ZIP | 100.0% |
| William Rainey Harper Coll. - Elk Grove H.S. | Palatine | same ZIP | 96.4% |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School's CNA exam pass rate?
100% of 57 first-time test-takers from Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School 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 Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School 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 7124. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School's pass rate going up or down?
Steady: 100% of 57 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 100% of 52 in 2024 (±0.0 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 Harper College--Buffalo Grove High School compare with CNA programs nearby?
70 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; none had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025.
What other approved CNA programs are near Palatine?
The closest are Barrington H.S.-Harper College in Palatine (about 1 mi, 95% pass rate), Harper College--John Hersey High School in Palatine (about 1 mi, 100% pass rate), Prospect Heights High School-Harper College in Palatine (about 1 mi, 100% pass rate). Distances are between ZIP code centres.