Lights of Zion Ministries
11636 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60628 · (773) 785-2996
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
- 80.77%26 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- −12.5points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #212of 234 programs
- Since 2024
- −3.9points vs 84.62% (13 testers)
- Chicago area rank
- #108of 117 ranked nearby
How Lights of Zion Ministries graduates do on the CNA exam
80.77% of 26 first-time test-takers from Lights of Zion Ministries passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 12.5 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #212 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers, and #108 of 117 ranked programs in the Chicago area.
In 2024, 84.62% of 13 first-time testers passed, so the rate fell 3.9 points year over year.
With 26 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 3.8 points, so treat small differences with care. 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 Lights of Zion Ministries stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 80.77%, Lights of Zion Ministries is in the bottom quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 26 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the smaller programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 66 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 59 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Moraine Valley Community College-Hybrid in Palos Hills (100.0%, about 11 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 0997 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 11636 S. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60628 Cook County |
| Phone | (773) 785-2996 |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago State University | Chicago | same ZIP | — |
| Phalanx Family Services | Chicago | 2 mi | 100.0% |
| Renee's School of Careers | Chicago | 2 mi | 88.2% |
| First Step to Excellence Health Care Training | Chicago | 4 mi | 91.4% |
| Blessings Healthcare Career Academy | Chicago | 4 mi | 84.8% |
| Blessings Healthcare Career Academy-Madison | Chicago | 4 mi | — |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is Lights of Zion Ministries's CNA exam pass rate?
80.77% of 26 first-time test-takers from Lights of Zion Ministries passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 12.5 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #212 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is Lights of Zion Ministries 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 0997. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
Is Lights of Zion Ministries's pass rate going up or down?
Down: 80.77% of 26 first-time testers passed in 2025, against 84.62% of 13 in 2024 (−3.9 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 Lights of Zion Ministries compare with CNA programs nearby?
66 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 59 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Moraine Valley Community College-Hybrid in Palos Hills (100.0%, about 11 mi away).
What other approved CNA programs are near Chicago?
The closest are Chicago State University in Chicago (about 1 mi), Phalanx Family Services in Chicago (about 2 mi, 100% pass rate), Renee's School of Careers in Chicago (about 2 mi, 88% pass rate). Distances are between ZIP code centres.