River Academy of Vocation Education
328 S. 4th Street Suite B, Pekin, IL 61554 · (309) 650-2474
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
- 91.67%12 testers · 2025
- Vs state average
- −1.6points vs 93.24%
- Illinois rank
- #158of 234 programs
- Peoria area rank
- #7of 8 ranked nearby
How River Academy of Vocation Education graduates do on the CNA exam
91.67% of 12 first-time test-takers from River Academy of Vocation Education passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 1.6 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers). It puts the program #158 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers, and #7 of 8 ranked programs in the Peoria area.
No 2024 result is matched to this program in the same report series, so there's no year-over-year comparison yet.
With 12 testers, one more or one fewer passing student moves the rate by about 8.3 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 Peoria by pass rate · All 234 ranked Illinois programs
How River Academy of Vocation Education stacks up
- Half of the 234 ranked Illinois programs had a first-time pass rate of at least 96.5% in 2025. At 91.67%, River Academy of Vocation Education is in the third quarter.
- 175 of the 234 reached 90% or higher.
- It had 12 first-time testers; the middle ranked program had 36, so this is one of the smaller programs. Larger groups give a steadier rate.
- 8 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 7 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka in Eureka (100.0%, about 22 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 7282 |
| Status | Approved (list dated April 2026) |
| Level | CNA I |
| Format | In person |
| Address | 328 S. 4th Street Suite B, Pekin, IL 61554 Tazewell County |
| Phone | (309) 650-2474 |
| CNA median pay, Peoria area | $43,040 a year ($20.69/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 Pekin
| Program | City | Distance | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Central College-Pekin High School | Pekin | same ZIP | 93.8% |
| River Academy of Vocational Education-Hybrid | Pekin | same ZIP | 96.5% |
| Helping Hands Home Healthcare | Morton | 11 mi | 82.8% |
| Midwest Technical Institute - East Peoria | East Peoria | 13 mi | 93.4% |
| Accolade of Peoria | Peoria | 15 mi | — |
| Illinois Central College-Pekin Hybrid | Peoria | 15 mi | — |
Distances are straight-line between ZIP code centres. "—" means fewer than 10 testers or no published rate.
FAQ
What is River Academy of Vocation Education's CNA exam pass rate?
91.67% of 12 first-time test-takers from River Academy of Vocation Education passed the written CNA exam in 2025. That is 1.6 points below the Illinois average of 93.24% (all 301 listed programs with results, weighted by testers), and #158 of 234 Illinois programs with 10 or more testers.
Is River Academy of Vocation Education 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 7282. Finishing an approved program makes you eligible for the Illinois CNA exam.
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 River Academy of Vocation Education compare with CNA programs nearby?
8 other ranked programs are within 25 miles; 7 had a higher first-time pass rate in 2025; the highest was Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka in Eureka (100.0%, about 22 mi away).
What other approved CNA programs are near Pekin?
The closest are Illinois Central College-Pekin High School in Pekin (about 1 mi, 94% pass rate), River Academy of Vocational Education-Hybrid in Pekin (about 1 mi, 97% pass rate), Helping Hands Home Healthcare in Morton (about 11 mi, 83% pass rate). Distances are between ZIP code centres.