English as a second language is not recognized as a disability by the Illinois Department of Public Health and does not qualify the individual for accommodation testing. Individuals who are working in primarily English-speaking facilities are expected to be able to read and speak English fluently, and are required to take the Illinois Nurse Aide competency Exam in English.
If a CNA candidate is working for a facility with 51% or greater Spanish speaking population who do not also speak English, then a translated exam may be approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. A translation will require official documentation of employment and population of the facility before consideration will be given. Translated exams may take an extended period of time to schedule due to translation and testing facility availability.
If approved, the cost of a translated exam will be $200 for each test taken.