Pre-Employment Application Form

Illinois State Police Merit Board

Cadet Class 156: Traditional

Complete the Pre-Employment Application Form below to be considered for Cadet Class 156: Traditional.

All minimum requirements, including education or military requirements, MUST be met before this form is submitted. Proof will be required at a later date. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in removal from the process.

If multiple entries of this form are submitted, all previous entries will be removed and the most recent submission will be utilized.

Deadline: September 15, 2026

Applicant Information

First Name *

Middle Name *

Last Name *

Date of Birth *

/ /

You have 2022 characters left.

Gender *

Race and Ethnicity *

Address

Address should reflect the address currently listed on your driver's license. This will be verified at a later date.

Street Address *

Apt/Suite/Other

City *

State *

Zip Code *

County *

Please confirm you have provided the COUNTY where you currently reside, not country. (Example: Cook)

Contact Information

Email Address *

Confirm Email Address *

Cell Phone Number *

Additional Phone Number

Pre-Employment Requirements

The following requirements must be met to be considered an acceptable applicant. All information provided will be verified at a later date. Any false statements may be considered sufficient cause for disqualification from the Cadet Applicant Process.

I am at least 21 years of age:

I currently possess a valid driver's license:

I have never been convicted of a felony:

I am a citizen of the United States:

I am willing to accept an assignment anywhere in the state of Illinois:

Applicants must meet at least one of the following options:

OPTION ONE: Associate's degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university with a C average or higher.

OPTION TWO: Honorably discharged and been awarded at least one of the qualifying medals by the United States Armed Forces.

OPTION THREE: An active member of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces and been awarded at least one of the qualifying medals as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty.

OPTION FOUR: Served in a combat mission by proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay during deployment on active duty and recieved an honorable discharge.

OPTION FIVE: Has at least 3 years of full active and continuous United States Armed Forces duty, which also includes a period of active duty with the State of Illinois under Title 10 or Title 32 of the United States Code pursuant to an order of the President or the Governor of the State of Illinois, and received an honorable discharge.

OPTION SIX: Has successfully completed basic law enforcement training, has at least 3 years of continuous, full-time service as a peace officer with the same police department, and is currently serving as a peace officer.

I currently meet the following:

Click here to view accreditations accepted or military medals

College or University must be accredited by one of the following:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Higher Learning Commission
New England Commission of Higher Education
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
WASC Senior College and University Commission Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

Qualifying Military Medals:

Southwest Asia Service Medal
Kosovo Campaign Medal
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
Korean Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal

NOTE: Proof will be required by sealed, official transcripts and/or military DD-214.

Application Referral

How did you hear about the Illinois State Police Trooper application?

What kind of event?

Please provide job fair or event details.

Which college or university?

If other, please describe:

If you were referred by an Illinois State Trooper, please provide the Trooper's name and ID Number:

Trooper's Star ID Number:

Trooper's Name:

Cadet Class 156: Traditional

Applicant PFIT & Recruitment Exam testing will be conducted on the following dates:

~~August 8, 2026: Springfield~~ - RSVP by August 1
September 26, 2026: Burbank, IL - RSVP by September 15
September 29, 2026: Springfield - RSVP by September 15

Select your test date and location:

Please note: to select a new PFIT/Recruitment Exam test date, you must submit a new Pre-Employment Application Form. Any previous entries will be removed.

View Fitness Test Waiver & Release of Liability

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Illinois State Police Merit Board

Pre-Employment Application Form

Cadet Class 156: Traditional

Applicant Information

Address

Address should reflect the address currently listed on your driver's license. This will be verified at a later date.

Contact Information

Pre-Employment Requirements

Application Referral

Cadet Class 156: Traditional

Liability Waiver & Consent

Text (SMS) Consent