Selection Process
Cadet Applicant Process
Road to Becoming a Trooper
Every applicant must successfully complete each phase of the Illinois State Police Merit Board selection process before being certified for appointment to the Academy.
Apply
Submit the online pre-employment application.
PFIT & Exam
Complete the Physical Fitness Inventory Test and Recruitment Examination.
Application & Documents
Submit required application materials and supporting documents.
Background
A background investigation and review is conducted.
Interview
Complete the oral interview process.
Screening
Complete medical, psychological, vision, hearing, and drug screening.
Academy
Complete the 30-week
Illinois State Police Academy training program.
Selection Process
Explore Each Step
Every phase of the Illinois State Police Cadet Applicant Process must be successfully completed before an applicant may be Certified for appointment. Expand each section below to learn what to expect throughout the process.
Pre-Employment Application
Submit the pre-employment application and select your testing date and location.
Physical Fitness Inventory Test (PFIT)
Demonstrate your physical readiness for law enforcement duties.
- Sit & Reach
- One-Minute Sit-Ups
- One Rep Bench Press
- 1.5 Mile Run
Recruitment Examination
Immediately after the PFIT, applicants take the online recruitment examination.
Online Application & Documents
- Driver's License
- Passport-style photo
- Birth Record / Passport
- Official Transcripts
- DD-214, if applicable
- Law Enforcement Certification, if applicable
Background Investigation
A comprehensive review of employment, education, criminal history, references, and personal background.
Oral Interviews
- Interview with Merit Board Member
- Interview with ISP Colonel
- Written Assignment
- Oral Presentation
Certification
Successful applicants are certified by the Merit Board and become eligible for appointment.
Medical, Vision, Hearing, Psychological & Drug Screening
Candidates receiving conditional offers must successfully complete medical, psychological, vision, hearing, and drug screening requirements prior to appointment to the Illinois State Police Academy.
Illinois State Police Academy
Attend the 30-week para-military academy in Springfield. Cadets reside at the academy Sunday through Friday and must successfully complete academy training requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Are You Eligible?
Age
21 Years Old
Must be at least 21. Age 20 accepted with an associate degree or 60+ college credit hours.
Criminal Record
No Felony Convictions
Must not have any felony convictions.
Citizenship
U.S. Citizen
Must be a citizen of the United States and able to provide proof of citizenship.
Driver's License
Valid License Required
Must possess a valid U.S. driver's license at time of application.
Assignment
Location Assignment
Must be willing to accept assignment anywhere in the State of Illinois.
Education
Associate Degree or 60 Credits
C average or better from an accredited institution required. Waived for qualifying military veterans or active law enforcement officers with 3+ years of service.
Important: All requirements must be met before submitting the pre-employment form.
Alternative Qualification Pathways
Military & Law Enforcement
Applicants with qualifying military service or current law enforcement experience may satisfy the education requirement through alternative pathways.
Military Service
Must meet one of the following:
- Honorably discharged and awarded a qualifying military medal.
- Current Illinois National Guard or Reserve member awarded a qualifying medal during active-duty deployment.
- Honorably discharged veteran with proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay.
- Three years of continuous active-duty military service with honorable discharge.
Law Enforcement
Must meet all of the following:
- Successfully completed basic law enforcement training.
- Three years of continuous full-time service with the same law enforcement agency.
- Currently serving as a sworn peace officer.
Military Qualification
Qualifying Military Medals
- Southwest Asia Service Medal
- Kuwait Liberation Medal
- Kosovo Campaign Medal
- 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
Required Proof: DD-214 Long Form documentation must be submitted to verify qualifying military service.
Education Qualification
Accepted Accreditations
- 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
Required Proof: Official sealed transcripts must be submitted to verify college coursework and degree requirements.