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Eligibility

Illinois State Police Merit Board

Am I Eligible To Apply?

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 Qualifification

Qualifying Military Medals

  • Southwest Asia Service Medal
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
  • 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.

Eligibility Questionnaire

Complete the questionnaire below to determine whether you meet the minimum requirements to begin the Illinois State Trooper application process.

1. Age Requirement

2. Felony Conviction

3. U.S. Citizenship

4. Driver’s License

5. Statewide Assignment

6. Education, Military, or Law Enforcement Pathway

Do you 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 awarded at least one qualifying medal by the United States Armed Forces.

Option Three: Active member of the Illinois National Guard or reserve component of the United States Armed Forces AND awarded at least one qualifying medal as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty.

Option Four: Honorably discharged AND served in a combat mission by proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay during deployment on active duty.

Option Five: At least 3 years of full active and continuous United States Armed Forces duty, including qualifying active duty with the State of Illinois under Title 10 or Title 32, and received an honorable discharge.

Option Six: 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.

Accepted Accreditations / Military Medals

View 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

Please Note: Official, sealed transcripts will be required as proof.

View Qualifying Military Medals
  • Southwest Asia Service Medal
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)
  • Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
  • 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

Please Note: A DD-214 Long Form will be required as proof.

Start Your Journey

Think You Have What It Takes?

Begin your journey toward becoming an Illinois State Trooper. Review the process, prepare for testing, and submit your application today.