Description

Now accepting applications for Illinois State Police Trooper! Deadline to apply is October 1, 2025. 

The Illinois State Police Merit Board is processing candidates for Cadet Class 154: Traditional.  Cadet Class 154 is scheduled to begin in June 2026, and will be a full-time, 27-week Academy Class.

To begin the application process to become a Trooper, go to the Illinois State Police Merit Board website to complete the pre-employment application: www.illinoistrooper.com.

Requirements

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1.  Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.

An applicant twenty (20) years of age may apply if they have successfully completed an associates degree or 60 credit hours at a regionally accredited college or university.

2.  Cannot have been convicted of a felony.

3.  Must be a citizen of the United States.

4.  Must possess a valid driver's license.

5.  Must be willing to accept an assignment anywhere in the State of Illinois.

6.  Completed ONE of the following options: 

OPTION ONE

       Associate degree or at least 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university with at least a C average.

OPTION TWO

       No education needed if applicant meets ONE of the following:

o   Honorably discharged AND awarded at least one of the qualifying medals by the United States Armed Forces.  

o   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.

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

o   Three 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 THREE

       No education needed if applicant meets ALL of the following at the time of application:

1.      Has successfully completed basic law enforcement training

2.      Has at least three (3) years of continuous, full-time service as a peace officer with the same police department

3.      Is currently serving as a peace officer. 

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