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Illinois State Police Merit Board
Cadet Applicant Process
Become an Illinois State Trooper
Everything you need to know about eligibility, testing, fitness standards, upcoming cadet classes, and the Illinois State Police applicant process.
Current Cadet Class
Cadet Class 156
Now Accepting Applications for Cadet Class 156
Visit the Cadet Class 156 page for application deadline information, applicant testing events, testing schedules, eligibility requirements, and the complete class timeline.
Before You Apply
Are You Eligible?
Applicants must meet minimum eligibility requirements before submitting the Illinois State Police pre-employment application.
Age
Must be 21 years of age, or 20 years of age with an Associate Degree or at least 60 college credit hours.
Citizenship
Must be a citizen of the United States.
Criminal History
Cannot have been convicted of a felony.
Driver's License
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Assignment
Must be willing to accept assignment anywhere in Illinois.
Education / Experience
Associate Degree or 60 college credit hours with a C average or better from an accredited institution. The education requirement may be waived for qualifying military veterans or active law enforcement officers with three or more years of service.
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.
Physical Fitness
Physical Fitness Inventory Test
Applicants must successfully complete the Physical Fitness Inventory Test (PFIT).
Review the testing events, standards, preparation resources, and readiness tools before your testing date.
Sit & Reach
One Minute Sit-Ups
Bench Press
1.5 Mile Run
Examination
Recruitment Exam
Applicants who successfully complete the Physical Fitness Inventory Test are administered the online Recruitment Examination on the same day.
Online Recruitment Examination
The Recruitment Exam is administered on the same day as the PFIT. The Merit Board will notify each applicant of their Recruitment Exam score by email.
Applicants who earn a score of 70 or higher are placed into the eligibility pool based on their Recruitment Examination score.
Study Materials: Optional study guides and practice tests are available for purchase. These materials are not required to participate in the Recruitment Examination. Candidates will complete the LST Exam.
Need Help?
Contact a Recruiter
Illinois State Police recruiters can answer questions about eligibility requirements, testing, the application process, academy preparation, and career opportunities throughout Illinois.
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.
NOTE: The Applicant Process procedures are subject to change at any time.