State Employment and Licenses

For help in choosing or applying for any of these programs, contact the nearest Veteran Service Officer. Our VSOs are ready and willing to assist in determining your eligibility, discussing available options, and submitting the appropriate application/s.

Under State law, qualified veterans seeking employment with the State are entitled to points added to a passing grade and receive absolute appointment preference within a given grade. Illinois National Guard/Reserves non-activated only receive points added to a passing grade. All veterans will be required to submit a certified copy of their DD214/DD215 as proof of service at the time of application. For further information on veterans preference and available work opportunities, please contact Central Management Services’ Work 4 Illinois website.

Please view the following State Employment Tip Sheet for Veterans, which provides critical information pertaining to application essentials, employment counseling, CMS testing, and veterans' preference guidelines.

Illinois State Police & Illinois Conservation Police

The educational requirements needed to join the Illinois State Police will be waived for veterans who have been honorably discharged with a campaign medal of service in Afghanistan or Iraq.  All other requirements to join the Illinois State Police will still apply.  For further information, please contact the Illinois State Police.

The educational requirements needed to join the Illinois Conservation Police (a component of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources) will be waived if they:

• have been honorably discharged and awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by the United States Armed Forces
• or, are active members of the Illinois National Guard or a reservist component of the Unites States Armed Forces and awarded a Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty

All other requirements to join the Illinois Conservation Police will still apply. For further information, please contact the IDNR Office of Law Employment.
 

Education Waiver for Municipal Police and Firefighters

The educational requirements of an Associate's Degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant served honorably for 24 months of active duty or (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat. The educational requirements of a Bachelor's Degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant served honorably for 36 months of active duty or (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat. The law takes effect on August 19, 2013.
 

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)

In connection with the licensure of EMTs, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has the authority and responsibility to review applications for EMT licensure from honorably discharged service members with military emergency medical training. Applications shall be filed with IDPH within one year after military discharge and shall contain certain identifying information that clearly demonstrates that the training and experience meets prescribed standards. If applicants satisfactorily meet the requirements, IDPH will offer the applicant the opportunity to successfully complete an IDPH-approved EMT examination for which the applicant is qualified and upon passage of an examination, issue a license. For further information, please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health.
 

Commercial Driver’s License – Military Skills Test Waiver

Under the Secretary of State’s Military Skills Test Waiver Program, effective on January 1, 2014, military personnel and recently discharged service members seeking to obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) have the opportunity to have their skills testing (pre-trip, skills, and road) waived. To qualify, the applicant must submit, within 90 days of discharge, a fully completed and acceptable Application for Military Skills Test Waiver signed by their Commanding Officer. Applicants must also successfully complete the relevant written testing and pay the necessary fees.

Download the Application For Military Skills Test Waiver. For further information, please contact your local CDL Secretary of State Facility.
 

Police Academy Intern Program at Southwestern Illinois College

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Intern Program is an ideal training outlet for veterans seeking a career in law enforcement. Successful intern applicants attend a basic law enforcement training academy (400-hour program) and, upon passing the state certification examination, will receive ILETSB State Certification. Interns are integrated into classes with sworn officers and receive the same training. The costs for training (tuition, housing, meals, etc.) are the responsibility of the intern, but eligible interns may use the Illinois Veterans’ Grant, GI Bill or the Workforce Investment Act to pay tuition. This program is for Illinois residents only and seats are limited. Applicants must have valid Illinois driver's license and Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card. Other facts:

• 90-95% of Interns (1/3 are veterans), have been hired as part-time or full-time peace officers.
• Receive college credit that may be applied to Southwestern Illinois College’s Administration of Justice AAS Degree.
• Police Agencies grant Veteran’s and Education Preference Points in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/ Article 10-1-16.

Click here to see a program brochure. For more information and to access the application, visit the following : http://swicpa.com/veteran.htm