Licenses

There are a number of state licenses and professional credentials where a veteran’s prior military learning can give them a major leg-up. Prior military experience can result in an equivalent civilian license, or it can help waive training or testing requirements, among other benefits. So if you’re a veteran with experience in any of the areas listed below, find out how your prior training applies:

Military medics are qualified to be a CNA and are exempt from training if they have proof of completing a hospital corpsman or medical service specialist training from the Air Force, Army, or Navy (certificate or DD 214). If they have one of these, then they would only need to have a skills check-off and pass the written competency exam.

Military Medic - CNA Approved Assessment [Full Equivalency] (PDF, 164 KB)

Military medics are qualified to be an EMR and are exempt from training if they have proof of completing a hospital corpsman or medical service specialist training from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or the Air Force (certificate or DD 214). If the military medic in question is an active (drilling) member of the IL National Guard with a current CPR certification and have no other disqualifiers, an EMT-B license can be issued without the testing. If they possess one of these, then military veterans would only need to have a skills check-off and pass the written competency exam.

Military Medic - EMR Approved Assessment [Full Equivalency] (Link)

Army medics are qualified to be an EMT-Basic and are exempt from training if they have proof of completing a hospital corpsman or medical service specialist training from the Army (certificate or DD 214). If they possess one of these, then military veterans would only need to have a skills check-off and pass the written competency exam.

Army Medic - EMT-B Approved Assessment [Full Equivalency] (Link)

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 still apply. For further information, please contact the Illinois State Police.

Additionally, 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 still apply. For further information, please contact the IDNR Office of Law Employment.

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 took effect on August 19, 2013.

Under the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, effective January 1, 2014, military personnel and recently discharged servicemembers 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 12 months 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.

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.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) maintains a process by which qualified veterans can obtain state certifications based on prior military experience. To summarize, veterans must (1) be employed by an Illinois Fire Department, (2) submit a letter to OFSM requesting equivalency, (3) attached with the letter, provide proof of prior military experience (i.e. copies of pertinent Department of Defense certificates), and (4) pass the relevant state written and practical examinations.

For more information, visit the following page: www.sfm.illinois.gov/fireservice/DODEquivalencyPolicy.aspx. For detailed questions, veterans are advised to contact Mitzi Woodson in the Office of the State Fire Marshal at (217) 785-1003 or Mitzi.Woodson@illinois.gov.