How to Become a State Trooper in Illinois

Becoming a State Trooper in Illinois is a challenging undertaking. There are more mandatory education restrictions in Illinois than most other states. You must first complete tests and academy training.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Meet the initial qualifications. These include being 21 years old, having a valid driver's license and being a citizen of the United States. You must also have a clean criminal record; any felony conviction will disqualify you from the program.
2. Fill out an application at the organization's website (see "Resources" below).
3. Complete a background check that includes, but is not limited to, personal finance information, employment references and criminal history.
4. Pass an oral interview and suitability examination given by the Illinois State Police Merit Board. Once these are completed, you will be given a ranking to get into the training academy.
5. Take a medical and psychological exam and enter training for 22 weeks, after which you will become an Illinois state trooper.

Tips & Warnings

• Illinois is one of a handful of states that requires at least an associate's degree and three consecutive years of either police or military service to become a state trooper.
• Do not apply if you can't relocate. You may be asked to take a position in any region of Illinois.

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