Illinois POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: Minimum hiring age is typically 21 (some agencies may hire at 20 with conditions).
• Education: High school diploma or GED at minimum; many agencies require some college or a degree.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship generally required for sworn peace officer roles.
• Driver license: Valid driver license (Illinois or convertible to Illinois) with acceptable record.
• Criminal history: No felony convictions and no disqualifying criminal offenses; must be legally able to possess and carry firearms.
• Other requirements:
  • Pass background investigation and fingerprint check.
  • Pass psychological and medical examinations (including drug screening).
  • Meet moral character and professional conduct standards set by ILETSB and the hiring agency.

Physical Fitness Standards

Illinois uses physical fitness standards approved by ILETSB, but individual academies administer the actual tests and may set additional standards.

• 1.5 mile run or similar timed cardio test.
• Sit-ups or other core-strength/endurance test.
• Bench press or push-ups / upper-body strength test.
• Agility or obstacle course at some academies.

Candidates should review the fitness benchmarks published by their chosen academy (e.g., Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report-style standards) and train to exceed the minimums.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 400

Illinois basic law enforcement academies operate under ILETSB approval; the Basic Law Enforcement Course historically runs at least about 400 hours, with many academies providing substantially more instruction to cover state law, procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, investigations, and scenario-based training.

Reference: Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board basic academy requirements.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Illinois does not offer blanket automatic reciprocity, but ILETSB maintains waiver and reciprocity processes for certain prior law enforcement or qualifying military police experience.

• Applicants with qualifying prior training may seek certification via ILETSB reciprocity or waiver, subject to Board review.
• May require completion of Illinois-specific law course, firearms/Use-of-Force training, and the Illinois certification exam.
• Applicants without sufficient equivalent training must attend a full Illinois basic academy.

Military reciprocity and out-of-state officer processes are periodically updated; applicants should check current ILETSB guidance before applying.

POST Contact Information

Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB)
500 South 9th Street, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 782-4540
Website: https://www.ptb.illinois.gov

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.ptb.illinois.gov