State Employment and Licenses
This IDVA page explains veteran preference for State of Illinois employment and certain veteran-related education waivers and licensing support.
Programs & services
Listed on the organization's official site (veterans.illinois.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm availability with the organization.
- Veteran Preference for State EmploymentQualified veterans seeking employment with the State of Illinois.
- Education Waivers for Illinois State PoliceVeterans who have been honorably discharged with a campaign medal of service in Afghanistan or Iraq.
- Education Waivers for Illinois Conservation PoliceHonorably discharged veterans or active Illinois National Guard members/reservists awarded specified service medals.
- Education Waiver for Municipal Police and FirefightersApplicants for firefighter or policeman [woman] jobs who meet the page's military service or combat service criteria.
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)Honorably discharged service members with military emergency medical training applying for EMT licensure.
- Commercial Driver’s License – Military Skills Test WaiverMilitary personnel and recently discharged service members seeking to obtain an Illinois Commercial Driver’s License.
- Police Academy Intern Program at Southwestern Illinois CollegeVeterans seeking a career in law enforcement; this program is for Illinois residents only.
Eligibility
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. 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, (2) the applicant served 180 days in combat, or (3) applicant successfully received a minimum of 60 credit hours towards a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The educational requirements of a Bachelor's Degree needed to be hired as a firefighter or policeman [woman] are waived if (1) applicant serv
How to apply
Summarized from the program's official site (veterans.illinois.gov), checked Aug 28, 2026. Always confirm details with the program.
- Choose the specific employment or license program listed on the page.
- Contact the nearest Veteran Service Officer for help determining eligibility, discussing options, and submitting the appropriate application.
- For State of Illinois employment preference, submit the appropriate documentation for review by the CMS Veterans Outreach Program.
- For EMT licensure, file your application with IDPH within one year after military discharge.
- For the CDL Military Skills Test Waiver, submit a fully completed and acceptable waiver application within 90 days of discharge, signed by your Commanding Officer.
- For the CDL waiver, complete the relevant written testing and pay the necessary fees.
- For the Police Academy Intern Program, visit the SWIC veteran program application page to access and complete the application.
What to bring
- Appropriate documentation for CMS Veterans Outreach Program review
- Identifying information showing military EMT training and experience meets prescribed standards
- Application for Military Skills Test Waiver
- Commanding Officer signature on the CDL waiver application
- Valid Illinois driver's license
- Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card
What to expect
The page says VSOs can assist in submitting the appropriate application. For EMT licensure, if IDPH finds you meet the requirements, it will offer you an IDPH-approved EMT exam and, after you pass, issue a license.
Contact
- Call the VA Education (GI Bill) Hotline at 1-888-442-4551Questions about GI Bill and VA education benefits.
- Serves all of Illinois
Next step
See every Illinois program for this need, how they fit together, and what to try first.
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Source: Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, the official Illinois state veterans agency. Details can change; confirm directly with the program.
View source page (veterans.illinois.gov/about-us/idvajobs/state-employment-and-licenses.html)
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