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:
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Military Medics to Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
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)
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Military Medics to First Responders (EMR)
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)
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Army Medics to Emergency Medical Technicians Basic(EMT-B)
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)
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Illinois State Police and the 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 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.
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Educational 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 took effect on August 19, 2013.
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Commercial Driver’s License (Military Skills Test Waiver Program)
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.
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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.
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Firefighter Certifications
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.