If I am a Correctional Officer/Police Officer or have previous experience, do you accept Correctional Officer lateral transfers?

In order to qualify for a Correctional Officer Lateral Transfer an Applicant must have a valid basic Correctional Officer Certificationor basic Law Enforcement Certificationobtained from an Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) – certified correctional or police academy or equivalent qualifications (e.g. out-of-state correctional/training that qualifies for reciprocity from ILETSB), and the ability to obtain a waiver from ILETSB to serve as a full-time correctional officer, and must have served for at least two (2) years of continuous experience as a Correctional Officer or Police Officer with the same law enforcement agency.

*Provide a training transcript and/or training certificate to support the 200 plus hours you have completed in Corrections or Police Academy or equivalent training and/or State License.

*Provide an Employment verification letter from your agency that includes job titles, start date and verification that you are currently employed and have two (2) years of continuous service.  All previous law enforcement employment must be verified by the respective hiring agencies.  

Upon receipt of the above documentation, the Merit Board will send an email notification scheduling the applicant for the Personal History Questionnaire and required documentation & fingerprinting process.

What is the Merit Board Certification process steps?

• Complete the on-line Application www.cookcountymeritboard.org
• Pass two (2) written examinations
• Pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) or provide a valid POWER Test Card
• Complete the Personal History Questionnaire & provide the required documentation and complete fingerprinting process
• Background Investigation & Interview
• Merit Board Review

Do I need a Firearm’s Owner Identification Card (F.O.I.D.) to become Certified by the Merit Board?

Yes, if you do not possess a FOID Card, please contact the Illinois State Police WWW.ISPFSB.COM to apply.

A Concealed Carry License is NOT required. 

Do I need a Driver’s License?

No, you can provide a State Identification Card if you do not possess a Driver’s License.

Do I need to be 21 years of age?

You can apply when you are 20 years of age and complete the entire Merit Board certification process, however you cannot be certified until you turn 21 years of age.

Is there an age limit to apply for the Cook County Sheriff’s Correctional Officer position?

No, you can be 21 years of age and older.

Do I need a College Degree or College credits?

No, you will need to provide an official high school transcriptor GED transcriptrecognized by the Illinois School Board of Education.  Hight School or GED Transcripts must be sent electronically from the High School directly to the [email protected] or provided in-person in an official, sealed envelope.  

Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen?

Yes, you will need to provide a Naturalization Certificate.

After I submit my application, when will I be notified to take the written examination?

You will be notified in approximately 1-2 weeks.  

Is there a Study Guide for the written examination?

Yes, there is afree Study Guide for the first scheduled written examination.  Download instructions are provided in the written examination email notification.   

What happens if I fail the written examinations?  

You may reapply and you will be scheduled for the next examination.  

How many times can I take the written examination(s) before I pass.

 There is no limit to the amount of times you can take the written examination.

If I already passed the two (2) written examination(s), do I have to take the examination(s) again?

No, you will receive credit for previously passing the written examination(s).

What is the Physical Ability Test(PAT)?

• One and one half (1.5) mile run in 20:44 minutes
• Ten (10) sit-ups in one (1) minute
• One (1) bench press equal to 39% of your total body weight

Previously passed Merit Board Physical Ability Tests are valid for one (1) year.

If I fail the Physical Ability Test(PAT), can I retake the PAT test?

Yes, please send an email to [email protected] to be rescheduled.

Do you accept Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (P.O.W.E.R) Test Cards?

Yes, the Merit Board will accept the POWER Test Card. Applicants who have a POWER Test Card will be exempt from the Merit Board’s Physical Ability Test(PAT).  Please email a copy of the POWER Test Card to [email protected] to be exempt from the Physical Ability Test as soon as possible.  You will be required to provide the original POWER Test Card at the time of your scheduled appointment.

Previously passed Merit Board Physical Ability Exams and POWER Test Cards are valid for one (1) year.

What is the next step after I become Certified by the Merit Board?

The Applicant’s file is forwarded to the Cook County Sheriff’s Human Resources Office . 

Hiring and training questions can be addressed by contacting the Cook County Sheriff’s Human Resources Office via email:  [email protected].

If an Applicant is NOT Certified by the Merit Board, is there an appeal process?

Yes, Applicants have five (5) business days to respond to the disqualification notification for reconsideration by emailing [email protected].  The response may include clarification of any issues that an Applicant believes may have impacted the Merit Board decision to disqualify the Applicant. 

If I have other questions, who should I contact?

Please send an email to [email protected] or contact the Merit Board Office @ 312-603-0170.

Where is the Merit Board Office located?

Cook County Administration Building

69 West Washington, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60602