The Chicago Police Department (CPD) hires police officers through a long, multi-stage process: an application to the City, a written exam called the CPOE, two physical fitness tests, drug tests, a polygraph, a background investigation, medical and psychological exams, final checks, and then the CPD Training Academy. You join as a Probationary Police Officer.
We couldn't load CPD's recruitment website when checking, so everything below comes from the City of Chicago's Office of Inspector General (OIG), the City's independent watchdog, which has reported on CPD's hiring process in detail in 2021, 2024 and May 2026. Where a detail dates from 2021 and may have changed, we say so. Check current requirements and exam dates with CPD's recruiters before you apply.
The Chicago Police hiring process at a glance
This is the order OIG documented in 2021, updated with the changes OIG reported in 2026.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Application | Apply through the City's careers portal and get screened for eligibility. You then receive a study guide and details of free prep sessions. |
| 2. Chicago Police Officer Exam (CPOE) | A written exam with cognitive and non-cognitive sections, 150 questions in total. |
| 3. Police screening | Preference statuses are checked and candidates are referred on, with preference holders first and the rest in lottery order (as of 2021). |
| 4. Pre-POWER fitness test | An ungraded practice fitness test with feedback. It no longer disqualifies anyone. |
| 5. Drug test #1 | Through a testing vendor. Bring prescriptions for any prescription medicines. |
| 6. Minimum qualification screening | Checks your education or qualifying experience. |
| 7. Polygraph | Taken while your background investigation is under way. |
| 8. Background investigation | Fingerprinting, the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ), documents, a home interview, employment history and a criminal check. |
| 9. POWER test | The scored, state-required physical fitness test. |
| 10. Drug test #2 | A second drug test. |
| 11. Medical exam | Medical and physical fitness evaluation. |
| 12. Psychological assessment | A mental health assessment by a contracted vendor. |
| 13. Final checks | Driver's licence, citizenship, Chicago residency, FOID card, documents and debts owed to the City. |
| 14. CPD Training Academy | About six months of classroom and practical training (2021). |
| 15. Field training and probation | Training with an experienced Field Training Officer. Probation lasts 18 months, including the Academy (2021). |
What are the requirements to become a Chicago police officer?
OIG's 2021 report lists these eligibility rules:
- Age: at least 21 by the time you're hired, to enter the Academy, and under 40 for the whole hiring process. If you turn 40 at any point before you're hired, you're disqualified.
- Residency: you must live in the City of Chicago before you start work, but you don't need to live there when you apply.
- Citizenship: you must be a US citizen or legal resident.
- Before hire: a valid Illinois driver's licence and a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card.
The education requirement
The standard route is 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university. OIG's 2026 follow-up reports that in March 2022 CPD broadened the qualifying routes. You can now qualify with any of:
| Route | What you need |
|---|---|
| College | 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours |
| Military service | Three continuous years of active duty in the US Armed Forces (a route that existed before 2022) |
| College plus military | 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours, plus one continuous year of active duty |
| Work experience | Three years of continuous full-time work in specific fields, such as social services, health care, education or the trades |
| Law enforcement | At least three years as a full-time peace officer, correctional officer or in another law enforcement role |
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How do you apply to the Chicago Police Department?
You apply online through the City of Chicago's careers portal. OIG's 2026 follow-up says candidates now get an exam study guide, details of free exam prep sessions and their next steps straight after submitting the application.
Since September 2021, CPD has had a Recruitment and Retention Unit. OIG reports that a recruiter from that unit is assigned to each candidate and checks in at nine points in the process, from exam reminders and post-exam coaching to the POWER test and your first day at the Academy. Use your recruiter: they're there to answer questions.
What is on the Chicago Police exam (CPOE)?
The Chicago Police Officer Exam is a written test. OIG reports that since June 2021 it has had two parts, cognitive and non-cognitive, with 150 questions in total and a short break between the sections. In 2021 the exam was scored pass or fail. CPD hasn't published a pass mark.
Free CPOE prep sessions run at CPD facilities, including the Training Academy and CPD Headquarters, and online on Zoom, with several sessions in the weeks before each exam. Go to them, and work through the study guide you're sent.
CPD doesn't publish what each section contains. In general, cognitive tests measure reasoning and problem-solving, and non-cognitive tests ask about behaviour and work preferences; our guide to psychometric assessments explains how those formats work. Answer the non-cognitive questions honestly, since a detailed background investigation comes later.
What is the Chicago Police POWER test?
POWER stands for Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report. It's the physical fitness test, and you take it twice:
- Pre-POWER: early in the process. Since July 2021 it's ungraded and doesn't disqualify you. It shows you where you stand and gives you feedback.
- POWER test: later, before the Academy. This one is scored and required by the state, and failing it ends your application.
In 2021, OIG listed four events: a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, bench press, and sit and reach. OIG says CPD publishes the fitness standards on its Join CPD website. CPD runs free POWER prep sessions at the Police Training Academy several times a week, and your recruiter sends the details by text and email.
What happens in the Chicago Police background investigation?
The background investigation is one of the longest stages. OIG's 2024 report describes it:
- Fingerprinting and the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). The PHQ was cut from 94 to 53 questions in 2022, and you now have 72 hours to complete it.
- Documents. In 2021 these included your birth certificate, naturalisation certificate or green card, driving records, proof of residency and any bankruptcy filings.
- Investigation. A contracted vendor reviews your documents, interviews you at home, checks your employment history and runs a criminal check. City investigators sometimes run the investigation themselves.
- Polygraph. Taken separately while the investigation is under way.
- Recommendation. City investigators review everything, make any further inquiries or interviews, and make a recommendation.
OIG's 2026 report quotes CPD's own FAQ: "Evidence that you have engaged in certain activities that would constitute a felony will be disqualifying. Evidence of other activities may be disqualifying, depending on the circumstances." That applies whether or not you were ever arrested or convicted. OIG also notes that CPD doesn't tell candidates that relatives' criminal history may count against them.
If you're rejected after the background investigation, you can appeal. OIG's 2024 report says you must file a written request with the Police Board no later than 60 calendar days from the date on your rejection notice.
Is there an interview in the Chicago Police hiring process?
None of OIG's three reports lists a formal panel interview as a hiring step. The interview you can count on is the home interview during the background investigation, and investigators may follow up with further interviews if they need to. Your answers there are checked against your PHQ and your documents.
Common Chicago Police background interview questions and how to answer them
CPD doesn't publish its interview questions. The first question below is a general motivation question; the rest are topics OIG says the PHQ covers. Investigators check your answers during the background investigation, so prepare to discuss them consistently. The rule for every one is the same: be complete, be accurate and match what you wrote on your PHQ.
1. Why do you want to be a Chicago police officer?
Give a specific, personal reason: a moment, a person or a part of the city that shaped your choice. A concrete reason is easier to believe and to remember than a general one.
2. Where have you lived since you were 13?
The PHQ asks for your residential history since age 13, including roommates. Build the list with dates and addresses before you start, from old leases, school records or family.
3. Who have you lived with?
Roommates are included, so list everyone and how to reach them where you can.
4. Tell me about your work history.
The investigation reviews your employment history. Have every job, with dates, supervisors and reasons for leaving, including jobs that ended badly. Explain gaps plainly.
5. Who are your immediate family members?
The PHQ asks you to identify them. Be complete and leave no one out.
6. Have you ever used illegal drugs?
Drug usage is a PHQ topic, and you'll take two drug tests. Answer honestly and consistently. CPD's quoted FAQ says some activity may be disqualifying "depending on the circumstances", so don't guess what they want to hear.
7. What is your driving history?
The PHQ covers driving history, and you supply driving records. Know every ticket, accident and suspension, with dates.
8. Have you ever been arrested, charged or involved in criminal activity?
CPD's FAQ says disqualifying conduct counts whether or not you were arrested or convicted. Disclose everything the PHQ asks for, with dates and outcomes.
9. Do you owe the City of Chicago any money?
OIG lists an indebtedness check as a final step. Clear any outstanding debts to the City before you get there.
10. Who can we contact as a reference?
The PHQ asks for references. Choose people who know you well, tell them to expect a call, and make sure their contact details are current.
11. Tell me about your education.
Education history is on the PHQ, and it decides which qualifying route you use. Have transcripts ready, and military or employment records if you're using one of the other routes.
For broader practice with "tell me about a time" questions, our list of behavioural interview questions and our STAR method guide will help.
How long does the Chicago Police hiring process take?
In 2021, OIG found the median time for successful candidates was about 1.4 years, with the background investigation the longest step. In OIG's May 2026 follow-up, the City's Office of Public Safety Administration reported that, as of May 2026, candidates took on average 4 to 6 months from the Pre-POWER test to clearance for hire. That figure leaves out the time before and after the CPOE, so the full process is longer. Your recruiter can tell you where you are.
Watch your age: if you turn 40 at any point before you're hired, you're out, so apply early if you're close.
What happens at the Chicago Police Academy?
After you're cleared, you're invited to the CPD Training Academy. OIG's 2021 report describes about six months of classroom and practical training, followed by field training with an experienced Field Training Officer and then assignment to a district. In 2016 the probationary period was lengthened to 18 months, including the Academy.
How to prepare for the Chicago Police hiring process
- Check you're eligible, especially your age and which education or experience route you'll use.
- Gather documents early: birth certificate or citizenship papers, transcripts, driving records, proof of residency and military or employment records.
- Write out your history since age 13: addresses, roommates, jobs, references and family, with dates.
- Use the study guide and go to the free CPOE prep sessions, in person or on Zoom.
- Start fitness training now. Use the Pre-POWER feedback and the free POWER prep sessions to reach the standard before the scored test.
- Clear any debts to the City and sort out anything on your driving record you can.
- Stay in touch with your recruiter and reply quickly. The PHQ gives you only 72 hours.
- Be honest at every stage. The background investigation checks your answers against records and other people.
Practising realistic work tasks
Exams and interviews reward preparation, and judgement improves with practice on realistic tasks. Cohesyve, which publishes this guide, runs practice job simulations with a scored report on where you lost marks. It isn't affiliated with the Chicago Police Department and doesn't use CPD's exams or questions.
FAQs
How old do you have to be to join the Chicago Police?
At least 21 by the time you're hired, to enter the Academy. You must also stay under 40 for the whole hiring process.
Do you need a college degree to be a Chicago police officer?
No. The standard route is 60 semester hours of college, or three years of active military duty. Since March 2022 you can also qualify through three years of continuous full-time work in certain fields or three years in law enforcement, and OIG lists a mix of college and military service among the routes.
Do you have to live in Chicago to apply?
Not to apply. You must be a Chicago resident before you start work.
Is there a polygraph for the Chicago Police?
Yes. OIG's 2024 report says candidates take a polygraph while their background investigation is under way.
Can you fail the first Chicago Police fitness test?
The first test, the Pre-POWER, is ungraded and no longer disqualifies anyone. The second, scored POWER test does.
Can you appeal a background rejection?
Yes. You can file a written appeal with the Police Board no later than 60 calendar days from the date on your rejection notice.
Sources
City of Chicago Office of Inspector General reports, checked 27 October 2026:
- Follow-up Evaluation of Demographic Impacts of Chicago Police Department's Hiring Process (20 May 2026; PDF)
- Processing the Backlog of Background Investigations for Chicago Police Department Applicants (8 April 2024)
- Evaluation of the Demographic Impacts of the Chicago Police Department's Hiring Process (8 July 2021)