Section 1720.15  Equivalency Examination

a)         The Executive Director may grant certification or a waiver of basic training requirements set forth by the Board if, by reason of extensive prior experience as a law enforcement officer or prior experience as a county corrections officer, the basic training requirement is illogical or unreasonable.  The Executive Director may require the applicant to take and successfully pass the Board's Equivalency Examination if the Executive Director, in reviewing prior experience and training, determines that there is a need for the applicant to demonstrate current knowledge of Illinois law and procedures.  Factors the Executive Director shall consider in determining the need for the Equivalency Exam shall include, but not be limited to, the type and length of prior experience as a law enforcement or county corrections officer, prior certificates for training, and education.

b)         The Board shall establish a minimum passing score.  In establishing a minimum score, the Board will ensure that the score reflects the knowledge and competency of the applicant.  Any applicant who did not successfully complete the Trainee Basic Law Enforcement or Correctional Officers Training Course or a State academy, and is seeking certification based on other training must successfully pass the Equivalency Examination. Prior to December 15, 2022, the minimum passing score will be established by the Board within the range of 60 to 80% of the total score. Beginning, December 15, 2022, the acceptable passing score shall be 66%.

c)         The content of the test shall include, but not be limited to, material in the areas specified in Section 7(a) of the Illinois Police Training Act (Act) and subjects covered in the Peace Officer and Probation Officer Firearm Training Act [50 ILCS 710].

d)         The Board shall at least biennially review the content of the examination and minimum passing score to ensure accuracy and reliability.

e)         Beginning December 15, 2022, an officer may challenge the Equivalency Examination three times in their career.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 9369, effective June 23, 2023)