Position Details
Police Officer (Entry Level) Testing NOW Available!
EXAMINATION:
The City is proud to partner with National Testing Network (NTN) on the next Police Officer Eligibility Test. NTN provides the ability to apply and test for our department from the comfort of your home and on your schedule. Interested persons must complete testing at the NTN in addition to completing this application. Candidates must complete an examination at the agreed upon time set by NTN and it must be completed BEFORE January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM. If you schedule to complete your exam after the deadline, you will not be considered eligible for this call for applications. All testing protocols set by NTN are to be strictly adhered to by the candidate. Failure to adhere to the testing guidelines will result in an incomplete application.
Application:
To complete the application, you must visit:
www.desplainesil.gov/dppdjobs
Follow the application link
Applications must be filled out directly on the City’s website. No written or emailed application will be accepted.
You must submit the following documents in addition to the completed application:
- Copy of your high school diploma (or GED)
- Copy of valid driver’s license (both sides)
- Copy of birth record as proof of citizenship/residency
- Must possess a valid POWER test card issued by a licensed agency and dated within six months prior to being called for the background investigation. POWER test cards may be obtained from any of the following agencies:
- NIPSTA: 2300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL – www.nipsta.org or 847-998-8090
- Joliet Junior College: 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL – email: jgraham@jjc.edu or 815-280-2674
All applications and materials must be submitted by January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS?
For questions pertaining to the application and process, please contact the Des Plaines Police Department at:
847-391-5408/5410
OR
Email:
jnelson@desplainesil.gov or kkozlowski@desplainesil.gov
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS?
Please contact National Testing Network at:
206-428-3265
OR
Visit:
https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/index.cfm
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW:
The mission of the Des Plaines Police Department, through the utilization of a Community Based Policing philosophy, is to protect people and property, and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. We preserve the peace in a manner consistent with the freedoms secured by the U.S. Constitution of the United States utilizing a fiscally responsible approach.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- If not already a member, a $55 non-refundable membership fee to National Testing Network (NTN), and/or $12 to participate in City of Des Plaines examination testing
- U.S. Resident
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Valid driver’s license (valid Illinois driver’s license by date of hire)
- 20 to under 35 years of age as of the date of the written exam, but must be 21 prior to appointment, unless otherwise provided by the Rules and Regulations and/or Illinois Statute (e.g., exception for attaining age 35 during military service, exception for certain previous full-time police officer employment)
- No felony convictions
- Residency in Illinois by date of hire
- Must possess a valid POWER test card issued by a licensed agency and dated within six months prior to being called for the background investigation. POWER test cards may be obtained from any of the following agencies:
- NIPSTA: 2300 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL – www.nipsta.org or 847-998-8090
- Joliet Junior College: 1215 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL – email: jgraham@jjc.edu or 815-280-2674
- Submission of an online, mailed or in-person application, all required documents listed on the checklist and complete exam by NTN by 4:00 PM on January 16, 2026.
HIRING PROCESS:
- Complete the online application at http://www.desplainesil.gov/dppdjobs
- Take the examination through the National Testing Network
- Complete application and formal request for preference points. Application period closes January 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM
- Final eligibility list is established by the BFPC
- Background checks begin in list order. Background checks include:
- Completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
- Completion of a fingerprint background check at the City of Des Plaines Police Department
- Completion of a polygraph examination
- Background investigation interview with the BFPC
- If background investigation is passed, a conditional offer is made.
- Psychological interview
- Physical examination
- Start date established
ELIGIBILITY LIST:
All eligibility lists can be found on the City of Des Plaines website.
