CHICAGO (STMW) - Those interested in taking a written exam to become a Chicago Police Officer next month have just hours to apply.

Online applications are being accepted through Friday at 11:59 p.m. for all people 21 or older who are interested in becoming a Chicago cop, a release from the Chicago Police Department said

Applicants who successfully submit an online application, pay the $30 fee and provide required documents will be invited to take the exam scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11, the release said.

Those who pass the exam and meet all requirements may be eligible for employment as early as six months following the exam and may remain on the list as long as five years, the release said. Military applicants who meet the minimum requirements and pass the exam will be given a 20 percent hiring preference consideration.

Non-military personnel must be 21 at the time of the application and 25 at the time of hire, must have taken 60 semester hours of college credit and must be less than 40 at the time of hire, the release said.

For military personnel, applicants must be 21 with three years of continuous active duty, 30 semester hours of college credit and one year of continuous military service and must be younger than 40.

Applicants must also have a valid driver's license. Applicants are not required to be a resident of the City of Chicago at the time of application bust must live in the city if hired.

A $30 fee is required but a fee waiver is available for those who qualify for the position.

More information can be found at www.chicagopolice.org.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)