Factors in Obtaining a License
The statute requires licensing agencies to consider 8 factors when determining whether to grant a license to an applicant (see 730 ILCS 5/5-5-5). The 8 factors are:

1. The public policy of the state to encourage the licensure and employment of persons previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses.
2. The specific duties and responsibilities necessarily related to the license being sought.
3. The bearing, if any, the criminal offense(s) of which the person was previously convicted would have on his or her fitness or ability to perform one or more such duties and responsibilities.
4. The time which has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses.
5. The age of the person at the time of occurrence of the criminal offense or offenses.
6. The seriousness of the offense or offenses.
7. Any information produced by the person or produced on his or her behalf in regard to his or her rehabilitation and good conduct, including a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities issued to the applicant, which certificate shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offense or offenses specified in the certificate.
8. The legitimate interest of the licensing agency in protecting property, and the safety and welfare of specific individuals or the general public.

You can read the laws governing the Certificate of Good Conduct on the Illinois General Assembly’s website.

Eligible Offender Requirements
To qualify as an eligible offender, the individual may NOT have any of the following on their criminal record:

1. Any class X felony convictions, such as murder, aggravated robbery, or aggravated criminal sexual assault
2. Any felony convictions where the victim suffered great bodily harm or permanent disability
3. Any convictions that require post-release registration, such as sex offenses, offenses against children, rape, arson, or any other crime
4. Any aggravated DUI or aggravated domestic battery convictions