How to become a security guard in Illinois

Every Illinois credential

All 9 individual credentials this regulator issues to security workers, from the entry-level card to specialty and instructor registrations. Rows marked ◇ are drafted from the regulator’s pages and await our reviewer’s sign-off.

Steps to get started

1. Apply to IDFPR for the PERC with photo ID, fingerprints, and the $55 fee.
2. Complete the 20-hour basic security training within 30 days of starting work, then 8 more hours within 6 months and 8 hours every calendar year.
3. For armed work, obtain the Firearm Control Card with required firearms training and qualification.
4. Renew the PERC ($45) before May 31 every third year; the next statewide deadline is May 31, 2027.

Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC): The PERC application comes first (fingerprints taken within 60 days before applying, plus background check). The 20-hour basic training is due within 30 days of starting work, 8 more hours within 6 months, then 8 hours of refresher each calendar year (225 ILCS 447/25-20). Every PERC expires statewide on May 31 every third year (68 IAC 1240.550); the current cycle ends May 31, 2027.

Canine Handler Authorization Card: Required before a PERC holder, private detective, or security contractor may handle a trained canine for protection or investigation (68 IAC 1240.700-.710). Course = 100 hours basic + 80 hours specialized (patrol, explosives, narcotics, accelerant, cadaver, etc.) with a 70% written exam and a USPCA/NAPWDA-standard field exam. Handler and canine must recertify annually; explosives/narcotics teams need 4 hours/week of documented maintenance training. Card is employer-specific (separate card per agency), expires on the date printed on the card, and renews on proof of recertification within the prior year - so renewal cycle is effectively 12 months but not fixed in rule.

Licensed Private Detective: Individual license under 225 ILCS 447 Art. 15, same Act and Board as PERC/FCC. Experience per Section 15-10 (canine odor detection experience is an accepted path), fingerprints, exam. Expires May 31 every 3 years; 8 hours of annual training on detective functions (68 IAC 1240.506(a)).

Approved Firearm Training Instructor: Required to teach the Division-approved firearm training course for FCC applicants. Must hold a valid FOID and prove NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor certification (security included), Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board range instructor approval, or substantially equivalent military/federal instructor experience (68 IAC 1240.515). Approvals expire December 31 every five years (2012 + 5n). Approved firearm instructors are exempt from the FCC training course and receive a Certificate of Firearm Training on application (1240.510(n)).

Canine Trainer Authorization Card: Instructor credential for those who train canine handlers and canines (68 IAC 1240.730). Requires 2 years full-time as a canine handler plus 200 hours of Division-approved canine instructor training (or equivalent military/LE experience) and an active PD license, security contractor license, or PERC. Employer-specific card; expires on the date on the card; renewal requires 10 hours of approved canine instructor training since last issuance (interval not fixed, so continuingEdIntervalMonths left null). Holders are exempt from the handler course.

Licensed Private Security Contractor: Individual license under 225 ILCS 447 Art. 25 held by the person who owns or is licensee-in-charge of a security contractor agency. Requires experience/education per Section 25-10 (full-time years = 1,500 hrs/yr), fingerprints, passing the Continental Testing exam. Expires May 31 every 3 years. Must complete 4 hours of annual training on security contractor functions (68 IAC 1240.506(b)). Carrying a firearm additionally requires an FCC.

Licensed Private Alarm Contractor: Individual license under 225 ILCS 447 Art. 20 for the person responsible for an alarm contractor agency (installation, service, monitoring). Illinois has no separate alarm-employee card: alarm installers and monitoring staff hold the same PERC as guards. Experience per Section 20-10(a)(6), exam, fingerprints; expires May 31 every 3 years. No annual training rule found for alarm contractors.

Working armed in Illinois

Armed guards (21+) need a Firearm Control Card on top of the PERC: FBI fingerprints, firearms training, range qualification within a year before each renewal, and continued employment with the issuing agency.

Firearm Control Card (Armed): Requires age 21+, a valid FOID card, firearms training covering use of force and range qualification, and annual requalification within 1 year before renewal.

Retired Police Card (FCC Retired Peace Officer Waiver - LEOSA): Alternative to the FCC for former peace officers who hold a PERC, a valid FOID and are in compliance with the federal LEOSA (18 U.S.C. 926B/926C). Agency files the notice; the officer may work armed while the card is pending. Must show annual range requalification documentation (225 ILCS 447/35-40(b)). IDFPR states that effective September 2025 LEOSA licenses are valid 3 years from last issuance. Active peace officers in good standing need neither FCC nor this card.

Keep your Illinois credential alive

The free wallet computes your renewal deadline from Illinois's rules and reminds you at 60, 30, and 7 days. Exam prep for Illinois follows.