A Google search for “Security Guard Jobs in Illinois” will yield numerous hits of private contract security firms seeking applicants and job boards like Indeed and ZipRecruiter with hundreds of postings for security guard positions across the state (any state for that matter).
A qualified security guard applicant in Illinois won’t have to look long for a job. But you first must go through Illinois security guard licescing process, get licensed before you can work as an armed or unarmed security guard in the state of Illinois. Fortunately, the process is very simple.
Illinois Security Guard Licensing Process
In Illinois, licensing for dozens of professions from barbers to mortgage brokers and private security guards is handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Licenses are called a Permanent Employee Registration Card, or PERC. You must obtain a PERC from the IDFPR to work as a security guard in Illinois.
The PERC card is a state-issued identification card that confirms you have met the qualifications set for that profession. The PERC application and information packet can be found here. The application fee is $55 (non-refundable), but before you write the check there are a few things you should know:
- Applicants for unarmed security guard positions must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a legal resident of the United States or have a valid work visa. You must complete an IDFPR-approved 20-hour basic security training course through a security guard training company approved by the state of Illinois. This course can be completed online or in a classroom setting, and covers topics such as roles and responsibilities, criminal law, patrol techniques, use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures.
- The requirements to become an armed security guard in Illinois are much the same as an unarmed security guard. However, applicants must be at least 21 and also complete a 20-hour IDFPR-approved firearms training course covering proper shooting stance and techniques, the legal aspects of firearm use, Illinois’ concealed carry laws, and the safe handling, storage, and maintenance of firearms. At the end of the course, you will take a range qualification test that measures your accuracy and proficiency with a firearm.
- You must include a certificate(s) of training completion along with your PERC application packet to the IDFPR, so be sure to complete the training before submitting your application and make sure the course is IDFPR-approved or it will not satisfy the training requirement for your license.
- You must pass a criminal background check conducted by the Illinois State Police. They will review your criminal history including arrests, convictions, and any outstanding warrants. Toward that end, you will be required to submit a set of fingerprints from an approved fingerprint vendor along with your application. Note that any felony convictions on your record or a dishonorable discharge from military service will automatically disqualify you from getting a license.
- A PERC is valid for a period of three (3) years. You will receive your PERC renewal by email approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of your PERC.
Please note that once you obtain your PERC, it does not guarantee that you will be hired – it only allows you to start looking for an employer to hire you as a certified security guard. Some agencies will have additional training and steps they will want you to complete prior to working for them.
Defencify Offers the Training Needed to Meet the Security Guard Licensing Process in Illinois
As mentioned, candidates must complete an IDFPR-approved 20-hour training course offered by a security guard company authorized to operate in the state of Illinois. The training can be presented by a live instructor over a two- or three-day period, or you can take an online version.
For the latter, Defencify is one of the IDFPR-approved training providers for remote unarmed security guard training in Illinois. (Armed security guard training requires hands-on firearms classes that cannot be performed remotely.)
Rather than wait weeks for a class to be scheduled to attend 20 hours of live instructor-led classes with its associated time and travel expenses, Defencify’s affordable, mobile-optimized online courses allow you to enroll in just a few clicks and begin immediately. Complete the training on your schedule, at your pace, on your device, wherever you choose.
Defencify’s self-paced, online 20-hour Basic Security Officer Training Program for Illinois PERC is guaranteed to satisfy Illinois’ security guard licensing requirements. The course was created by Defencify instructional designers working together with IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation personnel to ensure the training covers the necessary information as required by the State and meets the minimum time requirements.
Security officer training concepts are presented in short, stimulating modules so information is understood and remembered easily. Gamification and interactive scenarios make learning engaging and fun, enabling you to pass course exams to obtain your PERC quickly. You can repeat modules as many times as necessary to grasp the concepts presented.
In Illinois, security guard licenses must be issued through a training provider that is currently licensed with the IDFPR. Therefore, Defencify partners with P4 Academy to offer its courseware in Illinois. Upon successful completion of the training program, Defencify will promptly issue a PERC course completion form.
This form will be instructor-signed, validating that the student has met the training requirement. You must submit the certificate along with the rest of your PERC paperwork and fingerprints to the IDFPR.
Once approved, your PERC will be delivered by mail. Please note that P4 Academy is the accredited training school authorized to sign off on this training, and it is their instructor who will provide this validation.
Are you looking to start a new career as an unarmed security guard in Illinois? Visit defencifytraining.com to learn more about registering for the training you need to earn your PERC.
For Illinois security guard companies seeking affordable online training options for their entire workforce, sign up for a free trial of Defencify’s courseware offerings to see how Defencify can get new hires into the field faster.
