Want to know the process of becoming a security guard in Illinois? Illinois security guard positions are in very high demand due to the surging need for security personnel. For those aspiring to work not just as unarmed but even armed security guards, the state of Illinois has laid down a particular licensing regime that they have to comply with. This guide will provide you with the various processes that you will have to go through to acquire a licensed establishment in Illinois which will include the Illinois security guard training processes, application processes, and many more.
Step 1: Comprehension of Security Guard Licensing Process in Illinois
Security guard licensing in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). This involves the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) which is a requisite license that acts as a verification document that shows that you are authorized to work as a security guard in Illinois.
The application fee for PERC is $55 (not refundable). You can access the application on the IDFPR website. You should check if you can satisfy the minimum qualifications such as age, education, and residency requirements before applying.
Step 2: Qualifications for Unarmed Security Guards
Here are the additional requirements to work as an unarmed security guard in Illinois;
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: You must have a High School diploma or a GED.
- Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work based on a work visa.
- Training: You are required to take a 20-hour basic security training course that has been approved by IDFPR. The going over of this material is also done in the following areas: security procedures, patrol methods, Illinois Criminal Code, documentation, and preparedness for emergencies. This training can be done by the security officer either online or in the classroom.
Step 3: Qualifications for Armed Security Guards
Becoming an armed security guard in Illinois has similar requirements with a few key differences:
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
- Firearms Training: Along with the 20-hour basic security training course, you will also need to complete a 20-hour firearms training course. During this course you will learn about gun safety, shooting, Illinois concealed carry procedures, and proper gun cleaning and maintenance. Also, you will have to authorize yourself to qualifications at the shooting range to validate your skills in the use of firearms.
Step 4: Submission of Application Form for the PERC
Once your training is complete, you can submit your Illinois PERC card application to the IDFPR along with your training certificates. Make sure to choose an IDFPR-approved security guard training, as non-approved courses will not be accepted.
You must also be able to pass a criminal background check that is carried out by the Illinois State Police. Your fingerprints must be taken by a commercially administered device, any felony convictions or military discharge under less than honorable conditions will prevent you from getting a license.
Once the IDFPR accepts your PERC application, it shall be valid for a period of three years, which period retains the IDFPR. PERC holders have to bear in mind that it will help them to search for security jobs, but that it will not guarantee them jobs.
Step 5: Get Training from Security Guard School
For purposes of satisfying the training needs, you can attend Security Guard School, which is an IDFPR-approved training provider. For those interested in working as unarmed security guards, the Security Guard School has an online 20-hour training course in place which will enable you to complete the training at your own pace.
A person who aspires to become a licensed armed security professional must attend in-person training for weapons handling since this requirement cannot be fulfilled through a remote course. The majority of the unarmed guard training requirements can be fulfilled online through self-paced courses offered at Security Guard School without any difficulty.
The course uses interactive learning modules, gamification, and real-life scenarios to ensure you grasp key concepts and pass the required exams. You can review and retake modules as needed until you’re confident with the material.
Step 6: Partnering with P4 Academy for Completion Certification
At the end of your training program with Security Guard School, you will be provided with a PERC course completion form which has been signed by one of the instructors from P4 Academy who is one of the training partners of the organization. Applications for PERC are done with a PERC application form, this timestamp forms a part of the requirements along with necessary documentation such as fingerprinting.
You will have your PERC sent to you after your application is processed and approved at the IDFPR, this will now legally permit you to start work as a security guard in Illinois.
Step 7: Ready to Start Your Security Guard Career?
Are you in the right position which you feel ready to take up an unarmed security guard in Illinois then visit Security Guard School's website to find out how you can enroll in their online security guard training programs. The courses are self-paced and mobile-optimized, allowing satisfactory training to be done on your own time making it easier to get certified in a short period.
For security guard companies in Illinois who are looking to get quality yet cost-effective training, Security Guard School helps get newly hired employees licensed and ready to work quickly. Enroll today!