Security Guard School was built by industry vets who know what it takes to advance a security career. We've certified over 100,000 guards over the years, and we look forward to helping you on your journey.
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LET US GUIDE YOUR CERTIFICATION JOURNEY IN ILLINOIS
We don’t just sell courses—we build careers. Tell us where you are, what industry you're in, and what you're aiming for—and we’ll recommend the ideal Illinois-compliant bundle to help you stand out, earn more, and save while you’re at it.Certified guards who complete their training through SecurityGuardSchool.com earn up to 23% more per hour than their peers—and bundling gives you an even bigger edge.
Start With the Illinois Certifications Every Guard Needs
These are the foundational, state-required courses to begin or maintain your security career in Illinois. Whether you’re applying for your PERC card, completing your 20-hour training, or renewing your license, we’ve got you covered—with fast, affordable, and Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)-compliant training.
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Become Certified
GET CERTIFIED: PERC CARD - ILLINOIS SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING
GET CERTIFIED: PERC CARD - ILLINOIS SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING
GET CERTIFIED: PERC CARD - ILLINOIS SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING (20 HOURS)
GET CERTIFIED: PERC CARD - ILLINOIS SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING
GET CERTIFIED: PERC CARD - ILLINOIS SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING (20 HOURS)
Regular price $99.00Regular priceUnit price / perCouldn't load pickup availability
Specialty Certifications That Help You Stand Out—And Get Paid More
Earn up to 23% more per hour by upgrading your skillset. Our specialty courses aren’t just extras—they’re career boosters. From defensive driving to de-escalation, each certification is trusted by employers and designed to make you more valuable on the job. Choose your add-ons. Get hired faster. Get paid better.

Defensive Driving Course
SPECIALTY CERT: DEFENSIVE DRIVING – DRIVER AND VEHICLE SAFETY (2 HOURS)
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Basic and Emergency First Aid
SPECIALTY CERT: BASIC AND EMERGENCY FIRST AID (2 HOURS)
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Communication and Its Importance
SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS)
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Crisis Intervention
SPECIALTY CERT: CRISIS INTERVENTION (4 HOURS)
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De-escalation of Force
SPECIALTY CERT: DE-ESCALATION OF FORCE
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Documentation & Report Writing
SPECIALTY CERT: DOCUMENTATION & REPORT WRITING (4 HOURS)
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Fire Safety and Fire Watch Training
SPECIALTY CERT: FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE WATCH TRAINING (1 HOUR)
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Security Officer: General Duties
SPECIALTY CERT: GENERAL DUTIES, WRITING REPORTS, & CONDUCTING PATROLS (6 HOURS)
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ID Verification Training
SPECIALTY CERT: ID VERIFICATION TRAINING (1 HOUR)
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Legal Responsibilities and Use of Force
SPECIALTY CERT: LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND USE OF FORCE (4 HOURS)
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Patrol Techniques
SPECIALTY CERT: PATROL TECHNIQUES (2 HOURS)
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Professional Conduct, Ethics, & Sexual Harassment
SPECIALTY CERT: PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, ETHICS, & SEXUAL HARASSMENT (4 HOURS)
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Public Relations - Community & Customer
SPECIALTY CERT: PUBLIC RELATIONS - COMMUNITY & CUSTOMER (4 HOURS)
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Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
SPECIALTY CERT: SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION (1 HOUR)
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Situational Response II
SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE II (4 HOURS)
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Security Officer
SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE, RESPONDING TO & DOCUMENTING CRITICAL EVENTS (4 HOURS)
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Hear from our certified guards
Deshawn Carter
Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers
Learn MoreBECOME AN ILLINOIS CERTIFIED SECURITY GUARD
Are you ready to start a fulfilling career in the security industry? We are your go-to source for thorough and exceptional Illinois security guard training. Security Guard School is committed to giving you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this dynamic field.



SEE HOW WE STACK UP
Features | Security Guard School | ShieldForce Academy | National GuardCert Network | Sentinel Security Institute |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fully Online Courses | ✓ Access from phone, tablet, and computer |
Limited | Limited | Limited |
Nationwide Certification Coverage | ✓ Coast-to-coast compliance |
X | X | X |
Instant Certificate Download | ✓ Download anytime, anywhere |
X | X | X |
Specialty Certifications | ✓ Expand your skills + pay |
Limited | Limited | Limited |
Interactive Online Training | ✓ Modern & mobile-friendly |
X | Limited | X |
Real Human Support, 24/7 | ✓ Chat, phone & email |
X | Limited | Limited |
Built by Industry Pros | ✓ Career-focused curriculum |
X | ✓ | X |
Government-Sponsored Training | ✓ Eligible for state programs |
Limited | X | Limited |
Trusted by 100K+ Guards | ✓ Proven results |
X | Unknown | Unknown |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Will my security guard certification cover all cities and towns in Illinois?
Yes, your security guard certification in Illinois is valid statewide, covering allcities and towns including Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and more!
What qualifications do you need to become a security officer in Illinois?
To become a security officer in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. You are required to apply for and obtain a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). If you plan to be an armed guard, you must complete additional firearms training and obtain a Firearm Control Card (FCC).
What disqualifies you from being a security guard in Illinois?
In Illinois, you can be disqualified from becoming a security guard if you have felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions related to violence, theft, or dishonesty, or if you fail the criminal background check required for the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). Other disqualifications include drug or alcohol addiction, being dishonorably discharged from the military, or having a history of mental health issues that impair your ability to perform security duties.
How much does it cost to take a Level 2 training course to become a security officer in Illinois?
In Illinois, the cost of a Level 2 unarmed security officer training course typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the provider. Security Guard School offers this course for 99.00. This includes the basic training required for security officers. Additional fees include the cost for fingerprinting and the application fee for the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), which can add another $55 to $75. The total cost to become a licensed security officer in Illinois generally ranges from $155 to $275.
What are the levels of security guards in Illinois?
In Illinois, security guards are primarily classified as unarmed and armed guards. Unarmed guards must complete basic training and obtain a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) to perform security duties without carrying a weapon.Armed guards require additional firearms training and must obtain both the PERCand a Firearm Control Card (FCC), allowing them to carry a firearm while onduty. Both levels must pass background checks and meet state certificationrequirements through the Illinois Department of Financial and ProfessionalRegulation (IDFPR).
Are Level 2 non-commissioned security guards allowed to carry a firearm in Illinois?
No, Level 2 non-commissioned security guards in Illinois are not allowed to carry a firearm. Only security guards who have completed additional firearms training and obtained a Firearm Control Card (FCC) are authorized to carry a firearm while on duty.
How do I get my security guard license in Illinois?
To get your security guard license in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old,pass a criminal background check, and apply for a Permanent EmployeeRegistration Card (PERC) through the Illinois Department of Financial andProfessional Regulation (IDFPR). You’ll also need to complete basic securitytraining. If you plan to carry a firearm, additional firearms training and anapplication for a Firearm Control Card (FCC) are required. Once your PERC isapproved, you are licensed to work as a security guard in Illinois.
Secure Your Future: Comprehensive Illinois Security Guard Training
Are you an Illinois resident looking to embark on a vital and impactful career in the security industry? From the bustling metropolis of Chicago to the state capital in Springfield and the thriving communities of Peoria and Rockford, the demand for skilled security professionals is constant across our diverse state. At Security Guard School, we deeply understand the unique regulations and opportunities within Illinois's security landscape. We're dedicated to providing comprehensive and state-approved Illinois security guard training designed to help you obtain your PERC card Illinois and launch a successful career protecting people and assets throughout the Prairie State. Whether you envision working in corporate security in downtown Chicago, safeguarding retail establishments in Naperville, or providing event security in Champaign, our training is tailored to meet Illinois's specific standards and your professional aspirations.
Becoming a Licensed Security Guard in Illinois: Your PERC Card Journey
To work as a security officer in Illinois, obtaining a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) is a fundamental requirement. This card, along with the completion of specific authorized security training, is mandated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). At Security Guard School, we offer the best security training you can receive in Illinois with our one-of-a-kind courses. We ensure you gain all the skills you need to become a licensed security guard in Illinois. Our 20-hour Illinois Security Officer Training Course specifically addresses the requirements set by the IDFPR, ensuring your path to certification is clear and compliant.
Essential 20-Hour Unarmed Security Officer Training
Our primary offering for aspiring security guards in Illinois is the mandatory 20-hour security training Illinois program for unarmed security officers. This comprehensive course covers all the fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to obtain your PERC card. It's designed to provide a robust foundation in security principles, preparing you for a wide range of scenarios you might encounter in your daily duties. This essential training is critical for any individual looking to start a career in unarmed security across Illinois.
Other Illinois Security Guard Courses We Offer
Beyond the foundational 20-hour course, we provide a wide range of specialized online security guard courses Illinois designed to enhance your skillset and advance your career. Here’s a brief overview of some of the valuable subjects we offer:
- Legal Responsibilities and Use of Force: This course discusses all criminal and civil law subjects relevant to security professionals in Illinois. You will learn when and where it would be appropriate to use force, emphasizing legal and ethical guidelines. Our specific course on Legal Responsibilities of Private Security can provide even deeper insights.
- Patrol Techniques: You will learn observational techniques in this course that can help you prevent and deter a crisis, crucial for effective patrolling in any environment, from busy urban centers to quiet suburban communities. Explore our Patrol Techniques course for detailed instruction.
- Fire Safety and Fire Watch Training: This course will discuss the basics of fire safety and how to aid emergency responders, a vital skill for maintaining safety in commercial and residential properties. Our Fire Safety and Fire Watch Training product offers comprehensive learning.
- De-escalation of Force: Learn crucial strategies to de-escalate potentially volatile situations, prioritizing safety and minimizing confrontation.
- Documentation and Report Writing: Master the art of clear, concise, and accurate report writing, a fundamental skill for maintaining proper records and providing effective communication.
Our Illinois security guard courses cater to both unarmed security guard training Illinois and lay the groundwork for those interested in armed security guard training Illinois.
Armed Security Training in Illinois: The Next Step
For individuals aspiring to become an armed security guard Illinois, the requirements extend beyond the initial 20-hour unarmed training. This typically involves an additional 40-hour armed security training Illinois program, focusing on firearms proficiency, tactical skills, and specific legal considerations for armed guards. While our core online courses primarily prepare you for the unarmed PERC card, they provide an invaluable foundation in security ethics, situational response, and legal understanding that is essential before pursuing armed licensure. We equip you with the knowledge to identify potential threats, set in place effective security measures, and guard both people and property with our thorough training, regardless of whether you're unarmed or armed.
Get a Head Start in the Illinois Security Industry
Our expert instructors will provide you the skills and techniques you need to be successful in any security field. Whether you're in Chicago security guard training, or elsewhere in the state, our programs are designed for practical application. You will be able to identify potential threats, set in place effective security measures, and guard both people and property with our thorough training. We understand the specific needs of the Illinois market, from corporate settings in downtown Chicago to residential communities in the suburbs and industrial complexes across the state.
Get a headstart in the Illinois security industry with our effective training courses that will teach you practical skills and techniques. Our flexible online format means you can access these vital courses anytime, anywhere, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. Enroll today in our online security guard training in Illinois and gain the confidence and skillset to excel in the security industry. Take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful career in Illinois!