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Powered by DefencifyAlways verify directly with your state licensing agency
State Overview
Illinois IDFPR manages a rigorous 20-hour PERC (Permanent Employee Registration Card) system for all security officers. The state fully permits online training through IDFPR-approved providers and launched the CORE online licensing system in October 2024. Armed guards require an additional 28-48 hours and a separate Firearm Control Card (FCC).
Illinois is a major security market centered on Chicago metro, which is one of the largest private security markets in the US. Heavy demand from financial institutions, healthcare systems (Northwestern Medicine, Rush, etc.), major corporate headquarters, O'Hare and Midway airports, and the entertainment/sports sector.
Key Facts
PERC card required for ALL guards (armed and unarmed), 20 hours initial training
Full online training permitted through IDFPR-approved providers for initial PERC
Training must be completed within 30 days of employment start, do not delay
FCC (Firearm Control Card) required for armed guards, 40-48 hours total including live fire
IDFPR CORE portal launched October 2024, all applications now online
License period: 3 years
Annual armed refresher: 8 hours required for FCC holders
eLearning, initial
Full online permitted
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
20 hrs PERC; 48 hrs armed
Renewal: 3 years
License Fee
$25 PERC card
2-4 weeks
Governing Agency
IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
225 ILCS 447 - Private Security Act of 2004
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the 30-day training window, this is the most common IDFPR violation for security companies
Confusing PERC renewal (3 years) with FCC annual refresher (1 year)
Using non-IDFPR-approved training providers
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after starting work must I complete my Illinois PERC training?
Within 30 days of starting employment. You must be enrolled in an IDFPR-approved course immediately upon hire. Employers can face significant penalties for staff who are more than 30 days into employment without completed PERC training.
Can Illinois PERC training be done online?
Yes, IDFPR fully permits online training through approved providers. Both initial PERC training and renewal CE may be completed online through IDFPR-approved schools.
I have an FCC, what is the annual renewal requirement?
FCC holders must complete 8 hours of annual refresher training each year, in addition to the regular 3-year PERC renewal cycle. These are two separate requirements with different timelines.
Practical Tips
The 30-day training window is strictly enforced, schedule training before or immediately on the hire date
CORE portal (idfpr.illinois.gov/core.html) replaced paper applications, use the portal for all new applications and renewals
PERC and FCC are separate credentials with separate renewal timelines, track both
Defencify offers IDFPR-approved 20-hour PERC training online
Recent Regulatory Changes
CORE system now fully live for all IDFPR Private Security Contractor applications and renewals. All new Private Security Contractor applications must be submitted through CORE. Legacy paper-based submissions no longer accepted.
IDFPR launched CORE online licensing system replacing legacy portal. New applications for Private Security Contractor now go through CORE. PERC card applications, renewals, and FCC management migrated.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →