Demand for security and fire watch guards continues to increase nationwide, and the Greater Chicago Area is no exception. Every week, we receive more inquiries from folks in the Windy City looking to safeguard their commercial and residential properties. Anyone interested in becoming a security guard in Chicago will enter a growing field with endless opportunities for employment and advancement.
We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you navigate your path to becoming a guard in Chicago. Learn more about what it takes to become licensed as an armed or unarmed security guard in the Windy City. Once you’ve obtained your license, be sure to contact The Guard Alliance for employment opportunities in Chicago—we are always adding to our team!
Meet the Basic Requirements
Just like in any other part of the country, local and state licensing rules require some basic conditions to be met before applicants can qualify for guard licenses. In order to become a security guard in Chicago, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Be 18+ to apply as an unarmed guard, 21+ for armed guards
- Pass state and federal background checks
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have a Social Security Number
- Speak and write English fluently
Take a Training Course
If you’ve met the requirements above, you can proceed to the next step: taking the state-mandated 20-hour training course. Many companies offer versions of this course that can be taken in person or online. The course fees are usually less than $100.
The 20-hour course covers numerous topics, including criminal law basics, effective patrols, access control, emergency protocols, report writing, and team communication. You might consider additional training opportunities such as first aid or fire watch when taking the basic course. These are relatively light additions that can help differentiate you from other candidates down the road.
Additional Training for Armed Guards
If you’re over 21, you may want to become an armed security guard. The state-approved armed guard training course takes up to 40 hours and must be taken in addition to the basic, 20-hour course. According to our research, these courses can cost anywhere from $300-500 and are almost always in-person, since instructors need to confirm your ability to handle and fire a sidearm safely.
Armed guards can expect to be paid more hourly, but also assume higher risks and liabilities while in the field. Consider your immediate and long-term goals when deciding what type of guard work is best for you. Be sure to seek out the best training and equipment when dealing with anything related to firearms.
Apply for Your PERC
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is the state agency that issues and regulates licenses for security guards in Chicago. You can find all the resources and application links on their website. To work as a security guard in Chicago, you must obtain a PERC, or Permanent Employee Registration Card.
Along with the PERC application form you’ll need to submit your fingerprints and clean criminal record check from a state-approved vendor. You’ll also need to include government photo ID, and pay a non-refundable $55 fee. The PERC application requires proof that you’ve completed the basic 20-hour training course. Most companies that offer training will also assist with the PERC application process. PERC’s must be renewed every three years.
Apply for Additional Guard Certifications
Many employers will hire guards who have just gotten their PERC card. That certification is the minimum requirement for new guards in Chicago, and proves that you meet the standards enforced by the IDFPR. The PERC should not be the end of your guard licensing journey, however.
Having only your PERC limits you to entry-level roles and working for companies that assume extra liability by deploying guards into the field with only the minimum requirements. To advance your career as a guard, it is highly recommended that you apply for your Private Security Contractor’s Licence.
To obtain this license, you must be 21 or older and have three years of experience in the field or a combination of education and experience. You’ll need to pass an exam conducted by the state agency twice annually. Once you have your license, however, you’ll be able to move up in your career as a security guard, assuming more advanced and supervisory roles.
If you have your PERC card and are planning to apply for your Contractor’s License, consider other courses and state certifications that could help advance your career in the security field. Fire watch, first aid, and conflict resolution courses are widely offered and can help you add in-demand skills to your resume without a hefty commitment.
The Guard Alliance deploys hundreds of security and fire watch guards to Chicago each year, most of whom are deployed locally in their own communities. We have a reputation for professionalism and prefer hiring experienced guards and folks who have exceeded the minimum PERC requirements. Wherever you are in your security career, we would love to hear from you—feel free to complete an application on our careers page. We’ll contact you with any deployments that would be a good fit.
