Defcon-1 Firearms Training

Security Officer Training Courses

Defcon-1 Firearms Training offers state-approved security officer training that meets and exceeds Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requirements under 225 ILCS 447. Our courses are taught by former law enforcement instructors with real-world experience — the same standard applied at the FBI Academy and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). You will not find better instruction anywhere in the Chicago area.

Which Course Do You Need?

If you want to work unarmed:

Complete Course I — the 20-Hour Basic Security Officer Course.

If you want to work armed:

Complete Course II — the 48-Hour Armed Security Officer Course. This course includes the full 20-hour basic curriculum. You do not need to take Course I separately. One course covers both.

Already armed and need to renew?

See Course III — Annual Firearms Requalification.

Need to meet your annual continuing education requirement?

See Course IV — Annual 8-Hour Refresher Training.

Looking to expand your skills beyond state minimums?

See Course V — Intermediate Force Training (Defensive Tactics).

Course I — 20-Hour Basic Security Officer Course (Unarmed)

This is the foundational course required by the State of Illinois for anyone seeking to work as an unarmed security officer. Upon successful completion, you will have the state-mandated training needed to apply for your Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) through IDFPR and begin working for a licensed security agency.

Curriculum

The 20-hour course covers Illinois law as it applies to security operations, lawful arrest and detention procedures, use of force, report writing, emergency response, public relations, and professional ethics — all as required under 225 ILCS 447.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the course I need to get my PERC Card?

This course satisfies the 20-hour basic training requirement mandated by Illinois law — but the PERC and the training are two separate obligations. You apply for your PERC directly through IDFPR by submitting a completed application, undergoing a fingerprint-based background check through the Illinois State Police, and paying a $55 fee. The 20-hour training must be completed within 30 days of starting employment. You can apply for your PERC and complete your training in either order, but both must be satisfied before you can work permanently as a licensed security officer in Illinois.

Can I carry a firearm after completing this course?

No. This course qualifies you to work as an unarmed security officer only. To carry a firearm on duty, you must complete the 48-Hour Armed Security Officer Course and obtain a Firearm Control Card (FCC).

Can I start working while my PERC is being processed?

In some circumstances, a licensed agency may employ you in a temporary capacity while your application is pending. Confirm this with your employer before starting work. Your PERC card is valid for three years once issued.

What do I need to bring to class?

Your balance due (or full tuition if registering in person), a valid state ID or driver’s license, and comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

What if I fail the final exam?

You may retake the exam at a later date. A $25 processing fee applies to each retake attempt.

Course II — 48-Hour Armed Security Officer Course

This course satisfies the requirements under 225 ILCS 447/35-40 for all contract security officers, private detective employees, registered proprietary security force officers, and alarm runners who wish to carry a firearm on duty.

IMPORTANT: The 48-hour course includes the full 20-hour basic training curriculum as its first component. Completing this course qualifies you for both unarmed and armed duty. You do not need to take Course I separately.

The curriculum consists of 20 hours of foundational security training (identical to Course I) plus 28 additional hours of firearms-specific instruction, culminating in a live-fire range qualification. Tuition covers instruction, use of a firearm if needed, ammunition, and targets.

What the 28 Additional Hours Cover

  • Safe handling, storage, care, and cleaning of firearms
  • Defensive tactics and in-holster weapon retention
  • Legal use of force and use of deadly force
  • Ethical and moral responsibilities of an armed officer
  • Laws regarding arrest, search, and seizure
  • Civil and criminal liability in the course of employment
  • Fundamentals of firearm use
  • Live-fire range work: double-action shooting, combat shooting, positioning, distances

What You Will Receive

Upon passing both the written and range examinations, your instructor completes the Certification of Completion of Firearms Training and gives it to you. You provide that certification to your employer, and your security contractor agency submits the FCC application to IDFPR. The Department then issues your Firearm Control Card (FCC) — also known as the Tan Card — which authorizes you to work in an armed capacity for a licensed agency that approves it. The FCC application fee is $75.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I take the 48-hour course, do I also need the 20-hour basic course?

No. The 48-hour course incorporates the full 20-hour basic curriculum. Completing it satisfies both requirements — you are qualified for unarmed and armed duty upon obtaining your PERC and FCC respectively.

Can I carry a firearm immediately after completing this course?

Not until your FCC is issued. Your employer submits the FCC application to IDFPR on your behalf. You must also hold a valid FOID card and an active PERC before an FCC will be issued. The FCC is employer-specific — if you change agencies, your new employer must apply for a new FCC for you.

What age do I need to be?

At least 21 years old to apply for a Firearm Control Card. The minimum age for a PERC is 18.

What if I don’t own a firearm?

Let the instructor know before class. We can arrange a firearm for range use for a modest additional fee.

Where does the live-fire qualification take place?

At a suburban range — the City of Chicago prohibits commercial public gun ranges within city limits. Your instructor will provide the location and directions during the course. Transportation to and from the range is the student’s responsibility.

What firearm classifications can I qualify with?

Illinois recognizes four classifications: Revolver, Semi-Automatic, Shotgun, and Rifle. You must demonstrate safety and proficiency in each classification you wish to carry on duty. Check with your employer before class — many agencies restrict officers to specific platforms. Additional fees apply for multiple classifications.

What if I fail the written or range examination?

Both may be retaken. A $25 processing fee applies to each written exam retake. Range retakes require additional range fees, ammunition, and firearm usage costs.

Course III — Annual Firearms Requalification

Illinois requires armed security officers to requalify on the range every year to renew their Firearm Control Card. An FCC that lapses means you cannot legally work in an armed capacity until it is reinstated.

Our requalification is a live-fire range session conducted by a licensed Illinois firearms instructor. Upon successful completion, you receive an IDFPR Certification of Completion of Firearms Training (Form IL486-1138), which your employer submits with the FCC renewal application. The FCC renewal fee is $45.

Bring your firearm(s), appropriate ammunition, your FOID card, and a government-issued photo ID. Eye and ear protection are required. A firearm can be arranged for a modest additional fee if needed.

The state minimum is a minimum. We offer additional qualification sessions for officers and agency teams who want to maintain genuine proficiency, not just satisfy a renewal requirement. Contact us to schedule quarterly or semi-annual sessions for your staff.

Course IV — Annual 8-Hour Refresher Training

Beyond the initial 20-hour basic course, Illinois law requires all registered security officers to complete 8 hours of refresher training each calendar year, beginning the year after their first employment anniversary. This training is employer-directed and may be site-specific.

Defcon-1 can assist individual officers and agencies in designing and delivering a compliant refresher program. Contact us to discuss scheduling and curriculum options for your team.

Course V — Intermediate Force Training (Defensive Tactics)

Defcon-1 Firearms Training offers hands-on certificate courses in intermediate force and defensive tactics, taught by certified instructors. These courses are designed for security officers looking to expand their skill set, but are open to law enforcement, military, and qualified civilians as well.

Available Courses

  • Collapsible Baton
  • OC (Pepper) Spray
  • Taser / Electronic Control Device
  • Handcuffing Techniques
  • Weapons Retention
  • Kubotan
  • Defensive Flashlight
  • Basic Self-Defense

 

Each course results in a certificate of completion. These are not state-mandated courses under 225 ILCS 447, but they complement your PERC and FCC training and are recognized by many employers as evidence of professional development.

Courses are available individually or in combination. Pricing and scheduling are determined on a per-student basis depending on your background, goals, and which modules you need.

Contact Defcon-1 to discuss which course is right for you.

Illinois Security Licensing Requirements — Quick Reference

 

Requirement

Detail

Unarmed security (PERC)

20-hour basic course + fingerprint background check

Armed security (FCC)

48-hour course (includes 20-hour basic) + valid FOID + active PERC

Minimum age — unarmed

18

Minimum age — armed

21

PERC application fee

$55

FCC application fee

$75 (submitted by employer)

FCC renewal fee

$45

PERC validity

3 years

FCC requalification

Annual live-fire range qualification required

Annual refresher training

8 hours per year (after first employment anniversary)

Note: Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current standards with IDFPR at idfpr.illinois.gov before applying.

Have questions about which course fits your situation? Call us — we will tell you exactly where you stand and what you need.