FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
A;Q: DO I NEED TO HAVE A FOID CARD TO TAKE ANY OF THE CLASSES???
A: NO YOU DO NOT NEED A FOID CARD IN ORDER TO TAKE OUR CLASS.
Do NOT bring your firearm to class. The instructor will tell you when you need to bring it and how you need to bring it. Thank you.
NO FIREARMS WILL BE ALLOWED IN CLASS WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION.
Q: Is there an age requirement to take security training?
A: Yes, you must be 18 years of age to take unarmed security training class and 21 years of age to take armed security training class.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, free parking is available on the street in front and on the side of our school.
Q: What if I have to miss a class?
A: There are no excuses for missing class. Any portion of class that must be made up will require an additional $55 fee. All required hours of class must be completed in order for you to receive your certificate of completion.
Q: Where is the class located?
A: Class is located at 4425 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641. Four blocks west of I90/I94/ Kennedy Expressway.
Q: Do I get my certificate the last day of class?
A: No, you must complete all assignments and tests. After that has been done, it will take approximately two weeks for you to receive your certificate in the mail.
Q: Is there homework?
A: Yes. All homework is due one week after the last date of the class. All paperwork must be done in black ink only.
Q: Will there be any physical contact during classes?
A: Yes, at times the instructor will physically touch you in order to demonstrate procedures. Please be aware of this.
Q: Will replacement and or duplicate certificates be available?
A: Yes, duplicate certificates are available for a $55.00 recovery fee. If you lose it we will charge $55.00 to recover it and send it to you. Make copies of everything you receive. It can take up to 30 days for us to retrieve your file.
Q: Are the class dates the same as on your website?
A: Generally, they are as scheduled. However, class schedules are subject to change by the instructor and without prior notice.
Q: Can I bring a tape recorder to class?
A: No tape recording equipment or audio is allowed. If discovered you will be asked to leave with no refund for either class cost or material costs.
Q: If I have to go to work can my friend set in class and take notes for me?
A: No, you must attend all of the 20-hours of training yourself.
Q: Do we offer job placement?
A: No, we do not offer job placement. However, while in class you will receive tips on how to write your resume and, in addition, you will receive a list of possible employers to whom you may send your resume in addition to those possible employers you locate yourself.
Q: Can I work security if I'm not a citizen but have a green card or resident visa?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: Do I need to bring a photo ID with me proving my age?
A: Yes, that is necessary to take the class.
Q: Do I need a high school diploma?
A: No, a high school diploma is not necessary.
Q: Do I need to register for class?
A: Online registration is strongly recommended. Those who pre-register online MUST pay via PayPal, otherwise your seat cannot be guaranteed.
A: NO YOU DO NOT NEED A FOID CARD IN ORDER TO TAKE OUR CLASS.
Do NOT bring your firearm to class. The instructor will tell you when you need to bring it and how you need to bring it. Thank you.
NO FIREARMS WILL BE ALLOWED IN CLASS WITHOUT THE INSTRUCTOR'S PERMISSION.
Q: Is there an age requirement to take security training?
A: Yes, you must be 18 years of age to take unarmed security training class and 21 years of age to take armed security training class.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, free parking is available on the street in front and on the side of our school.
Q: What if I have to miss a class?
A: There are no excuses for missing class. Any portion of class that must be made up will require an additional $55 fee. All required hours of class must be completed in order for you to receive your certificate of completion.
Q: Where is the class located?
A: Class is located at 4425 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641. Four blocks west of I90/I94/ Kennedy Expressway.
Q: Do I get my certificate the last day of class?
A: No, you must complete all assignments and tests. After that has been done, it will take approximately two weeks for you to receive your certificate in the mail.
Q: Is there homework?
A: Yes. All homework is due one week after the last date of the class. All paperwork must be done in black ink only.
Q: Will there be any physical contact during classes?
A: Yes, at times the instructor will physically touch you in order to demonstrate procedures. Please be aware of this.
Q: Will replacement and or duplicate certificates be available?
A: Yes, duplicate certificates are available for a $55.00 recovery fee. If you lose it we will charge $55.00 to recover it and send it to you. Make copies of everything you receive. It can take up to 30 days for us to retrieve your file.
Q: Are the class dates the same as on your website?
A: Generally, they are as scheduled. However, class schedules are subject to change by the instructor and without prior notice.
Q: Can I bring a tape recorder to class?
A: No tape recording equipment or audio is allowed. If discovered you will be asked to leave with no refund for either class cost or material costs.
Q: If I have to go to work can my friend set in class and take notes for me?
A: No, you must attend all of the 20-hours of training yourself.
Q: Do we offer job placement?
A: No, we do not offer job placement. However, while in class you will receive tips on how to write your resume and, in addition, you will receive a list of possible employers to whom you may send your resume in addition to those possible employers you locate yourself.
Q: Can I work security if I'm not a citizen but have a green card or resident visa?
A: Yes, you can.
Q: Do I need to bring a photo ID with me proving my age?
A: Yes, that is necessary to take the class.
Q: Do I need a high school diploma?
A: No, a high school diploma is not necessary.
Q: Do I need to register for class?
A: Online registration is strongly recommended. Those who pre-register online MUST pay via PayPal, otherwise your seat cannot be guaranteed.
PAYMENT AND REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Q: Do I pay for the class at the end when I get my certificate?
A: Payment for class is due at time of registration. Payments via PayPal can be made at the bottom of the Register Online page. Cash and money order are also accepted (no personal checks). All non-payments are reported to all credit bureaus, the Department of Professional Regulation and the State of Illinois.
Q: How do I register for class?
A: Register and pay online. Walk-ins on the day of class are also welcome, but a seat cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive 15-20 minutes before class starts on the first day.
Q: How and when do I pay for class?
A: Payment for class is due at the time of registration. Payment includes class fee and printed materials fee ONLY. Other fees (range fees, fingerprinting fees, card application fees, etc.) need to be paid separately. We accept PayPal, cash or money order made out to Chicagoland Detective Service, Inc.
Q: My place of employment wants to pay for my training, will you accept a check from them?
A: Yes, we will. Have your employer make the check out to Chicagoland Detective Service, Inc. and also include your name and class dates in the memo area.
Q: What about refunds?
A: No refunds are given, no exceptions but we will credit your account for a future class if approved by the school. Missing any day of class decreases your knowledge. a $55.00 Reschedule fee will be charged and you have 30 days to reschedule.
A: Payment for class is due at time of registration. Payments via PayPal can be made at the bottom of the Register Online page. Cash and money order are also accepted (no personal checks). All non-payments are reported to all credit bureaus, the Department of Professional Regulation and the State of Illinois.
Q: How do I register for class?
A: Register and pay online. Walk-ins on the day of class are also welcome, but a seat cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive 15-20 minutes before class starts on the first day.
Q: How and when do I pay for class?
A: Payment for class is due at the time of registration. Payment includes class fee and printed materials fee ONLY. Other fees (range fees, fingerprinting fees, card application fees, etc.) need to be paid separately. We accept PayPal, cash or money order made out to Chicagoland Detective Service, Inc.
Q: My place of employment wants to pay for my training, will you accept a check from them?
A: Yes, we will. Have your employer make the check out to Chicagoland Detective Service, Inc. and also include your name and class dates in the memo area.
Q: What about refunds?
A: No refunds are given, no exceptions but we will credit your account for a future class if approved by the school. Missing any day of class decreases your knowledge. a $55.00 Reschedule fee will be charged and you have 30 days to reschedule.
UNARMED SECURITY QUESTIONS:
Q: I have received a PERC renewal notification in the mail, what do I need to do?
A: In order to renew your PERC card you will need to complete 8 hours of refresher training annually. You can do this during one of our unarmed classes. You can attend class for 8 hours and complete your training in one day. The cost is $125.00.
Q: Do I have to be fingerprinted?
A: Yes, you will have to be fingerprinted. We offer on-site black ink and Livescan Digitial Fingerprints . The cost of this is $65.00 at the time your prints are scanned. If you prefer, you can get fingerprinted on your own at a later date and a place of your choosing.
Q: Do I have to pay for the PERC card or do we get it in class?
A: The cost of the PERC card is $55.00. You do not pay us for the card. During class, you will receive an application for this card and the instructor will review the application with you. Then you will send in the application with the necessary information/payment to the State of Illinois.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: Please bring paper and a black ink pen.
Q: Are there any additional/hidden fees?
A: The State of Illinois charges a $55.00 application fee paid directly to the State of Illinois - IDFPR.
Your application to the State of Illinois also requires you to be live scan electronic fingerprint. Again, we now have this available on-site for an additional $65.00.
Q: Can I be in unarmed security if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
A: Yes. We suggest you take the training. During class we will discuss procedures to have these removed from your record. Additionally, if the state does not approve your application for a PERC or FOID card, we can give you a recommendation for an attorney.
A: In order to renew your PERC card you will need to complete 8 hours of refresher training annually. You can do this during one of our unarmed classes. You can attend class for 8 hours and complete your training in one day. The cost is $125.00.
Q: Do I have to be fingerprinted?
A: Yes, you will have to be fingerprinted. We offer on-site black ink and Livescan Digitial Fingerprints . The cost of this is $65.00 at the time your prints are scanned. If you prefer, you can get fingerprinted on your own at a later date and a place of your choosing.
Q: Do I have to pay for the PERC card or do we get it in class?
A: The cost of the PERC card is $55.00. You do not pay us for the card. During class, you will receive an application for this card and the instructor will review the application with you. Then you will send in the application with the necessary information/payment to the State of Illinois.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: Please bring paper and a black ink pen.
Q: Are there any additional/hidden fees?
A: The State of Illinois charges a $55.00 application fee paid directly to the State of Illinois - IDFPR.
Your application to the State of Illinois also requires you to be live scan electronic fingerprint. Again, we now have this available on-site for an additional $65.00.
Q: Can I be in unarmed security if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
A: Yes. We suggest you take the training. During class we will discuss procedures to have these removed from your record. Additionally, if the state does not approve your application for a PERC or FOID card, we can give you a recommendation for an attorney.
ARMED SECURITY QUESTIONS
Q: Do I have to get a PERC card if I get the FOID card?
A: Yes, both cards are required for Armed Security employment.
Q: Do I get the PERC card by taking this course?
A: No, to qualify for a PERC card you will need to take the 20-Hour Unarmed Training, and apply for your PERC through the State of Illinois.
Q: Will I have to buy a firearm to get a job?
A: Generally, your employer will provide you with a weapon for your new security position.
Q: Are there additional/hidden fees?
A: There is a range free that various from $75 and up, the cost of the FOID card is $10.00, the cost of the PERC card is $55.00, and fingerprinting is $65.00. NONE of this money goes to our school.
Q: Can I be in armed security if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
A: We suggest you take the training. During class we will discuss procedures to have these removed from your record. Additionally, if the state does not approve your application for a PERC or FOID card, we can give you a recommendation for an attorney.
Q: I don't have a firearm. Can I still take the armed training?
A: Yes, you can take the training. You will be able to rent a firearm at the range. The range fees vary and are approximately $55.00 - $65.00
Q: What weapon should I qualify with?
A: In the armed class we recommend that you qualify in both revolver and semi-automatic handguns because you don't know what type of firearm your employer will supply you with and you need to be prepared for either type and approved. There is also an additional fee for a 2nd weapon if a 2nd weapon is requested.
Q: Is there an additional fee for qualifying on both the revolver and the semi automatic?
A: Yes, there will be an additional fee of $75.00 because the instructor needs to take additional time with you.
Do I have to be fingerprinted?
A: Yes, you will have to be fingerprinted. We offer on-site black ink and Live scan Digital Fingerprints . The cost of this is $65.00 at the time your prints are scanned. If you prefer, you can get fingerprinted on your own at a later date and a place of your choosing.
This is for PERC and ICC only. Please refer to the Department of Financial Responsibility and Professional Regulation for additional information and/or current updates. Remember. It is the student's responsibility to ensure he/she knows the Illinois State's Statutes' pertaining to his/her Illinois licensing.
Q: What do I need to bring to the range?
A: You will need proper clothing (long sleeves, billed hat, ear protection, eye protection and your firearm with 100 rounds of ammunition (2 boxes). If you do not have a firearm you will be able to rent one. Note all may be purchased at the range.
Q: What is a PERC card?
A: PERC - Permanent Employee Registration Card . A PERC card is required to work as a security officer (armed or unarmed) in the state of Illinois.
Q: What is a FOID card?
A: FOID card, or Firearms Owner Identification card, is required to purchase ammunition and/or weapons in the state of Illinois. It is a photo ID card. You must have this card to work in an armed position.
Q: What is a FACC (was TAN) card?
A: Firearm Authorization Control Card. Your employer issues this card to you after you show him/her the certificate showing you've completed armed training.
Q: I've lost my PERC card but have the 20-Hour Certificate from another school. Will you replace my PERC card?
A: We do not replace PERC cards. PERC cards are applied for through the state of Illinois. You will have to contact them at Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Their toll-free phone number is 800-823-6100 and their website is www.idfpr.state.il.us.
Q: My PERC card has expired but I still have my 20-Hour Certificate. Can I get a new card or do I have to take the class again?
A: If your PERC card has expired then your 20-Hour Certificate has expired also. You will need to take a 20-Hour Class to learn the current information before applying for a new PERC card.
Q: Do I have to have a FOID card to take armed training?
A: FOID card is not required to take armed training but you will need one at a later date for employment.
A: Yes, both cards are required for Armed Security employment.
Q: Do I get the PERC card by taking this course?
A: No, to qualify for a PERC card you will need to take the 20-Hour Unarmed Training, and apply for your PERC through the State of Illinois.
Q: Will I have to buy a firearm to get a job?
A: Generally, your employer will provide you with a weapon for your new security position.
Q: Are there additional/hidden fees?
A: There is a range free that various from $75 and up, the cost of the FOID card is $10.00, the cost of the PERC card is $55.00, and fingerprinting is $65.00. NONE of this money goes to our school.
Q: Can I be in armed security if I have a felony or misdemeanor?
A: We suggest you take the training. During class we will discuss procedures to have these removed from your record. Additionally, if the state does not approve your application for a PERC or FOID card, we can give you a recommendation for an attorney.
Q: I don't have a firearm. Can I still take the armed training?
A: Yes, you can take the training. You will be able to rent a firearm at the range. The range fees vary and are approximately $55.00 - $65.00
Q: What weapon should I qualify with?
A: In the armed class we recommend that you qualify in both revolver and semi-automatic handguns because you don't know what type of firearm your employer will supply you with and you need to be prepared for either type and approved. There is also an additional fee for a 2nd weapon if a 2nd weapon is requested.
Q: Is there an additional fee for qualifying on both the revolver and the semi automatic?
A: Yes, there will be an additional fee of $75.00 because the instructor needs to take additional time with you.
Do I have to be fingerprinted?
A: Yes, you will have to be fingerprinted. We offer on-site black ink and Live scan Digital Fingerprints . The cost of this is $65.00 at the time your prints are scanned. If you prefer, you can get fingerprinted on your own at a later date and a place of your choosing.
This is for PERC and ICC only. Please refer to the Department of Financial Responsibility and Professional Regulation for additional information and/or current updates. Remember. It is the student's responsibility to ensure he/she knows the Illinois State's Statutes' pertaining to his/her Illinois licensing.
Q: What do I need to bring to the range?
A: You will need proper clothing (long sleeves, billed hat, ear protection, eye protection and your firearm with 100 rounds of ammunition (2 boxes). If you do not have a firearm you will be able to rent one. Note all may be purchased at the range.
Q: What is a PERC card?
A: PERC - Permanent Employee Registration Card . A PERC card is required to work as a security officer (armed or unarmed) in the state of Illinois.
Q: What is a FOID card?
A: FOID card, or Firearms Owner Identification card, is required to purchase ammunition and/or weapons in the state of Illinois. It is a photo ID card. You must have this card to work in an armed position.
Q: What is a FACC (was TAN) card?
A: Firearm Authorization Control Card. Your employer issues this card to you after you show him/her the certificate showing you've completed armed training.
Q: I've lost my PERC card but have the 20-Hour Certificate from another school. Will you replace my PERC card?
A: We do not replace PERC cards. PERC cards are applied for through the state of Illinois. You will have to contact them at Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Their toll-free phone number is 800-823-6100 and their website is www.idfpr.state.il.us.
Q: My PERC card has expired but I still have my 20-Hour Certificate. Can I get a new card or do I have to take the class again?
A: If your PERC card has expired then your 20-Hour Certificate has expired also. You will need to take a 20-Hour Class to learn the current information before applying for a new PERC card.
Q: Do I have to have a FOID card to take armed training?
A: FOID card is not required to take armed training but you will need one at a later date for employment.