Certifications › Armed guard › Illinois
Illinois armed guard requirements
Firearm Control Card (FCC) · Last verified November 1, 2026
Not legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal or career advice. Licensing rules, hours and fees change and vary by state and employer. Verify every requirement with the issuing body before you enroll, apply or work.
Issuing agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Requirements and training
- Minimum age
- Check with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Training and requirements
- A 48-hour approved course: 20 hours of basic training, 20 hours of firearms instruction, and 8 hours of range firing (at least 50 rounds, 70% accuracy with each weapon), ending with a written exam and qualification course.
Training may be waived for officers trained by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board or qualified retired officers under LEOSA.
Cost and time
- Fees
- Check with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- Time
- Check with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Renewal
8 hours of range refresher training every calendar year (50 rounds, 70% accuracy).
Sources
Last verified November 1, 2026. Where a field says "Check with", we couldn't confirm it from an official source.