So You Wanna Be a Licensed Law Enforcer...of the Shopping Mall Variety? Your Guide to Getting a PERC Card in Illinois
Ever dream of wielding the power of a nightstick (flashlight, most likely) and telling teenagers to get off your lawn...erm, the food court? Well, my friend, becoming a security guard in Illinois might be your calling! But before you start practicing your stern stares in the mirror, you'll need a little somethin' somethin' called a PERC card.
PERC-fect Preparation: What You'll Need
Getting your PERC card is like a scavenger hunt for grown-ups, minus the pirate hat (although that would be pretty sweet). Here's what you gotta track down:
- The mystical 20-hour training course: This ain't your average snoozefest. You'll learn all the essentials of security work, from de-escalating Karens to politely reminding people that pants are, in fact, required in public.
- Fingerprints that aren't incriminating: No worries, they're just for a background check. Unless you, you know, are a secret agent, in which case, this whole PERC card thing might be a cover...
- An application that won't make you cry: Filling out forms can be a drag, but hey, at least you won't need to decipher ancient hieroglyphics.
- Enough moolah for the application fee: It's not a bank breaker, but it'll probably cost you more than that lukewarm cup of coffee you forgot about in the break room.
Pro Tip: Channel your inner detective and find an approved training course and fingerprint vendor. The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (don't worry, you can call them IDFPR for short, they're used to it) has all the info you need on their website.
The Not-So-Secret Ceremony: Submitting Your Application
Once you've assembled your PERC-fect package (minus the pirate hat, we discussed this), it's time to send it off! You can either submit everything online or channel your inner snail mail enthusiast. Just be sure everything is filled out correctly and your fingerprints are squiggly enough for the Illinois State Police to decipher (seriously, those guys are good).
Then comes the waiting game. But fear not, grasshopper! With a little patience (and maybe some refreshing beverages to calm your excitement), your PERC card will arrive, granting you the official title of "Security Guard Extraordinaire" (or at least "Licensed Security Officer").
Word to the Wise: Don't lose your PERC card! It's like your security guard superhero cape, and without it, you're just a regular dude (or dudette) telling teenagers to get off the lawn...erm, the food court.
PERC-ing Up Your FAQ
How to find an approved PERC training course?
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) website is your best friend.
How long does the PERC card application process take?
Allow 2-4 business days for your application to be reviewed by the IDFPR. Patience is a virtue, young Padawan.
How much does a PERC card cost?
The application fee is currently $55. But hey, that's a small price to pay for the privilege of wielding a flashlight (nightstick not included).
Do I need to renew my PERC card?
Yep! You'll need to renew it every two years.
Can I work as a security guard in Illinois without a PERC card?
Nope. Not unless you want to face the wrath of the IDFPR (and possibly some very confused teenagers).
So there you have it! Now you're on your way to becoming a licensed security guard, ready to tackle unruly shoppers and spilled nachos with the best of them. Just remember, with great PERC card comes great responsibility (and maybe a discount on employee meals).
