Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Public Safety
Security Guards Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for security guards in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Security Guards in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Racing Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$38,630 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#24 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Security Guards licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Racing Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $38,630, Security Guardss in Illinois earn 1% above the national median of $38,370. Illinois ranks #24 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$38,630Hourly estimate
$18.571% above national median
Difference: +$260
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSecurity Guards Salary Ranking
#24 of 50 statesfor Security Guards median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $48,620 |
| #2 | Washington | $48,010 |
| #3 | Colorado | $46,080 |
| #4 | Minnesota | $46,020 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $44,950 |
Nearby States Comparison
Security Guards licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $38,630 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $39,110 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $37,380 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $40,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $35,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Indiana | $37,560 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Racing Board
100 West Randolph, Suite 7-701, Chicago, IL, 60601
Phone: 3128142600
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $78,750 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $79,080 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $101,530 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Security Guards in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Security Guardss in Illinois?
Illinois lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Security Guardss.
What education do you need to become a Security Guards in Illinois?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Security Guards licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Security Guards salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Security Guardss in Illinois is $38,630. Salaries range from $35,580 (10th percentile) to $59,190 (90th percentile).
How does the Security Guards salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Security Guardss in Illinois earn 1% above the national median of $38,370, with a state median of $38,630.
How many Security Guardss work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 53,560 Security Guardss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Security Guards license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Security Guardss in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Racing Board. Review agency details at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/irb/Pages/Licensing.aspx.
How often do you renew a Security Guards license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.