Security Guard License Cost in Illinois
Documented Security Guard license fees for Illinois are not published in this dataset, so the total cost varies. Check the current fee schedule with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before budgeting.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
Security Guard license cost — Illinois at a glance
| Pre-license education | 20 hrs required — tuition varies by school |
| Exam fee | Varies — check the board |
| Application fee | Varies — check the board |
| License fee | Varies — check the board |
| Documented fees total | Not published |
| BLS median annual wage | $37,160 (security guards) |
Official source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) ↗
Fees vs. median pay
The BLS median annual wage for security guards is $37,160. Actual local earnings vary widely by market and experience — use the career ROI tool to model your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Security Guard license cost in Illinois?
Documented fees for Illinois are not published in this dataset — check Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for the current fee schedule.
Are the exam fee and the license fee the same thing in Illinois?
No. The exam fee covers sitting for the test, while the application and license fees cover processing and issuing the credential. Each is listed separately in the table above where the state publishes it.
How much does Security Guard training cost in Illinois?
Illinois requires 20 hours of pre-license education. Tuition is set by each approved school and varies widely, so contact the programs on your state's approved list for current prices.
Is a Security Guard license in Illinois worth the cost?
The BLS median annual wage for security guards is $37,160. Earnings vary widely by state and market — treat this as a planning estimate, not a promise.
Budget your Security Guard licensing in Illinois
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).