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State certification · Investigations track · 20 hours

20-Hour Investigator PERC

The 20 hours of training built for the investigation side of the Illinois PERC — your entry into working as an investigator with a licensed Illinois detective agency.

20-Hour Investigator PERC training

What the Investigator PERC is

The Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), issued through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), is also the authorization to work for a licensed private-detective agency. This track is built for people stepping into the investigation side of the profession.

Download the full course (PDF)

What this course covers

Twenty hours of training focused on the fundamentals of investigative work, taught by working investigators who can answer real questions about the job you're stepping into.

  • Role & responsibilities of an investigative employee.
  • Investigative law & procedure — what you can do, and what you can't.
  • Surveillance fundamentals — fixed and mobile.
  • Records & background research and open-source (OSINT) basics.
  • Evidence handling, interviews & report writing.
  • Next steps — clear guidance on the IDFPR application process.

Who should take it

Anyone beginning a career as an investigator with a licensed Illinois detective agency — and a strong foundation before stepping up to our advanced surveillance and 7-Day programs.

Please note. Requirements for the Illinois PERC, including any fingerprinting, background check and application fees, are set by the IDFPR and may change. This course provides the associated training; final issuance of the card is determined by the State. We'll walk you through the current process when you enroll.