(PI-PERC-101)

 

Private Investigator Training Program (20) Hour PERC

Offered by The Investigative Training Institute

 

Program Overview

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Our Private Investigator Training Program has been meticulously developed to meet the evolving demands of the investigative industry in Illinois and across the United States. Whether you're curious about the field, seeking a career change, or looking to sharpen your existing investigative skills, this course is designed for everyone — including those who may not pursue investigative work professionally but wish to better understand its inner workings.

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This program is officially registered and approved by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Upon successful completion of the 20-hour program, each student will receive a professional wall certificate as well as an official course completion certificate. These credentials enable participants to register with the IDFPR and, after successfully passing a State and Federal background check, obtain a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC). This PERC card permits individuals to work as employees for licensed private investigation agencies in the State of Illinois.

 

Note: While this training is not mandatory to become a private investigator in Illinois, it is strongly recommended. Even if you already possess a valid PERC card, this training significantly enhances your professional standing and employability in the field.

 

Program Requirements

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To qualify for this training program, applicants must meet the following basic criteria:

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• Be at least 18 years of age

• Demonstrate good moral character

• Be free from substance abuse

• Be a current resident of Illinois

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No prior police, military, or security experience is required. However, applicants must meet eligibility requirements under The Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 Special Solutions, Ltd., and the Investigative Training Institute reserve the right to deny admission to individuals who may misuse the training for unethical or unlawful purposes.

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Acknowledgment of Course Content

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This course provides a fast-paced, candid, and in-depth introduction to the realities of private investigative work. It includes language, examples, and scenarios that reflect real-world experiences. While every effort is made to be respectful and inclusive, participants should be advised that certain content may be sensitive to some individuals.

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This training is intended as a foundational course — a "taste test" of various investigative fields. Completion of this program does not qualify individuals to work independently as a private investigator. Rather, it allows you to begin your career as a registered employee of a licensed private detective agency.

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Disclaimer: The Investigative Training Institute and its affiliates do not guarantee job placement. However, the demand for trained, honest, and competent investigators in Illinois remains strong.

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Tuition & Payment Information

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• Tuition Fee: $395.00

• Payment Options:

  • Pay in full

  • Two equal installments of $197.50

• Deposit: $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot

• Balance Due: Remaining tuition must be paid in full no later than the first day of class

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If a participant is not accepted into the program, all tuition paid will be refunded in full.

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Refund Policy: If a participant fails to attend, the tuition is refundable minus the $100.00 non-refundable deposit.

Registration Process

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Applicants must complete and submit a registration form along with full or partial payment.

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Important: If you have a felony conviction, a minimum of 10 years must have passed since parole in order to qualify for registration as a Private Detective in Illinois. For further guidance, please contact the Head Instructor directly.

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Quick Facts

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• ✅ We do not guarantee job placement (but we can assist with direction)

• ❌ We are not State-funded or State-mandated

• ❌ You cannot work independently as a PI upon completion — employment must be under a licensed agency

• ✅The applicant will have obtained state and federal fingerprint scanning procedures before they could register online for the PERC card this is usually a $55 fee they will have to pay independently. There's also a $55 online fee for the state to issue your perc card this is not offered within the cost of the program.

• ✅ You will gain comprehensive, real-world knowledge in just three (3) days​

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Course Location

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Special Solutions, Ltd.
5 East College Drive, Suite 102
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

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For more information or to speak directly with the program director, please contact:

 

2025 DAY-TIME COURSE

9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

 

2025 NIGHT-TIME COURSE

6:00 P.M. - 10:30 P.M.

 

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Special Solutions, LTD.

5 East College Drive

Arlington Heigts, IL 60004

1-(773) 775-7600 Attn: Mr. John

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PROGRAM OUTLINE

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(DAYTIME COURSE: 8:30 A.M.—5:00 P.M.)

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DAY (1) INTRODUCTION TO PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS

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• License Requirements & The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

• Today’s Private Investigator

• Future of Private Investigation

• 720 State of Illinois Criminal Codes

• State’s Attorney Court Structure

• Liability and the Private Investigator

• Client, Agency, Media, Law Enforcement, and Public Relations

• Civil and Criminal Court Procedure

• Legal Document Service (Service of Process)

• Client, Agency, Media, Law Enforcement, and Public Relations

 

DAY (2)

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• Conducting an Investigation

• Reconstructive & Constructive Investigations

• The “6” P’s to live by

• Conducting Investigative Surveillance

• Intelligence Gathering Techniques

• Public and Private Sources of Information

• Undercover and Missing Persons Investigations

• Insurance and Personnel Injury Investigations

• Background, Personal, and Employment Investigations

• The Protection of Confidential Information

• Retail Investigation and Loss Prevention

• Electronic Security and Surveillance Systems “Spy Toys”

• Note Taking, Report Writing, and Observation Skills

• Evidence Documentation and Preparation

• Evidence Presentation

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DAY (3)

 

• Photographic & Video Documentation Techniques

• An Introduction To Interview Techniques

• Inductive & Deductive Social Studies (Cold Reading People)

• Personal Security Issues

• Business Security Issues

• Criminal Groups and Other Organizations

• An Introduction to Executive Protection

• Active Shooters and Terrorism 

• An Introduction to Electronic Counter Measures (Bug Sweep Detectioin Services) 

• Dealing with Bomb Threats and Explosives

• Terrorism and the future

• The Use of Force

• Intermediate self defense tactics

• Review of course studies

• Examination & Graduation (Awarded Certification)

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(NIGHT-TIME COURSE: 6:00 P.M.—10:30 P.M.)

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PROGRAM OUTLINE

​

NIGHT (1) INTRODUCTION TO PRIVATE INVESTIGATIONS

​

 

• License Requirements & The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

• Today’s Private Investigator

• Future of Private Investigation

• 720 State of Illinois Criminal Codes

• State’s Attorney Court Structure

• Liability and the Private Investigator

• Client, Agency, Media, Law Enforcement, and Public Relations

• Civil and Criminal Court Procedure

• Legal Document Service (Service of Process)

• Client, Agency, Media, Law Enforcement, and Public Relations

 

NIGHT (2-3) 

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• Conducting an Investigation

• Reconstructive & Constructive Investigations

• The “6” P’s to live by

• Conducting Investigative Surveillance

• Intelligence Gathering Techniques

• Public and Private Sources of Information

• Undercover and Missing Persons Investigations

• Insurance and Personnel Injury Investigations

• Background, Personal, and Employment Investigations

• The Protection of Confidential Information

• Retail Investigation and Loss Prevention

• Electronic Security and Surveillance Systems “Spy Toys”

• Note Taking, Report Writing, and Observation Skills

• Evidence Documentation and Preparation

• Evidence Presentation

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NIGHT (4)

 

• Photographic & Video Documentation Techniques

• An Introduction To Interview Techniques

• Inductive & Deductive Social Studies (Cold Reading People)

• Personal Security Issues

• Business Security Issues

• Criminal Groups and Other Organizations

• An Introduction to Executive Protection

• Active Shooters and Terrorism 

• An Introduction to Electronic Counter Measures (Bug Sweep Detectioin Services) 

• Dealing with Bomb Threats and Explosives

• Terrorism and the future

• The Use of Force

• Intermediate self defense tactics

• Review of course studies

• Examination & Graduation (Awarded Certification)

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Prerequisites · None The course materials, lectures, and lab exercises are in English. To benefit fully from the instruction, students need to possess a strong understanding of the English language. Also, if you have a criminal conviction or on a federal terrorism watch list, please call the head instructor at: 847 803-6922

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