Free Illinois PI & Security Annual Refresher Training

An online refresher for Illinois private detectives, agency employees and security officers: 10 modules and 197 questions with statutory references, a 50-question final test, and a certificate of completion that records your study time. Free, no account needed.

Start Module 1Take the Final Test

Course modules

  1. Module 1Private Detective & Process Serving9 questions
  2. Module 2Surveillance — Static & Mobile10 questions
  3. Module 3Bodyguard / Executive Protection15 questions
  4. Module 4Handcuffing & Restraint Procedures20 questions
  5. Module 5Investigations, Surveillance & Documentation20 questions
  6. Module 6Advanced Operations & Legal Applications25 questions
  7. Module 7Licensing & IDFPR Requirements20 questions
  8. Module 8Criminal Law & Use of Force23 questions
  9. Module 9Civil Procedure & Process Serving Law20 questions
  10. Module 10Constitutional, Consumer & Specialized Laws35 questions

How it works

  1. Study each module. Every question shows the correct answer and the statute or practice reference behind it.
  2. Your active study time is recorded while a module is open and in use (idle time isn't counted).
  3. Take the 50-question final test, drawn at random from all modules. Score 70% or better to pass; you can retake it.
  4. Download your certificate of completion with your name, license or PERC number, score, study time and a verification number.

Illinois annual training requirements

  • Licensed private detectives: at least 8 hours of annual training a year on a topic reasonably related to their practice, starting the calendar year after licensure. Classroom, seminar or Internet-based online learning all count. Keep a personal training log with documentation for 5 years. (225 ILCS 447/15-25(d)–(f))
  • Registered employees of private detective agencies: at least 8 hours of annual training a year, starting the calendar year after hire, on subjects the employer determines; online is allowed, on-the-job is not. The employer certifies completion on the IDFPR form. (225 ILCS 447/15-25(a-5)–(b))
  • Security officers of private security contractor agencies: 8 hours of refresher training each calendar year after the first employment anniversary, on subjects the employer determines. (225 ILCS 447/25-20(d)–(e))
  • Licensed private security contractors: at least 4 hours of annual training a year; online is allowed. (225 ILCS 447/25-20(g))

This course is offered free by PIwitness for professional development and is not reviewed or approved by IDFPR. You are responsible for confirming that your training meets your license or employer requirements. Statutes summarized as of October 2026; see the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 225 ILCS 447.

Course author

Robert Bevis, Illinois Licensed Private Detective (License No. 115.002357), investigating since 1994.

Frequently asked questions

Can Illinois private detectives complete annual training online?

Yes. 225 ILCS 447/15-25(d) requires licensed private detectives to complete at least 8 hours of annual training on a topic reasonably related to their practice, and allows it in a classroom, a seminar or via Internet-based online learning. Private detectives must keep a personal log of training hours, with documentation, for at least 5 years.

Does this count for registered employees and security officers?

Registered employees of private detective agencies need at least 8 hours of annual training (225 ILCS 447/15-25(a-5)), and guard-type employees of security contractor agencies need 8 hours of refresher training each year (225 ILCS 447/25-20(d)). For employees, the employer determines the subjects and certifies completion on the IDFPR form, so give your employer this certificate and confirm it meets their program.

How long does the course take?

Most people need several hours to study all 197 questions and take the 50-question final test. The course records only the time you actively spend studying, and your certificate shows that time so your training log is accurate.

Is it really free?

Yes. No account, no payment. PIwitness offers it to the Illinois investigative and security community.

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