ILLINOIS PRIVATE DETECTIVE
LICENSING EXAM 2026/2027 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
1. According to the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint
Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, what is the minimum age required to apply for a Private
Detective license?
A. 18 years of age
B. 25 years of age
C. 21 years of age
D. 20 years of age
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Section 10-5 of the Act specifies that an applicant for a private
detective license must be at least 21 years of age.
2. How many years of full-time experience performing investigative work must an applicant
possess to qualify for a Private Detective license in Illinois?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
,C. 2 years
D. 5 years
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Act requires a minimum of 3 years of experience out of the 5
years immediately preceding the application.
3. Which state agency is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Private
Detective Act in Illinois?
A. Illinois State Police
B. Illinois Department of Revenue
C. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR)
D. Secretary of State
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The DFPR oversees the licensing and regulation of private
detectives and related professions in Illinois.
4. A ‘Permanent Employee Registration Card’ is commonly known as which of the following?
A. PERC
B. PI Card
C. FCC
, D. DFPR Badge
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The PERC is the standard registration for employees of licensed
agencies in Illinois.
5. What is the minimum amount of general liability insurance a Private Detective Agency
must maintain to stay compliant with Illinois law?
A. $100,000
B. $250,000
C. $500,000
D. $1,000,000
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Illinois law requires agencies to maintain a minimum of
$1,000,000 in general liability insurance.
6. If a licensed private detective is arrested for a felony, within how many days must they
notify the Department?
A. 24 hours
B. 10 days
C. 30 days
D. 60 days
LICENSING EXAM 2026/2027 ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR
1. According to the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint
Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, what is the minimum age required to apply for a Private
Detective license?
A. 18 years of age
B. 25 years of age
C. 21 years of age
D. 20 years of age
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Section 10-5 of the Act specifies that an applicant for a private
detective license must be at least 21 years of age.
2. How many years of full-time experience performing investigative work must an applicant
possess to qualify for a Private Detective license in Illinois?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
,C. 2 years
D. 5 years
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Act requires a minimum of 3 years of experience out of the 5
years immediately preceding the application.
3. Which state agency is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Private
Detective Act in Illinois?
A. Illinois State Police
B. Illinois Department of Revenue
C. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (DFPR)
D. Secretary of State
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The DFPR oversees the licensing and regulation of private
detectives and related professions in Illinois.
4. A ‘Permanent Employee Registration Card’ is commonly known as which of the following?
A. PERC
B. PI Card
C. FCC
, D. DFPR Badge
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The PERC is the standard registration for employees of licensed
agencies in Illinois.
5. What is the minimum amount of general liability insurance a Private Detective Agency
must maintain to stay compliant with Illinois law?
A. $100,000
B. $250,000
C. $500,000
D. $1,000,000
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Illinois law requires agencies to maintain a minimum of
$1,000,000 in general liability insurance.
6. If a licensed private detective is arrested for a felony, within how many days must they
notify the Department?
A. 24 hours
B. 10 days
C. 30 days
D. 60 days
