Continuing Education Rules & Regulations for Illinois Private Investigators

Continuing Education Requirements

• Registered private detective employees must complete 8 hours of continuing education every calendar year, beginning the calendar year after their hire date.
• The continuing education must cover subjects reasonably related to the work performed, as determined by the employer.
• Training may be completed online (Internet-based learning) or in a classroom or seminar setting. It cannot be satisfied through on-the-job training.
• Completion is documented by the employer, who certifies it on a form provided by IDFPR and retains it in the employee’s personnel file.

Types of Courses

• Online Courses: Internet-based, self-paced continuing education. Illinois places no cap on online CE — online courses can satisfy the full 8-hour annual requirement as long as the subject matter relates to private detective work.

Steps to Receive Continuing Education Credit

1. Complete 8 Hours of Continuing Education: Take courses related to your private detective work each calendar year.
2. Receive Your Certificate of Completion: After you finish, we email you a completion certificate.
3. Provide It to Your Employer: Your employer certifies your completion on the IDFPR-provided form and keeps it in your personnel file.
4. Keep Your Own Copy: Retain your certificate as your proof of completion.

Important Notes

• PI Leadership Academy issues your completion certificate but does not submit or forward it to IDFPR or any state body. Certifying and retaining your completion is the responsibility of you and your employer.