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Alarms are designed to keep buildings and people secure. As a private alarm contractor, you can adopt that mission and enjoy a stable and rewarding career that allows you to ensure the safety of thousands of people.  

However, landing a role in this line of work requires high-level skills that must be validated by the state of Illinois. Below, discover what you need to do to obtain your private alarm contractor license so you can build a fulfilling career making a difference in the lives of others. 

What Can You Do With an Illinois Private Alarm Contractor License? 

In general, obtaining a license to be a private alarm contractor allows you to design, install, repair, inspect, or replace any systems that activate a signal that alerts someone to theft, intrusion, fire, or other potential dangers. In the state of Illinois, these “private alarms” include the following: 

• Electronic access control systems 
• Surveillance and security video systems 
• Burglar and fire alarm systems 
• Mass notification systems 

However, it is essential to note that your license only authorizes you as an individual, not an employer. If you wish to have employees, you must obtain a private alarm contractor agency license instead. 

The Road to Getting Your Private Alarm Contractor License 

To obtain your private alarm contractor license in the state of Illinois, you must be a competent individual who is at least 21 years old and displays good moral character.  

You must also be able to furnish proof of at least three years of experience in the field within the last five years. A four-year electrical engineering or business degree from an accredited college or university can be substituted for two of those years. Additionally, you may complete a national certification program in lieu of one year of experience.  

To gain experience that counts toward your licensing requirements, you may work as a full-time manager for a licensed agency or work for a government, military, or private entity that satisfies competency standards. 

You must also pass the Illinois Private Alarm Contractor Examination, an open-book test that is 75 minutes long and includes 75 questions on a variety of subtopics, such as: 

• Business practices 
• Recordkeeping and reporting 
• Life safety code requirements 
• Installation standards 
• Wiring methods and materials 
• Detection and signaling systems 
• Communication links 
• False alarm protection 
• Work hazards, safety, and liability 

You must achieve a cumulative score of at least 70 to pass the exam. Once you have done so, you may submit your application and pay the required fee to obtain your license. 

The Right Preparation Can Help You Move Toward a Successful Career 

It takes a great deal of time and effort to acquire the education and experience you need to become an Illinois private alarm contractor. That is all the more reason why you must ensure you can hit the ground running in your career by doing all you can to pass your exam the first time.  

Fortunately, RocketCert exam prep can help you achieve that goal. Experts in the field write our online exam prep courses, which each include calculation lessons, study guides, and timed test simulations to help you get ready to pass. We also offer reference material you can use during the exam.  

Contact RocketCert today to learn how we can enhance your success on your journey toward an Illinois private alarm contractor license.