The most challenging element of starting up a private security or private detective firm in Illinois is passing the licensing test! Why? Consider the following example:
The Detective Test contains 75 questions from four (4) sources: James Gilbert’s Criminal Investigation Text, Illinois criminal and civil law, the Illinois Joint Committee on Rules and Regulations (JCAR), and federal laws (privacy, FCRA, Bill of Rights, etc.) A score of 70% is needed to pass. Many assume this makes the test relatively easy. Consequently, many don’t study as rigorously as they should.Half the 75 test questions (35) come from the James Gilbert Criminal Investigation text book. This book has 19 chapters and 500+ pages. Test takers must answer the questions based on the sources—not their prior experience.
The private security contractor exam has five (5) sources; including two textbooks: Introduction to Security by Fischer et al, and Principles of Security and Crime Prevention by Pamela Collins.
My Illinois Security Contractor Exam and Private Detective Exam Prep Kits are designed to help you prepare for these challenging tests.
My Kits include hundreds of practice questions and answers I composed from all the sources used on these two tests. My Kits also include online practice tests, terms and definitions, tips and other tools to help you identify your strong and weak areas. The best way to identify your strong and weak areas is to take frequent practice tests where your results are timed and scored.
This online practice method mimics a "real world" test taking mode. Because the online tests are timed and scored and saved you can review all your answers and track your progress.
This method is similar to a "flash card" study method. In fact, I call my online practice tests "electronic flash cards" because you can take them as often as you want.
Plus, this method helps because it produces a little stress and anxiety--similar to what you may experience on Test Day. It also helps you concentrate on the subject matter without the distractions of TV, smart phones, family, work, etc.
FYI: You will need to obtain and read the text books listed as sources for these tests. There are two texts for the security test: Introduction to Security and Principles of Security and Crime Prevention. There's one text for the detective test: Criminal Investigation by James Gilbert.
My prep materials contain Q&As from all three text books listed as sources by the state of Illinois. Reading the source books combined with taking my practice tests will help you identify your strong and weak areas and retain the concepts and topics found in the text books.
Here are the sources for the security exam:
1. Introduction to Security, Robert Fischer et al
2. Principles of Security and Crime Prevention, Pamela Collins
3. Illinois Criminal and Civil Law (Available online at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp)
4. The Joint Committee and Administration Rules and Regulations for Illinois License Holders aka the JCAR. (Included in Prep Kit)
5. Illinois Handbook for State Government (Included in Prep Kit)
Sources for the Detective test:
1. Criminal Investigation by James Gilbert (see attachment)
2. Illinois Criminal and Civil Law (Available online at: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp)
3. The Joint Committee and Administration Rules and Regulations for Illinois License Holders aka the JCAR. (Included in Prep Kit)
4. Illinois Handbook for State Government (Included in Prep Kit)
Both tests will ask you questions about Illinois criminal and civil law, the JCAR rules, and the Illinois and US Constitution. My Prep Kits contain practice Q&As from all these sources.
I know this looks like a lot of material to study. It is--and now's the time to start your study prep!
Test Prep is like Marathon Prep:
Prepping for these tests is like prepping for a marathon. I've run the Chicago Marathon 5 times. Each year it takes me six months to get ready. To complete a marathon and not die at the finish line you have to prepare. You prepare by building up your miles gradually and consistently.
The same principle applies to passing these tests. Very few people can cram and pass these tests. It's also hard to pass if you're trying to study while working, raising a family, and do other things.
The best approach is to start early, take practice tests to Identify your strong and weak areas, focus on the weak areas to make them strong areas, and constantly take practice tests.
The more familiar you are with the materials on Test Day the less time needed for each challenging question. You'll have approximately 65 seconds to read, analyze and answer each question. The more time you spend on each question, the less time you'll have at the end of the test. I know because I took and failed the test the first time I took it.
Purchase your Private Security Contractor or Private Detective Exam Prep Kit from Private Detective Paladin "Pj" Jordan, CPP, PCI by calling the Paladin Jordan Detective Agency at: 312.600.0311 or email: 007@pjda.net.
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