Frequently Asked Questions text on a piece of paper on a clipboard with a coaster that has the Central Illinois Training Academy logo symbol on it, both of which are resting on a rustic wood surface background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a FOID card?

FOID stands for Firearms Owner Identification card. It is required by the State of Illinois to exercise your second amendment right to own or possess a firearm in your home and allows you to purchase firearms and ammunition.

It does NOT allow you to carry a firearm on your person for self-defense.

The State of Illinois requires you to also possess a Concealed Carry License (CCL) in order to exercise your second amendment right to carry a firearm for self-defense.

We offer Illinois-approved classes you can take to obtain your CCL.

Do I need to have a FOID card to take any of the classes?

You do not need a FOID card to take any of our classes unless otherwise specified. This is because for the range portion, you will be with a certified instructor with their FOID.

Do I need to own or bring a firearm to class?

We will provide you with a firearm to use at no extra cost if you do not have one.
Firearms and ammunition are not allowed in the classroom for the full 16-hour class.

Is there parking available?

Free parking is available in front of our building.

What if I have to miss a class?

You must attend every hour of all days of training to earn your CCL certificate. If you start a class but can’t finish any of the days, you will need to reschedule and retake the entire class from the beginning.

You cannot make up only the missed days at a later date.

You must complete the make up within 60 days, and a $55 rescheduling fee applies. If you do not complete the class in 60 days you will have to start over and pay the entire class fee again.

Where is the class located?

Classes are located at 2110 Clearlake Blvd. Suite #100 Champaign, IL

Do I get my certificate on the last day of class?

Yes, if you pass all the requirements of the class.

Is there homework?

No, we will provide several documents for you to keep. All necessary information will be covered during the class. There is a quiz at the end of class. But, we do this together, so no worries about passing.

Will there be any physical contact during classes?

At times, an instructor may need touch your shoulder or hands to guide, direct, redirect or demonstrate a procedure. He/she will discuss this at the start of the class. If you don’t want any physical contact please let the instructor know.

How do I get a replacement and or duplicate certificates?

Please save your training certificate in a safe place. In the event you need a duplicate training certificate, you can obtain one be emailing info@cil-training.com. Please be specific about what certificate you are wanting a copy of.

Are the class dates the same as on your website?

Class schedules are subject to change. Please check our website for a list of classes.

Can I bring a video or tape recorder to class?

Video or audio recordings are not allowed. If discovered, you will be asked to leave the class and no certificate or refund will be issued.

Do I need to bring a photo ID with me proving my age?

Yes, please bring your Driver’s License or State ID, AND your FOID card, if you have one.

Do I need to register for class?

Yes, all class registrations and payments for the classes must be made in advance.

You can pre-register online at the link provided on the class description page of our website.

We cannot accommodate walk-in students.

How do I contact you?

Central IL Training Academy can be reached by phone at xxx-xxxx-xxxx, by email at info@cil-training.com, or by submitting one of the contact forms on our website.

I failed the range qualification. Now what?

If you fail the range qualification for any reason, you will have 60 days to attempt to qualify again.

Payment and Registration Questions

When do I need to pay for the class?

Class registration and payment are due in advance. You can register on the class registration page of the USCCA website. The link will be displayed on the Class Registration page of our website.

How do I register for class?

What does the class fee include?

Class fee payments are for the class only. Range fees, supplies, state licensing fees and optional services are not included.

My place of employment wants to pay for my training, will you accept a payment from them?

Please have your employer contact email us at info@cil-training.com. We will make take care of securing payment from your employer.

Can I get a refund?

We do not issue refunds. However, we will issue you credit for a future class. Please keep in mind that regardless of the reason, a $55 rescheduling fee will apply when rescheduling.

I overslept, forgot or otherwise missed my class, now what?

Things happen, we understand. Should you miss your entire class, you can reschedule, subject to a $55 rescheduling fee. You must complete your make up class within 60 days. If you miss a class a second time, you forfeit your payment and no refund will be issued. You will need to re-register and make the full payment again to get back into class.

If you start a class but can’t finish any of the days, you cannot make up only the missed portion at a later date. You will need to reschedule and start the entire class again. You must complete the make up within 60 days, and a $55 rescheduling fee applies.

Unarmed Security Questions

Do I have to be fingerprinted?

If you are applying for your Illinois CCL or FOID card, fingerprints are optional. If you choose to submit fingerprints for your Illinois CCL, the State will process your application within 90 days (3months). If you choose NOT to submit fingerprints for your Illinois CCL, the State will process your application within 180 Days (6 months).

The location where you can obtain Livescan Fingerprinting for your Illinois CCL will be provided during the class.

What do I need to bring to class?

An email will be sent out about a week before class letting you know what to bring.

Are there any additional fees?

The fee you pay for your class is for the class only. It does not include costs for state required fingerprinting, State license fee or optional application assistance and monitoring.

What is a PERC card?

PERC stands for “Permanent Employee Registration Card”. A PERC card is required to work as unarmed or armed security in the state of Illinois. It is not required to obtain a CCL license or to take any other firearms classes that Central IL Training offers.