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Independent directory. Not government. Not legal advice.

Illinois LEOSA qualification

What the state requires, who can administer it, and how to stay current.

REVIEWED 17 OCT 2026 M. Alvarez, Sgt. (ret.) TCOLE-certified firearms instructor
Flag of Illinois State of Illinois
NARRATIVE · 01

How qualification works in Illinois

Illinois has a statewide standard, set in the Illinois Administrative Code (Title 20, Part 1720, Appendix C) under the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry law (Public Act 94-103). The Off-Duty/Retired Officer course-of-fire starts each stage with the handgun already in hand at the "low ready" position (not drawn from a holster): 12 rounds at 5 yards, 12 rounds at 7 yards, and 6 rounds at 15 yards (30 rounds total, with an optional 25-yard alternative for the final stage), fired on an 8.5" x 14" center-mass scoring area with a semi-automatic or revolver handgun of at least 5-round capacity. A passing score is 70% (21 of 30 hits in the scoring area). Individual agencies may add stricter requirements (reloading, movement, time limits) but not a lower standard.

NARRATIVE · 02

What to carry afterward

Agency photo ID From the agency you separated from.
Proficiency certificate Dated within the past 12 months.1
NARRATIVE · 03

Where LEOSA doesn't apply

Private property where the owner prohibits firearms.
State & local government property buildings, parks and installations that restrict firearms.
Federal facilities courthouses, federal buildings and military installations.
School zones under the Gun-Free School Zones Act, unless separately licensed by your state.
Commercial aircraft LEOSA does not change federal aviation rules.
SOURCES
  1. 18 U.S.C. § 926C(d), identification required to carry
  2. Illinois's primary source

Not legal advice. Confirm with Illinois's POST commission or your former agency.

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