Private Investigator Training
Online & Campus Schools for PI License

Private Investigator training is needed for a private investigator license or certification.

Learn the various private investigator online training options here

If you think you have a knack for finding information, solving puzzles, and helping people in need, private investigator training may be the right way to put your good talents to use.

In today's world of downsizing, inflated prices, and reduced incomes, private investigator jobs are still able to flourish.

Why is that? Now, more than ever, businesses and individuals need the services of private investigators.

Tracking down missing debtors, serving law firm documents, and proving infidelities caused by financial or marital distress are more necessary today than they ever have been. To do this, people look for private investigators to hire.

Becoming a private investigator can be tricky.

Some states require licenses, some corporations require college degrees, and other organizations require you to meet a lengthy list of pre-employment demands.

There isn't a standardized training program for private investigator certification or qualification because the requirements are so varied among different regions and employers.

This means that in order to succeed in the private investigator field, you need to have an edge over the competition--your resume needs to sparkle.

And how do you make it sparkle? You do that by getting the best training and education.

Private Investigator Job Training

Forget what you think you know about private investigator work. Sam Spade and his cronies from the fictional 1930's were always working for high class dames and finding themselves in climactic gun battles. This is certainly not true of reality.

In fact, most private investigator work today is done in the office.

And the private investigator training you'll receive relates to that.

You'll need a firm grasp on digital technology, the ability to run and manipulate various computer operating systems, and a knack for scouring through databases for long hours at a time.

Sure, there are plenty of times when you'll get out from behind your desk and into the field, investigating leads or setting up some kind of surveillance, but don't expect to find yourself in any gun battles.

The kinds of crimes you'll be looking into will mostly be of the white collar variety, like:

  • Corporate fraud
  • Bank loan avoidance
  • Insurance scams

Depending on what kind of private investigator firm you work for, you may also be required to find missing persons, gather evidence of marital betrayal, or delve into the secret histories of certain families.

But mostly, you can expect to be spending time on your computer.

As far as training goes, a postsecondary degree in police science or criminal justice will be very beneficial to getting hired.

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Many places also require several years of on-the-job experience, working either as an apprentice investigator or with a law enforcement organization. In some states, you have to be licensed to get work.

But in others, you don't really need anything at all.

Just remember, the effort you put into your training will be repaid in a heavy workload, a good salary, and plenty future client referrals.

Do You Need a Private Investigator License?

The quick answer is: sometimes. But that's not a very informative answer at all, is it?

Most states--and the District of Columbia--require you to become licensed.

You can accomplish this through attending special seminars or by completing private investigator online training through a number of different web-based institutions.

There are seven states which don't require any licensure at all. These are:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Idaho
  • Mississippi
  • South Dakota
  • Wyoming

But even in these regions, you'd do well to have plenty of training and education under your belt to get the best job possible. Nothing good in life is gained by doing the least amount of work.

Build up your resume, get your certificates and (if at all possible) degrees, and you will find your future in the private investigator field to be long and successful.

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