How to Become a Private Investigator: A Simple 6-Step Guide

What You'll Need to Become a Private Investigator [& Associated Costs]

Here's a list of the requirement you need to embark on your private investigation journey:

High school diploma

To become a private investigator, you should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

A high school degree from a public school is an affordable option.

For private schools, you can expect to pay tuition fees from $8,000 and up to 30,000 a year.

Private investigator license

To work as a PI in most states, you need to get a license.

A private detective license can cost between $650 and $1,500, depending on the state.

You also need to pay, on average, $250 to renew your license every one to two years.

PI training program

Acquiring all the essential private investigation skills through training is crucial when starting out as a PI.

The cost of a quality training program can range between $200 and $1,100.

Self-defense and firearms training

Firearms and self-defense training are vital for PIs. Receiving basic firearm training will cost you between $100 and $300. You'll also pay around $30 per hour for self-defense training.

An associate or bachelor's degree

Obtaining a bachelor's or associate degree in criminal justice or any related field increases your chances of getting hired.

Such a degree will cost you between $11,000 and $35,000 annually.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Private Investigator?

The cost of becoming a private detective varies hugely depending on whether you'll pursue a college degree.

You'll need as little as only $2,500 to get started as a private investigator without a college degree. 

This is the cost of the basic PI program and self-defense training. It also includes the fees of obtaining a license. 

However, if you'd consider getting an associate's or bachelor's degree, the cost will significantly increase to become at least $45,000.

Is It Hard to Become a Private Investigator?

Generally, it'll take you considerable time and effort to become a private investigator due to the sensitive nature of this job.

Still, the difficulty level of getting into this career varies depending on your previous experience.

For an individual with a law enforcement, military, or legal background, becoming a private investigator is much easier than a person without such experience.

This background drastically accelerates the process of obtaining a PI license.

Private investigators can also benefit from the transferrable skills they've gained while working in these previous roles.

You can still become a private investigator if you don't have law enforcement or military experience.

However, you'll need to make extra effort to develop your investigation skills. It’ll also take more time to get your license and start working officially.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Private Investigator?

You need to obtain a license to work as a private investigator in most states. This process will take anywhere between eight months and four years. 

It mainly depends on your previous experience and your state's laws. The type of education and training you've undergone will also affect the duration you need to start as a PI.

The more related experience and higher education you have, the faster you'll get the license.

How to Become a Private Investigator in 6 Simple Steps

The requirements for starting this job vary from one state to another.

However, there are some general steps anyone should follow to become a private investigator.

Here are they:

1. Check the Minimum Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements that any private investigator needs to meet:

• Be 18 years or older. Some states like New York and Pennsylvania require you to be 25 at least 
• Be a citizen or legal resident in the United States
• Don't have a previous dishonorable charge in the military
• Haven't committed any felony-level or sex offense crimes

2. Meet the Required Education

Many employers only hire private investigators with at least a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Some agencies also prefer candidates who hold a bachelor's degree. Other agencies even consider associate's and bachelor's degrees as essential requirements.

That way, having a degree in criminal justice, criminology, political science, or any related field can increase your odds of being hired.

3. Understand Your State's Licensing System

The process of obtaining a private investigator license differs from one state to another. Each state sets its minimum number of working hours required to get the license. 

In some states, completing official PI training and classes reduces the number of required hours. 

In other states, your educational background can be translated into a certain amount of the required hours.

If you have experience in the military, as a police officer, or in any law enforcement position, the licensure process can be expedited.

In this case, you can get the license with minimal to no PI experience required.

4. Get Proper PI Training 

As a private investigator, you need to possess various skills to succeed in this profession. 

That way, you should consider attending private investigation classes to boost your knowledge and sharpen your skills. 

Many educational institutions, Like Penn Foster, offer high-quality training courses.

Try to select a training program that provides an internship opportunity at the end. This is to gain hands-on work experience, which most employers prefer over education alone.

5. Master the Basics of Self-Defense

As a private investigator, there's a degree of risk involved in your work. That way, you need to undergo self-defense training. This training is also required to obtain a license in many states.

Plus, as a licensed private investigator, you can use a weapon for self-defense in some states.

If this applies to your state, consider getting firearms training.

6. Ace the Licensure Test

Besides meeting the minimum required working hours, you'll need to pass the licensure exam to get your private investigation license.

This exam covers various topics, from criminal laws to private investigation regulations and information-gathering methods.

To prepare for this test, refer to the study guide available by the licensing body. You have to also pass a background check as a part of the licensing process.

Reasons to Consider Becoming a Private Investigator

Achieving work/life balance while working as a private investigator is challenging.

However, this profession has a lot of advantages that make it a desirable job for many. Here are they:

Increased income potential

As you advance in your private investigation career and establish a strong track record of work, you'll attract countless clients.

As a result, you'll be able to double or even triple your income.

Plentiful transferable skills

Working as a private investigator improves a wide range of skills.

These skills, like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking, are highly desirable in many other professions.

That way, you'll find it easy if you decide to transition from being a PI to another job.

Adventurous job

You'll unlikely perform repetitive tasks for a long time as a private investigator.

Each case and client presents different challenges and responsibilities. Oftentimes you'll work overnights or from unusual places.

So, if you enjoy this type of job, being a private investigator can be your ideal career.

Flexibility

You can set your schedule as a private investigator as long as you adhere to the deadline.

This can be hard for a new PI, but you'll be able to manage it over time.

Some experienced PIs even pick the cases they want to work on and turn down the offers they might not like.