Private Investigator
Career Diploma3 months
If you're resourceful and love using your problem-solving skills to figure out a mystery, our Private Investigator Training prepares you to take the first steps toward a new career today! Through flexible online classes, you'll learn the fundamental skills you need to become a private investigator on your schedule, from home.
- Our Private Investigator Training prepares students for private investigator jobs in a variety of settings including corporations, insurance companies, and legal offices. Many private investigators are self-employed, offering you the opportunity to start your own business in the field.
- Online private investigator courses cover topics like surveillance, corporate espionage, homeland security, evidence collection, and more.
- Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced
Save up to $200Ends 4/30/2024
Cost of Program
$999
$1,199Save $200
or
$69/month, Start for as low as $20
Enroll NowRequest Info
1-800-275-4410(10AM - 6:30PM ET)
Private Investigator Career Outcomes
Private Investigator
AVG SALARY*
$52,120/yr
NUMBER OF JOBS*
38,300
Our online Private Investigator Training can help students prepare for jobs as private investigators in a variety of settings. Skilled investigators can work for private security firms, background check companies, armored car services, insurance companies, financial companies, and even start their own business as a contractor.
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing and/or certification requirements for private investigator jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing pagefor contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information. Please review your state board requirements that are applicable to your field of study. State boards may impose a variety of different requirements. Penn Foster has determined that the curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following state: Florida.
Private Investigator Optional Work Experience
Students who complete their private investigator courses can apply what they learned to real-world situations in an optional work experience. In the work experience portion, you'll shadow or work under the supervision of a licensed private investigator. However, Penn Foster does not assist in finding a location for work experience option. If a student chooses to participate in the work experience option, they are required to find a location on their own.
This experience is optional and not required to graduate from the program.
Private Investigator Training Tuition
Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Private Investigator Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!
Our Proven Private Investigator Learning Model
Empowering students to reach their professional goals
Flexible
- Start anytime
- No exam due dates
- Self-paced
Interactive
- Digital study guides
- Self-check quizzes
- Simulations and videos
Connected
- 24/7 access to online resources
- Online student community
- Dedicated Learner Center
Supportive
- Expert faculty
- Dedicated student services
- Robust learning resources
Private Investigator Training FAQs
How do I start a career as a private investigator?
To become a private investigator, you need at least a high school diploma, though many employers may look for additional post-secondary training like a career diploma or criminal justice degree. Private investigators must be licensed, usually by their state, so they do need to meet certain guidelines to qualify. Becoming a licensed private investigator is separate from starting a licensed private investigation firm, so it's important to look into your state requirements for both. Many states also require that you have relevant previous work experience; previous work as a police officer or in the military can usually qualify you to become an investigator.
Additionally, your state may require you to pass a criminal background check.
What are the top qualities of a private investigator?
Successful private investigators share a few qualities that help them in their role. These qualities include strong communication and decision-making skills, patience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to ethics and the law.
What is the average salary of a private investigator?
The average salary for a private investigator was $52,120 in 2022 according to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* Salary can vary for investigators depending on whether they are self-employed or work for a corporation or agency. Additionally, salary can vary based on credentials, educational background, work experience, and the state you live in.
What is the difference between a detective and a private investigator?
The main difference between a detective and a private investigator is what they're allowed to do under the law. A detective is usually a police officer. A private investigator does not have the authority of police power and operates under the powers of an ordinary citizen. This means that private investigators must conduct searches, interviews, and more while adhering to federal and local laws. Private investigators cannot enter property without permission, make arrests, or access some criminal files.
