Top Private Investigator Training Programs
- June 05, 2012
- by PInow Staff
Completing a private investigation class is usually the first step in beginning a career in the industry. Some states require prospective PIs to take courses and some do not, but no matter where you live, it is important to be prepared for your job. Although nothing can replace real-world investigative experience, a course can prepare students for what to expect and educate experienced private investigators on the newest technology and the latest laws.
There are many programs that cater to beginning private investigators and many that host specific programs that are great for experienced investigators. The team at PInow.com has searched for programs across the country and compiled the below list to make it easier for you to decide which program best meets your needs.
Continue reading to see the details on some beginner and continuing education private investigator programs. For university or college accredited programs, please read our piece on The Top 25 Private Investigator Training and Education Programs.
Academy of Legal Investigators - Basic Training
Classroom Training - Oregon
6 Weeks - 120 Hours
John Rose’s Academy of Legal Investigators in Oregon was founded in 1986 and was the first investigative school in the state. The 120 course takes place over six weeks and covers the basics of investigations, the business aspects of investigations and the advanced aspects of investigations. John Rose is an accredited investigator in the state of Oregon and his expertise is present in every course taught at the Academy of Legal Investigation. In addition to the basic training course, a number of continuing education courses are available.
Click here for additional information.
Allied Schools - Professional Private Investigation Course
Online Training
The Private Investigator Training program from the Allied School is a set of 5 lessons which can be completed at whatever pace the student chooses. A quiz is given at the end of each lesson and an online, two-part final exam is given at the end of the course. There is live student support and staff on hand to answer any questions students may have while conducting the lessons. Extra licensing exam study materials and practice tests are available for students in California.
Click here for additional information.
American Executive Security - Private Investigator Training Course
Classroom Training - Virginia
60 Hours
American Executive Security, a security and investigations agency in Virginia, offers the state-mandated 60 hour O2E Private Investigator Training course. The course gives students a solid background in private investigations and how their future career will fit in with Virginia state law.
Click here for additional information.
Be A Private Eye - The PI Course
Online Training
BeAPrivateEye.com offers an online course that covers the basics of a private investigations career. The course was created by the practicing private investigators of Compasspoint Investigations and students are welcome to email these investigators with any questions they may have. Students can complete the course in as little or as much time as they wish.
Click here for additional information.
Blue Ribbon Investigative Institute
Classroom Training - Florida
40 Hours
The Blue Ribbon Investigative Institute located in Florida qualifies as the 40-hour course necessary to become a private investigator intern in the state. Course A is 24 hours of classroom time and covers the basics of investigation. Course B is 16 hours in the classroom and covers more specific aspects of private investigation. Graduates of this program will be qualified to take the exam to become a private investigator intern in Florida.
Click here for additional information.
Bureau of Private Investigation - Private Investigator Training
Online Training
The Bureau of Private Investigation aims to educate private investigators about the law so they can more easily interact with lawyers while doing their jobs. The home study Private Investigator Training covers how the law fits in with private investigations. Students complete their work and send it back to be graded. This is a valuable course for both beginner and practicing private investigators. Students receive a certificate of completion when they finish the course.
Detective Training Institute - Master Detective Course
Online Training
The Detective Training Institute has been offering their online, self-paced Private Investigator Training Program for 24 years. Graduates will learn the basics of a career in private investigation and complete hands-on field exercises that better prepare them for surveillance and tracing.
Click here for additional information.
Discovery Detective Academy
Classroom & Online Training Available - Arizona
5 Months
The Discovery Detective Agency offers a Professional Investigator Master Course in Arizona. The program is also offered virtually for students attending from out of state. The program takes place over 5 months and prepares graduates for a career in investigations. The Discovery Detective Agency believes courses should be an interactive discussion between students and teachers so virtual students must be present on webcam during each class session.
Click here for additional information.
Emergency Educational Institute International - Private Investigation Training
Classroom & Home Study Training Combination - Florida
40 Hours
The Private Investigation training offered at the Emergency Educational Institute International is a 40-hour program in the state of Florida. Only one day in classroom attendance is required. Upon completion of all homework and exams, developed by experienced private investigators, students receive a certificate of completion that will qualify them to become a private investigator intern in Florida.
Click here for additional information.
Global School of Investigation
Online Training
The Global School of Investigation’s home training program allows students to work at their own pace. The content of the private investigator training materials was written by experienced detectives. Students of the Global School of Investigation’s private investigator training program can complete the course in 60 days or less and prepare themselves for a career as a private investigator.
Click here for additional information.
Investigative Training - CC Florida Intern
Online Training
Investigative Training offers several continuing education private investigation courses as well as the 40-hour course necessary to become an intern in Florida. All courses are available online and exams become accessible once the student has spent a certain number of minutes on the course. The 40 hour Florida course combines the 24 hour part A and 16 hour part B courses creating a comprehensive class that prepares students to become private investigators. In addition to the 40 training course, continuing education courses are also offered.
Click here for additional information.
JB Investigations Security Services Inc - Private Investigator Training
Classroom Training - Virginia
60 Hours
JB Investigations and Security Services Inc. in Virginia offers a Private Investigator Training course and a Private Investigator In-Service course. Both meet the requirements of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The Private Investigator Training course is 60 hours long and is broken up into 5 sections. Students will learn how to begin their careers as private investigators.
Click here for additional information.
Learning Shop USA - Private Investigator Training Programs
Online Training
Learning Shop USA has a number of courses that are approved in 16 states. The programs focused on private investigator training are specific to state licensing requirements in the approved states. In addition to their general course, they have a number of classes that get into specific components of a private investigation career.
Click here for additional information.
Lion Investigation Academy - Private Detective Online School
Online Training
The Lion Investigation Academy offers a distance learning Private Investigation Training course. The course is 80 hours of clock time and students have up to one year to complete the course. Students are required to turn in at least one test per month. The curriculum is detailed and will prepare students to enter the private investigations field.
Click here for additional information.
The Private Investigator Academy of the Rockies
Classroom Training - Colorado
Two Weeks
The Private Investigators Academy of the Rockies is an in classroom private investigator training course taught by Rick Johnson, who has been a respected investigator in Colorado for 35 years. There are no licensing requirements for private investigators in Colorado, so figuring out how to start a career is difficult. Mr. Johnson believes his course will thoroughly prepare students for investigative work.
Private Investigation Training Institute - Private Investigator Program
Classroom & Home Study Training Combination - Florida
40 Hours
The Private Investigator Training Institute in Florida offers a part time, 6-month, in classroom program aimed at educating students to become private investigators. The eight course program covers the basics of private investigation in detail and thoroughly prepares students for their careers.
Click here for additional information.
Pro PI Academy
Online Training
80 Hours
The Professional Investigator Independent Study Course offered by the Georgia based Pro PI Academy is an online, 80 hour course that covers the basics of a career in private investigations. The course is taught by a licensed instructor and students can reach them by email or phone while completing the program online. All registration and training requirements necessitated by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies are met by this course. In addition to the general training program, the Pro PI Academy also offers continuing education.
Click here for additional information.
Secrets of Top Private Eyes - Complete Online Training Course for Professional Investigators
Online Training
SecretsofTopPrivateEyes.com offers an online training program that breaks up the basics of private investigation into eight modules. The course was developed by twelve private investigators specializing in different areas. Students of this program will learn how to start their careers as private investigators and gain access to an online community of other students and private investigators.
Click here for additional information.
Sexton Executive Security - Private Investigator Entry Level Training
Classroom Training - Virginia
66 Hours/7 Days
Sexton Investigations, run by John Sexton a 34 year veteran in the industry, offers classes on security and investigations. The course covers a broad range of investigations and includes information like interviewing techniques, surveillance and counter surveillance. The course is taught by a number of professionals including investigation agency owners, attorneys and subject matter experts.
Click here for additional information.
Special Solutions - Private Detective Training
Classroom Training - Illinois
4 Days
Special Solutions Ltd. offers a Private Investigator Training course in Illinois. The 20 hours of classroom time meet the Illinois requirements for becoming a private investigator. Students who complete this course will learn the basics of private investigations and be better prepared for their careers.
Click here for additional information.
Stingray Investigations - Private Investigator Training
60 Hours
Stingray Investigations, a private investigation agency in Virginia, offers training courses for private investigators and security professionals. The O2E Private Investigator course meets the 60 hour training requirement necessary for private investigators in the state of Virginia. The course covers the basics and details of private investigations and the laws regarding private investigations in Virginia.
Click here for additional information.
Stratford Career Institute - Private Investigator Training Distance Learning
Online Training
The distance learning Private Investigator Training program at the Stratford Career Institute can be completed at the students pace in anywhere from 6 months to two years. Students have access to instructors by email so any questions can be answered. Graduates of this program receive a career diploma upon completion and are educated in the basics of private investigations.
Click here for additional information.
Continuing Education
Fraudeducation.com
CE credits available in the following states: AR, GA, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX and CA soon.
Visit their website for additional information.
Georgia Private Investigator School
CE credits available in Georgia.
Visit their website for additional information.
Grove Investigations
CE credits available in Texas.
Visit their website for additional information.
Investigative Training
CE Credits available in Florida.
Visit their website for additional information.
Learning Shop USA
CE credits available in the following states: AZ, GA, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, NC, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX and VT.
Visit their website for additional information.
PI CEU
CE credits are available in the following states: IA, KS, KY, OR, SC, TN and TX.
Visit their website for additional information.
PI Education.com
CE credits are available in the following states: AZ, GA, IA, KS, KY, LA, MI, NC, NM, OK, OR, SC, TN and TX.
Visit their website for additional information.
Speciality Training
REI - Counter Surveillance Investigations
Click here for additional information.
Recovery Industry Services Company - Skip Tracing Program
Click here for additional information.
Skip Trace Jobs - Skip Tracing Program
Click here for additional information.
No matter if you are a seasoned investigator or a prospective PI, the private investigation industry is changing constantly. Make sure your skills are up to date and consider taking a class on the basics, or the specifics, of private investigation.
If there is a private investigation training or continuing education program that you know about and that we have missed, please contact us and give us some additional information.
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How To Become An Investigator
Double check the private investigator requirements in your state with our resource here on how to become a PI.
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