A criminal record disqualifies you in almost every region. Even in area without licensing, your potential employers may run a background check on you. The United Kingdom currently has no requirements, but this is expected to change soon. [1] X Research source
Alternatively, study accounting or a related field to qualify for a position as a corporate investigator. These investigators mostly investigate allegations of fraud and embezzlement. [2] X Research source Even in areas where a degree is optional, this may count toward work experience requirements. In California, for example, a law degree or four-year police science degree eliminates 2,000 hours. [3] X Research source
Excellent observation skills Good spoken and written communication skills, to help you work with clients and present to juries Quick decision-making skills and resourcefulness Moderate technological skills, particularly online research and surveillance technology Ability to handle occasional high-stress situations, physical and mental demands, and long, unusual work hours
You’ll also get super tired. If staying awake isn’t your thing, this isn’t the job for you. Your best friends will be late night coffee stops, energy drinks, and the front seat of your car. Hope it’s comfy! This is not a job that allows for multitasking. Even if you are hiding behind a tree trying to snap that photo for hours on end, you can’t exactly read a book or play Bejeweled while you wait. It requires focus for extended periods of time – sometimes extended periods of time doing absolutely nothing but waiting. If you’re good at waiting without going crazy, you’ll make a great PI.
For some cases, you need to be so stealthy even dogs won’t sniff you out. In others, you need to be as “normal” as possible to obtain information and appear trustworthy. A large part of the battle will be in recognizing just what you need to do and how you need to come off. But whatever it is, you need to hide your intentions. Practice your lying skills to get started.
Choose a course accredited by a national accrediting organization, or by a professional organization of investigators. Alternatively, contact local, independent private eye agencies and ask to shadow an investigator. A second car can come in handy on surveillance, so it’s not too hard to convince them.
You can also qualify for your license through other routes, such as law enforcement, military police work, claims adjustment, or debt collection. [3] X Research source In some states, your activities will be limited until you qualify for a license.
In most US States, the Department of Public Safety handles these licenses.
Some specialties involve less surveillance and somewhat better hours. Keep reading for more information.
Law-related work Investigative journalism Insurance claims adjustment Debt collection
In the US, contact your state or city Department of Public Safety to find out more.
Surveillance jobs most commonly involve worker’s compensation, unfaithful spouses, recurring theft, missing person searches, or vandalism. [10] X Research source If you have a background in law, law firms may hire you to assist with trial work, including acquiring information and presenting to juries. Computer skill can make you desirable as a computer forensics investigator, recovering and analyzing deleted emails and other digital data. Accounting experience prepares you for corporate jobs involving fraud, embezzlement, asset recovery, and other financial transactions.
Guns are not as common as you might think in most types of PI work. If your region allows PIs to carry weapons, and you’re willing to accept more dangerous jobs, consider firearm training and a weapons permit.
Although one in four PIs are self-employed, we don’t recommend starting a business until you have at least a few years of experience. [11] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Pretexting (the act of pretending to be someone else to obtain information) is generally viewed as only unethical. However, it is illegal in the US if you pretend to be a government official or use your identity to obtain phone or bank records. Wiretapping is generally illegal. Surveillance is typically legal (especially if the police have been notified). Breaking and entering is definitely not legal. Citizen arrest laws vary by area.
A “certificate” is not a professional “certification. " Certificates are generally awarded for short training courses. The training can be useful, but it does not carry the same cachet.
