Step 4a: Prospective private investigators (PIs) should pursue on-the-job investigative experience and state licensure (timeline varies)

For civilian PIs, requirements vary by state, but many require licensure.

For example, California’s Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (2020) reports that to qualify for licensure, PIs must be at least 18 years old; undergo a criminal background check; and have proof of experience in one of three capacities. They either must have 6,000 hours of paid investigative work, a law degree plus 4,000 hours of experience, or an associate degree and 5,000 hours of experience.

Additionally, candidates must pass a two-hour multiple-choice test on laws & regulations, terminology, evidence handling, undercover investigations, and other cornerstones of the field.

Pursuit Magazine (2020), an online resource for investigators, reports that licensure is necessary for practice in 46 states (in addition to some cities) and provides a convenient table of PI licensure policies by state.