Private Investigator – Online Training and Certificates

About Private Investigator Careers

Private investigators, or PIs, can be hired by groups, individuals or institutions to investigate crimes, wrongdoing and a number of legal matters. Many private investigators are self-employed and typically work for attorneys or insurance companies. If an insurance company becomes suspicious of foul play, such as a fraudulent claim, a private investigator can be hired to monitor the activities of a claimant. Private investigators are also used by individuals in divorce cases where the PI will track an individual to collect evidence of infidelity or other related grounds for divorce.

The nature of a private investigator’s work can often be dangerous, and depending on the state or jurisdiction, they may not be able to carry weapons or firearms. Being a private investigator can also be a test of one’s physical capabilities and patience as many cases require constant surveillance. A PI can often find himself or herself sitting in a car for an entire day just observing and making note of what the target is doing. Many states and jurisdictions also require private investigators to be licensed, which makes a training or vocational program for those pursuing the career a necessity. Proper training and an education in being a private investigator doesn’t just satisfy legal requirements, but it can also make one a more effective and safe PI.

The business of private investigations is extremely competitive. Most PIs are former police officers or retired from the military, so an education and certification is becoming increasingly important to stay in business. In addition to competition, training is crucial because private investigators typically do not have any rights above or beyond an average citizen.

They are not considered law enforcement agents or government employees, so if they are not careful, investigators can and are sometimes the subjects of lawsuits, prosecution and arrest. Licensing also requires a formal education or training course and many jurisdictions will not consider private investigations to be legal without it. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database, private investigators can earn a median annual salary of $42,870 with the upper ten percent of PIs earning $74,970. Over the next ten years the job market for private detectives and investigators is expected to grow by a healthy 22%

Online Private Investigation Certificates

Private Investigator Certificate from Penn Foster Career School
Private Investigators conduct investigations involving missing persons, corporate intelligence, or other fascinating areas.
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Private Investigator Certificate by Stratford Career Institute
Stratford’s Private Investigator course will teach you how to keep records, find information sources, conduct investigations and use new technology.
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Professional Private Investigator Program from Ashworth College
Learn the inside secrets of how to conduct electronic surveillance, interview and interrogate witnesses, access confidential computer databases, use undercover tactics, crack insurance scams, reconstruct crime scenes, serve subpoenas, photograph evidence, interface with the police and much more.
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