Private Investigator Training in Texas

Being a private investigator often takes many years of experience.

A private investigator conducts investigations and collects information for both private citizens and corporations. As the title specifies, a private investigator is not part of the government or the police department; he is often a private agency or an individual that performs the requested task.

Educational Requirements

The state of Texas does not have specific educational requirements to qualify an individual as a private investigator. It is common for many private investigators to have a background in the military or in law enforcement. To remain competitive an associate or bachelor's degree related to your specialization can be important.

Choose Specialization

Before training can begin, it is important for a prospective private investigator to choose a specialization. The opportunities available in the field of investigation are numerous. There are financial investigators that are employed by investment bankers to develop financial profiles on prospective business partners. Legal investigators often assist law firms in preparing criminal defenses by locating or interviewing witnesses, or serving legal documents.

Professional Certification

The option to obtain certification through a professional organization is available in Texas. The National Association of Legal Investigators offers a certified legal investigator certificate to private investigators that specialize in negligence or criminal defense. They have both an experience and an education requirement depending on the specialization as well as testing. ASIS is a trade organization that offers a Professional Certified Investigator certificate. They require a high school diploma, five years or more of experience and a passing grade on their exam.

Online Training

For those who wish to be certified online, courses are offered through Kaplan University and Penn Foster. Kaplan University's program provides a Private Security Certificate, and Penn Foster offers an associate degree in criminal justice with a private criminal detective certificate.

Licensing

No matter which path you take in becoming a private investigator, the state of Texas requires that every private investigator have a private investigator license. To apply for the license, you must be 18 years of age and have no more than two felonies in a lifetime or one felony with in the last 20 years. The applicant must be mentally competent, not have a dishonorable discharge from the military, and not be a registered sex offender. The application to be filed is for a private investigation company license and requires a $350 registration fee.

References

• Texas Department of Public Safety: Private Security Bureau General Requirements for Licensing
• CTI Career Search: Private Detectives and Investigators - Schools and Careers
• About e-Learning: Online Private Detective Degree Programs