Online Private Investigator Training

In online private investigator training, cost isn't necessarily an indicator of quality.

Many private investigators never get much formal training, but instead learn their profession on the job--typically through apprenticeships with licensed PIs. However, PIs like to see that their potential new hires have already invested in their careers with prior training, much of which can take place online.

Significance

While online private investigator training cannot give prospective PIs much relevant practical experience conducting a real-life investigation, it does provide an extensive amount of general knowledge of the tasks a PI performs every day. Be careful, though: Several states have specific educational requirements that include accreditation of any school from which they will accept educational credit for licensing.

Identification

Several private investigator training programs are available online, including those at Be a Private Eye, PI Education, Be a Private Eye, Ashworth College and Penn Foster Career School.

Expert Insight

Prospective PIs do not need to have a college degree; however, according to Be a Private Eye, "some states may accept a degree in criminal justice, administration of justice or police sciences in lieu of the minimum experience requirements." Be a Private Eye cites a survey conducted for the Virginia Department of Justice estimated that 57 percent of PIs don't have a college degree.

References

• Be a Private Eye: Private Investigator Training
• PIeducation.com: The Art of Skip Tracing and Missing Persons Investigations
• Be a Private Eye: FAQs
• Ashworth College: Private Investigation Training
• Penn Foster Career School: Private Investigator, Program Overview

Resources

• Be a Private Eye: How to Become a Private Investigator
• Pursuit Magazine: PI Licensing Requirements State-by-State