How to Become a Private Investigator in London

Private Eye

You don't need academic qualifications to become a private investigator in London, but if you've never done anything related to private investigation, you can take a course that will teach you the basics. From the end of 2010, you will need a license. Eighty percent of private investigators are former police officers. Some have worked in law firms before deciding on a career change.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to attend a private investigation class in person or take a distance learning course. Both can give you the same level of knowledge. Distance learning makes it easier to continue working at your day job while you train.

2. Choose an accredited private investigation course. The Academy of Professional Investigation, for example, offers a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in investigation. Check with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) if you're not sure if a course is legit.

3. Complete the course. Depending on the school, it can take as little as six weeks of full-time study or three months of part-time study. There may be an exam at the end.

4. Apply for your private investigator license. The SIA is still setting up the application process. It should be active by the end of 2010. Until then, you will not need a license.

References

• UK Professional Investigators Network
• Security Industry Authority
• Association of British Investigators

Resources

• Academy of Professional Investigation
• Institute of Private Investigation
• Skills for Security