Private investigation is a rewarding career opportunity in Alabama, but before you can launch your journey, you’ll need to secure your PI apprentice license. Alabama recently updated its approval process for PI apprentices, and NITA is ahead of the curve to provide what you need.
Under these new requirements, aspiring investigators must complete a detailed application, pass a board examination, and, once approved, complete a total of 300 hours of in-field and classroom/online training. NITA is the first state-certified and board-approved online provider of the newly required 40 hours of Alabama PI apprentice pre-license training.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to confidently navigate the updated process, secure your PI apprentice license in Alabama, and take your first step toward a successful career path in private investigation.
What is a PI apprentice license?
A private investigator (PI) apprentice license is a temporary legal permit to perform private investigative work under the supervision of a licensed private investigator sponsor. After completing 40 hours of classroom/online training and 260 hours of field experience, a PI apprentice may apply for a PI license to work independently as a licensed private investigator.
Is a PI apprentice license required in Alabama?
A PI apprentice license is legally required to begin operating as a private investigator in Alabama. This ensures you have the necessary skills, training, and legal knowledge for your field. If you practice private investigation in Alabama before receiving the appropriate license, you can be fined $6,000 and be imprisoned for up to one year for a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, you could be fined $1,000 per day that you advertise your services or perform investigative services without a license.
What does a PI apprentice do?
A PI apprentice completes classroom/online training and performs administrative tasks and casework under the supervision of a state-certified PI sponsor. In Alabama, a licensed PI must have at least two years of experience and be approved and certified by the Alabama Private Investigation Board (APIB) to become a sponsor.
Is Alabama a good place to be a PI apprentice?
Becoming a PI apprentice in Alabama opens many career opportunities for you as you develop your PI career. As of 2025, an entry level private investigator salary in Alabama is on average $50k, compared to the national average of $55k. While the state average is lower than the national average, salaries at individual companies in Alabama can range widely and there is significant potential for growing your salary through experience and continuing education.
Requirements for being a PI apprentice in Alabama
Before you can apply for a PI apprentice license in Alabama, you have to meet these requirements:
You do not need a college degree to apply for your apprenticeship, sometimes called an internship, but you should have or develop several soft skills that will help you succeed in private investigation, including communication, observation, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
What does it cost to get your PI apprentice license in Alabama?
The combined fees to receive a PI apprentice license in Alabama cost $340-370. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
*Rates vary by location.
How to get your PI apprentice license in Alabama
Getting a PI apprentice license in Alabama can be summarized in three steps.
Once the application and examination are complete and you have paid your license fee, you are a state-licensed PI apprentice and can begin to practice under a licensed PI sponsor as you take your classroom/online pre-licensing training.
Let’s break down each of these steps.
Step one: Complete ALEA background check application and fingerprinting
Before you can submit your apprentice application, you need three certified blue applicant fingerprint cards and a separate application to have your criminal history record information (CHRI) reviewed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
To get fingerprinted, you need to first complete the ALEA Application to Review CHRI (SBI Form 46). Fill out all necessary information and bring a printed copy and a valid photo ID to a fingerprinting location.
Note: The ALEA application lists a $25 fee for state processing, but you must pay a $37 fee for federal processing.
Step two: Prepare and submit your apprentice license application
In addition to the personal, employment, and background information required, you must include several documents and payments:
All specifications and additional information are included in the first four pages of the application document.
Note: You must have your application notarized before you submit it.
Mail your completed application to APIB
Put your application and additional documents in a manila envelope and mail them to the APIB. Your background check takes 4-6 weeks to process, but it will take only 1-2 weeks for your application to be reviewed. If you receive an exam eligibility notice, you can set your board examination date through APIB before receiving the background check results.
Step three: Pass a board examination
After you receive initial licensure, you’re required to take a $150 in-person computerized board examination within 4 months. Four locations in Alabama offer the exam: Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile.
The board examination is legally required in order to verify that you have the field knowledge and legal competency to perform investigative work in your apprenticeship. To prepare for the exam, you’ll need to study the APIB Law and Administrative Code for Licensed Private Investigators. You can prepare using an available study guide called The Professional Guide For Alabama Private Investigators. APIB also recommends studying the laws and regulations of the APIB.
After you pass the board examination, mail your proof of passing and a $100 processing fee in the form of a check, money order, or cashier's check to APIB. Once they receive the results of your background check (4-6 weeks from application date), you will receive your PI apprentice license and can begin working under the supervision of a PI sponsor.
If you do not pass the board examination, you can reschedule your examination and retry as many times as needed. If you have not passed within a year of your application approval date, you will need to reapply.
What to do after you receive your PI apprentice license
After you receive your PI apprentice license, you can begin working as a PI apprentice under an APIB-approved licensed PI sponsor. You have 3 years to complete your internship by logging 40 hours of classroom/online training and 260 hours of fieldwork. Your sponsor is responsible for keeping an official record of your hours. After 3 years, you’ll need to reapply for a new apprentice license, but once you resume work, your previous education and experience hours will count toward your new internship.
As a PI apprentice, you’re under certain limitations by the state. When you begin working, remember:
How quickly you complete your PI apprenticeship depends on the rigor of your workload, your availability, and the number of hours a week your PI sponsor allows. The fastest you can complete an apprenticeship when working full-time is 6-8 weeks, but apprenticeships are commonly part-time positions that can extend from months to years, depending on your availability and the pace of the apprenticeship.
How to become a PI with a PI apprentice license in Alabama
Once you have a PI apprentice license, you need to fulfill several requirements to be licensed as an independent PI.
Once you complete your apprenticeship and meet the requirements, you can submit your Alabama PI license application.
Get the Alabama PI apprentice training you need with NITA
Becoming a PI apprentice is just the first step to working in the rewarding field of private investigation. NITA is currently the only Alabama state- and APIB-approved online provider of the Alabama Investigator Apprentice Pre-Licensing Training you need to complete for your Alabama apprenticeship. NITA also offers engaging Alabama PI courses ranging from surveillance ethics to handwriting analysis. At NITA, you can find everything you need to start and grow your fulfilling career as a private investigator.
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