Becoming a private investigator (PI) in Tennessee offers a unique and rewarding career path for those with a passion for uncovering the truth and solving complex cases. Whether you’re drawn to investigating fraud, tracking down missing persons or researching suspicious deaths, or gathering evidence for court cases, working as a PI requires a specific set of skills, qualifications, and licensing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to becoming a licensed private investigator in Tennessee, including the training, experience, and legal requirements you’ll need to meet to start your investigative journey.
Do You Need a License to Be a Private Investigator in Tennessee?
Yes, you need a license to work as a private investigator in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) regulates the licensing of private investigators in the state through the Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission.
The TDCI defines a private investigator as any person who conducts business or is hired to gather or provide information on the following:
An apprentice status, valid for up to six months, can be granted to applicants working under the supervision of a licensed investigator from a licensed investigative company.
General Requirements to Become a PI in Tennessee
Aspiring private investigators in Tennessee need to meet a handful of requirements in order to receive licensure in the state. Once the following qualifications have been met, applicants can apply for their PI license.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Tennessee
Becoming a private investigator in Tennessee is a fairly straightforward process. By following these steps, you can begin a career as a PI in no time.
1. Meet the Minimum Requirements
Before beginning the process of becoming a licensed PI in Tennessee, you need to meet the minimum requirements for licensure. If you fail to meet these basic requirements (age, citizenship status, education) then you won’t be eligible for licensure until these issues are resolved.
2. Gain Relevant Experience or Training
Though the state of Tennessee doesn’t have specific education or training requirements, having some sort of investigative experience can be beneficial. You can gain relevant experience in a myriad of ways, from work in law enforcement, investigations, military intelligence, or similar fields. Alternatively, you can receive training from state-approved programs that offer courses to hone your investigative skills.
3. Get Fingerprinted for Criminal Background Check
Applicants need to submit their fingerprint cards for processing by TBI and FBI for a criminal history check as part of the application process. Appointments should be made through IdentoGO, where you’ll follow the specific instructions for fingerprinting as outlined by the TDCI. As of 2024, the fingerprinting fee is $39.15.
4. Submit an Application for Licensure
As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you can begin the application process. Simply complete the private investigator application available on the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website and submit the applicable fees. As of 2024, the PI application fee is $150 and the license fee is $100.
5. Pass the State Exam
Once your application has been submitted, you’ll be invited to take the Tennessee Private Investigator State Exam through PSI. The exam is closed-book and covers Tennessee rules and laws as well as practical investigative knowledge. A minimum score of 70% is required to pass. Applicants are encouraged to study ahead of time in order to pass the exam. As of 2024, the TN PI exam fee is $140.
We recommend taking a test prep course in order to be adequately prepared for the private investigator exam! With decades of experience in private investigation, our instructors are more than equipped to prepare you for the test ahead–100% online and 100% on demand!
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Additional Requirements for Tennessee Private Investigators
In Tennessee, private investigators are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. Continuing education courses should cover applicable laws and regulations and be provided by a state-approved program. The TDCI encourages private investigators to dedicate at least one hour per year of continuing professional education to investigative ethics.
NITA is proud to offer extensive continuing education courses for private investigators in Tennessee, including courses that focus on matters like surveillance ethics.
Browse all continuing education courses for Tennessee PI’s now →
What Disqualifies You from Becoming a Private Investigator in TN?
Several factors can disqualify a person from becoming a private investigator in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance sets strict guidelines to ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals can work in this field. Here are a few major factors that can disqualify you from becoming a PI in the state.
Felony Convictions
Any felony conviction, especially those involving violence, theft, fraud, or moral turpitude, can disqualify you from becoming a PI in Tennessee. The state will conduct a thorough criminal background check to verify you have a clean record.
Convictions for Crimes Involving Dishonesty or Moral Turpitude
Convictions for crimes like fraud, embezzlement, or perjury, which involve dishonesty or moral turpitude, are likely to disqualify you as an applicant.
Convictions for Drug-Related Offenses
Drug-related convictions, especially those involving the illegal distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances, can be grounds for disqualification for PI licensure in Tennessee.
Domestic Violence Convictions
Convictions for domestic violence can disqualify a private investigator applicant, particularly if the conviction prohibits the person from possessing a firearm.
Mental Health Issues
Applicants may be disqualified if they have a history of mental health issues that would prevent them from safely or competently performing the duties of a private investigator.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Habitual drunkenness and/or dependence on drugs like narcotics are typically grounds for disqualification as a private investigator.
False or Misleading Information
Providing false or misleading information on your application, like falsifying your experience, education, or criminal history, can lead to disqualification. Always be honest on your application!
Average Salary of Private Investigators in Tennessee
Your income as a private investigator in Tennessee can vary significantly depending on your experience, specialization, location, and the demand for your specific services. For example, investigators working in niche industries like insurance fraud investigation, corporate investigations, or digital forensics can usually command higher fees than general investigators.
As of 2024, hourly rates for private detectives in TN range from $18.70/hr for beginners to $36.91/hr or more, depending on the complexity of the investigation and the investigator's experience. According to Indeed, the current average hourly rate for a PI in Tennessee is around $26.28 per hour.
For those working full-time or as employees of investigative firms, the annual salary can vary widely. On average, a private investigator in Tennessee might earn an annual salary ranging from $38,298 to $75,592 or more. According to Indeed, the current average yearly salary for a PI in Tennessee is $53,806.
Learn more about private investigator salaries with our extensive guide: How Much Do Private Investigators Make in Every State?
Your Roadmap to a PI License in Tennessee
A career as a private investigator offers a unique opportunity to make a difference while utilizing your investigative skills. By following these outlined steps, you can begin to build a successful, rewarding career in the field of private investigation.
For every step of the way, NITA is here to provide you with state exam prep, continuing education, and professional development so you can thrive in this exciting field. Why wait? Your new career is waiting for you!
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