Private investigation is a unique job field that separates itself from a typical career path. There is versatility in what a private investigator can do which provides options when considering your career path. As a private investigator, many investigators enjoy the e the idea of being self employed as this grants a new level of freedom in their career. About one in four private investigators plan to be self employed within the next couple of years. However, with this level of freedom, there are bound to be risks, so what reassurance is there for aspiring private investigators who are considering a shift towards this career path?
One of the most important things to notice is that with the expansion of companies and their workforces, there is a growth in the demand for private investigators to help cut down on unnecessary and unwarranted costs. Companies rely on private investigators to look into employee background checks, insurance claims, reimbursement claims and other potentially costly activities that might possibly occur within the company.
Technology also affects the demand for private investigators. As companies rely more and more on technology to build trust with their customers, the consequences of security breaches become more severe. Private investigators work with companies to increase digital security and protect their customers from malicious hackers. The faster technology changes, the faster the increase in demand for private investigators.
Tips for Becoming a Private Investigator
If you are considering starting your own career in private investigation, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Research – Look into the different work that private investigators do to determine where you would like to focus your career. This will help you know in advance what investigative specialties best match your interests. These specialties include accident investigation, asset recovery, civil litigation support, criminal defense investigations, locating missing persons, loss prevention, skip-tracing and tenant screening.
- Know your state – Every state has its own laws regarding private investigation. Some have no laws while others have tests or certifications that need to be acquired before practicing private investigation.
- Network – You will save yourself a lot of time and struggle in the long run to learn, and connect with other professionals. Attend a private investigation conference and get some firsthand information from those with experience.
- Schooling – Since private investigation is a competitive market it helps to have an edge over the competition. Even if your state has no laws regarding private investigation, it is recommended that you invest in an education to help get your foot in the door.
How NITA Training Can Help You Earn Your Private Investigator License
When it comes to private investigator training, every state’s certification process is different. If you’ve decided to enter the private investigation industry, the first thing you will need to do is research the type of private investigator license and training required in your state. Once that is completed, NITA offers a variety of training courses to help you obtain your private investigator license, including the Florida Private Investigator CC Intern Training Course.
With the Florida CC Intern Training Course, our students have an 80% placement rate after graduation. This training course is state approved and meets the State of Florida’s Division of Licensing requirements in accordance with F.S. 493 to obtain a Private Investigator “CC” Intern License. NITA provides the tools and resources in this course to prepare you for a successful career in the field of private investigation.
One of the most convenient aspects of receiving your training with NITA is that you can set your own pace. You can register for all of our courses 24/7, and as soon as your registration is complete, you will be able to take the courses on your own time. There’s no need to arrange for transportation, set your alarm clock, look for parking spaces or navigate through crowds on an actual campus. Our online courses are designed to cater to the students who look for accessibility and convenience, much like the private investigator profession.
How Do I Become a Private Investigator?
“How do I become a Private Investigator?” is a question we are often asked at the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA)
While this is a complex question without a short answer, we want to assure you that NITA’s dedicated faculty and staff would be honored to help you navigate the process. There are several factors to consider before pursuing a career as a licensed Private Investigator, but the first is to determine the state in which you plan to work.
Licensing
Licensing requirements vary by state, so it is important that you conduct your research beforehand. In the United States, each individual state varies in its background, education and experience requirements to become a Private Investigator. These specifications can vary from state-approved training courses to pre-licensing education, exams, and even experience in the field.
Training
A second and equally critical consideration is training. The importance of selecting the right investigative training program cannot be overstated. There are a number of Private Investigator programs that claim to be “the best” option available for students, but do they provide enough empirical evidence to support such a claim?
At the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA), we have the privilege of fielding questions from prospective students on a daily basis. In fact, we have a dedicated page on our website to answer the frequently asked questions that we receive regarding NITA’s investigative training program. We have even taken it one step further by ensuring a dedicated faculty member is available onsite to answer your questions in person or over the phone.
Future
The thought of a possible career change might seem overwhelming, but it’s important to keep your future in mind. Private investigation specific training is the most important investment you can make in yourself! For new Private Investigators, the future looks bright.
What Are State Requirements for Private Investigators?
States like Alaska and Utah simply require the applicant to have a clean record and a verifiable form of identification, in addition to a licensing fee. New York, however, has an extensive list of requirements including taking a private investigation exam, having three years of experience or equivalent experience in an investigative field, and candidates cannot have an employment agency license. Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota and Wyoming do not require a private investigator license to operate.
Private investigators often carry higher levels of responsibility than other career positions. Whether or not your state requires you to have a certain amount of experience or pass an exam to become a private investigator, if you do not have any investigative experience, it will be worth investing in an education. Completing work improves your reputation and credibility, but without experience or an education, it can be hard to get your foot in the door.
When you are hired to do a job for a client, you will be given a certain level of trust to get the job done with discretion and professionalism. Investigators with experience, such as former officers, will have the advantage over those just starting out in the industry. Therefore, it is important to give yourself every possible advantage when considering private investigation as a career choice.
How Do I Become a Private Investigator in Georgia?
The National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) now offers the Georgia Basic Training Course (70 Hours) online.
In accordance with the Georgia Private Detective and Security Agencies Act, NITA is now a board-approved provider of investigative training in Georgia. The school’s online program delivers a comprehensive investigative curriculum that provides a flexible and convenient way for working adults to achieve their investigative career goals.
What does the Georgia Basic Training Course include?
The 70-hour Georgia Basic Training Course covers topics such as: surveillance, ethics, Georgia laws, interviewing techniques, sources of information, case managements, rules of evidence, types of investigations and report writing. (Board Approved License #CTLR001021). Click here to read answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Georgia Basic Training Course (70 Hours).
Do I Have to Get a License to do Private Investigator Work in Georgia?
Legal requirements to become a private investigator vary from state to state. Georgia is among the states that require private investigators to become licensed, which is a multi-step process. (Read the steps needed to become a Private Investigator in Georgia here.) Our team at the National Investigative Training Academy, Inc. (NITA) is here to help you achieve your investigative goals. Click here to read answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Georgia Basic Training Course (70 Hours).
Our enrollment counselors are here to answer any questions you might have about our state- and board-approved status, pre-licensing training, or professional development programs.
