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- How to Become a Private Investigator in California – Step by Step
- 1 Los Angeles Southwest College
- 2 California Association of Licensed Investigations
- 3 Cal State Fullerton
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in California
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
A career as a private investigator can be rewarding if it is something you see yourself doing.
Private investigators are responsible for solving difficult cases and uncovering information.
In California, to become a private investigator, there are certain requirements you must meet.
This guide will teach you about the steps needed to get there, including various schools in the state that offer PI programs.
How to Become a Private Investigator in California – Step by Step
Here are the steps you must take in the state of California to become a private investigator:
Step 1: Meet Basic Work Requirements
The first step you must take when looking to become a private investigator is to fulfill the basic work requirements.
For example, you must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal background, and be eligible to work in the U.S.
These are requirements that were set forth to make sure that licensed PIs can successfully and legally carry out their responsibilities.
Step 2: Acquire Education and Experience
While there are no educational requirements set in stone to become a private investigator in California, many PIs already working in the field have a degree in criminal justice at the very least.
Many private investigators also have at least three years of working experience in the law enforcement field.
Having the education and experience under your belt can prepare you for what’s to come as you start your career as a private investigator.
Step 3: Additional Training is Necessary
It is also necessary to enroll in and complete a training program that educates you on the practical, legal, and ethical parts of private investigation.
And why is this step necessary, you ask?
Before applying for a private investigator license in California, you will need to have some training under your belt.
There are many programs approved by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
You will learn various skills to be able to conduct well-researched investigations.
It’s easy to select a program that fits your unique needs.
Step 4: Take the Exam to Obtain State Licensing
After successful completion of the training program, you are now ready to take the state exam in California to earn a PI license.
This exam will cover a wide range of topics such as ethical standards, state and federal laws, investigative techniques, and other topics related to the industry.
Once you have passed the exam, you will have validated and proven your knowledge of the guidelines and laws in the industry.
Step 5: Apply for your License
Once you have successfully taken and passed the state exam, it’s time to apply for a private investigator license.
You can do this through the BSIS.
Earning a license is a great way to show that you are eligible and meet the requirements to operate in California as a private investigator.
The process is simple.
You can complete an application form and show proof of any experience and education.
You must also include the exam results you have received.
The BSIS will then run a background check and issue your license if everything comes back clear.
Program: Private Investigator Career Diploma
Program Details:- Study at your own pace, anytime with 24/7 access
- Flexible, affordable tuition with personalized payment options
- Accredited both regionally and nationally
- Support from experienced instructors every step of the way
1 Los Angeles Southwest College
LASC has so much to offer those interested in enrolling with them.
They are accredited by the Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
They have had their doors open for decades and have a goal to help students achieve their dreams.
Los Angeles Southwest College offers a program where students can earn a private investigator skill certificate.
The certificate is created to provide you with the necessary skills to perform the work you need for insurance companies, state agencies, investigation firms, and more.
Program Description
You will take various courses, including:
- Introduction to Security
- Criminal Investigation
- Report Writing for Peace Officers
- Introduction to Computer Science
Cost
The program does not have a fixed cost and can range anywhere from $400 to $1,100, depending on whether you take classes in person or online.
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 West Imperial Highway, Los Angeles, CA 90047
- Phone: +1 323-241-5400
- Website: Visit School Website
2 California Association of Licensed Investigations
CALI is a not-for-profit school that was established in 1947.
They are dedicated to enhancing and protecting the industry of private investigation in the state of California.
They are the largest PI association in the entire world, with over 1100 members spread throughout the U.S.
Program Description
The California Association of Licensed Investigators offers a course to prepare students to sit for the State of California PI License Exam.
This course is considered a preparation course and was created by a group of licensed investigators.
Students taking this course will receive a step-by-step review along with sample quizzes.
Students will also receive study materials, lesson plans, and more, all of which contain important information for the state exam.
Cost
For non-members, the prep course costs $399.
For pre-licensed members, you will pay $299.
Once you have registered and paid for the course, you will receive instructions via email.
Contact Information
- Address: 26895 Aliso Creed RD, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
- Phone: 949-715-5401
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Cal State Fullerton
CSUF is a regional university located in Southern California.
They offer a wide range of programs and are committed to ensuring all students who attend are successful.
They have a reputation for having a vibrant campus life and a large student body.
Program Description
The course/program offered by Cal State Fullerton prepares students interested in becoming private investigators.
It’s an introduction to the profession of private investigation.
Within this course, there is an emphasis on various types of investigative work, such as license requirements, the responsibilities of private investigators, and more.
Students will also learn all about professional ethics in the industry, in addition to opportunities that are available in the community.
The class is a total of 6 hours.
Cost
The private investigation certificate program offered here costs $1,760.
The program is fully remote and can take anywhere between four and five months to complete.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA
- Phone: +1 657-278-2011
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Los Angeles Southwest College |
| #2 | California Association of Licensed Investigations |
| #3 | Cal State Fullerton |
Private Investigator Salary in California
The average annual salary for private investigators in California is $57,602.
However, the salary can range anywhere between $46,502 and $69,602.
You can earn as little as $36,396 and as much as $80,527.
The salary you make can depend on experience, skills, certification, and more.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$46.5K |
|
$57.5K |
|
$69.5K |
Average Salary in California
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anaheim | $57,202 |
| Carlsbad | $56,102 |
| Chula Vista | $56,402 |
| Orange | $57,302 |
| Ontario | $54,902 |
| Santa Ana | $57,102 |
| San Francisco | $65,102 |
| Santa Cruz | $58,202 |
| San Jose | $65,702 |
| Fresno | $52,202 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 50 | $46,250 | $22.24 | $65,210 | $32,240 |
| Fresno, CA | 80 | $53,140 | $25.55 | $81,550 | $36,910 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 1,660 | $65,980 | $31.72 | $100,370 | $37,520 |
| Modesto, CA | 40 | $53,220 | $25.59 | $71,890 | $38,490 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 70 | $49,350 | $23.73 | $60,940 | $32,240 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 300 | $51,160 | $24.6 | $72,080 | $37,090 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 400 | $54,860 | $26.38 | $86,320 | $32,530 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 300 | $58,440 | $28.1 | $97,480 | $37,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 550 | $76,650 | $36.85 | $111,620 | $43,480 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 170 | $70,830 | $34.06 | $111,320 | $45,970 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 100 | $60,080 | $28.89 | $85,030 | $38,700 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 40 | $59,910 | $28.8 | $71,000 | $40,880 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 40 | $50,120 | $24.1 | $61,680 | $33,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- AL Alabama
- AK Alaska
- AZ Arizona
- AR Arkansas
- CA California
- CO Colorado
- CT Connecticut
- DE Delaware
- FL Florida
- GA Georgia
- HI Hawaii
- ID Idaho
- IL Illinois
- IN Indiana
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- KY Kentucky
- LA Louisiana
- ME Maine
- MD Maryland
- MA Massachusetts
- MI Michigan
- MN Minnesota
- MS Mississippi
- MO Missouri
- MT Montana
- NE Nebraska
- NV Nevada
- NH New Hampshire
- NJ New Jersey
- NM New Mexico
- NY New York
- NC North Carolina
- ND North Dakota
- OH Ohio
- OK Oklahoma
- OR Oregon
- PA Pennsylvania
- RI Rhode Island
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- TN Tennessee
- TX Texas
- UT Utah
- VT Vermont
- VA Virginia
- WA Washington
- WV West Virginia
- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a private investigator in California?
In California, you are going to have to pay a licensing fee, insurance expenses, and training fees.
The exam and initial application fee cost $340.
The license fee costs $385.
Training alone can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,100, depending on the duration and type of training you choose.
You will also have to pay for a background check and study materials.
What are the requirements for becoming a private investigator in California
To become a PI in California, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a criminal background check through the DOJ and the FBI
- Have at least three years of experience in investigative work, a law degree, or have completed a four-year program in police science.
You may also have an associate’s degree in criminal law, police science, or criminal justice.
What options do private investigators have for working in California?
Private investigators can work in various settings in California.
For instance, you can work conducting background checks, asset searches, surveillance, assisting with legal cases, and even investigating fraud.
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