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If you are driven, creative, and passionate about investigative work, a career as a private investigator may suit you.
In Georgia, you’ll find a wide range of opportunities to take advantage of to make your career as a private investigator successful.
This guide will provide the steps to jumpstart your career, whether you decide to work privately or for a company.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Georgia: Step by Step
Here are some steps you should follow to become a licensed PI in Georgia:
Step 1: Meet Requirements
There are several basic requirements you should meet if you are considering working as a private investigator in Georgia.
For instance, you should be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the U.S.
If you aren’t a U.S. citizen, you should be a legal resident with proof of work authorization.
The state of Georgia does not have any experience or education requirements.
However, companies may have their requirements that you must meet to work for them.
Step 2: Enroll in Training
Private investigators in Georgia must complete a basic training course that is 70 hours.
The course should be provided by a school or instructor who has been approved by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies.
Courses that you will take in pre-licensing programs include the following:
- Surveillance Ethics
- Law of Arrests
- Courtroom Testimony
- History of Law Enforcement and Private Investigations
- Case recording and note-taking
- Crime Scene Investigations
Preparing yourself by enrolling in a pre-license training program can provide you with a huge advantage over others who are applying for private investigator jobs.
The company that you are hired by will have the responsibility of providing further training.
Step 3: Find a Private Detective Job
If you meet all of the above requirements to become a private investigator, you can then start applying for openings in the state of Georgia.
You can find these openings online and possibly by word of mouth.
Every company will have similar but slightly different requirements.
Some may favor candidates who have prior experience.
Step 4: Pass Background Check
You will have to submit fingerprints and a background check before obtaining your license.
Most companies will also require this.
This is also considered part of the pre-licensing process.
If you have prior felonies or misdemeanors on your record (depending on what those are), you may be disqualified entirely from acquiring a license.
Step 5: Submit Application for License
Once training has been completed, you will be able to apply to receive your private investigator license.
The application must be submitted to the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies.
Any information regarding experience, training, and background must not be omitted when submitting your application.
You must also pay an application fee of $70.
Depending on the company you work for, the application fee may be covered.
Step 7: Maintain Your License
In the state of Georgia, all private investigators are required to enroll in 16 hours of continuing education every year to maintain their licenses.
You can learn more about this process through your employer.
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Request InformationSponsored1 Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical School has been around since 1984.
Their mission is to provide students with a quality education that results in a rewarding career.
There are various programs offered here at this school.
They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Description
Gwinnett Technical College offers a private investigator program.
The courses are designed to help those who have some experience or no experience learn about various types of investigations.
You’ll learn about surveillance, undercover investigations, report writing, case management, child custody investigations, and more.
Cost
You must pay a registration fee of $575 for this course.
Contact Information
- Address: 2875 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009
- Phone: +1 770-962-7580
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Ashworth College
Ashworth College opened its doors in 1987.
Their goal is to offer career-focused education that is both high-quality and affordable to anyone looking to achieve their dreams.
They have more than 300,000 students all over the world.
They offer various career certificates and college degrees.
Program Description
The private investigation certificate program offered at Ashworth was created to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful private investigator.
Students will be taught various procedures that are followed during the investigation process.
Students will also learn all about conducting undercover operations, interviews, gathering evidence, firearm safety, and more.
Cost
The cost of this program is $1,599 if paid in full or $2,199 if you make monthly payments of $75.
The program can take anywhere from four months to one year to complete.
Contact Information
- Address: 5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Norcross, Georgia 30092
- Phone: 1-800-957-5412
- Website: Visit School Website
3 PI Education
PI Education is a business located in Nashville, TN, that has been offering continuing education to individuals for over 20 years.
And while they are located in Nashville, they have individual course programs that are tailored to specific states.
They offer high-quality, useful, and engaging programs to PIs across the country.
Program Description
The private licensing course offered at PI Education is for individuals looking to get licensed in Georgia.
It’s a 70-hour pre-licensing course, and it’s fully remote.
This course exceeds all training prerequisites that are put in place by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
Here is the course outline:
- Overview of the U.S. Legal System
- Surveillance & Observation
- Sources of Information
- Undercover Operations
- Ethics in Theory and Practice
- Incident & Crime Scene Analysis & Investigation
- Case Management
- Documentation & Report Writing
Cost
The total cost of this program is $499.
Upon completion of this program, students will be eligible to register and receive their license as a private investigator in Georgia.
Contact Information
- Address: 3314 West End Ave #102, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
- Phone: +1 615-953-3150
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gwinnett Technical College |
| #2 | Ashworth College |
| #3 | PI Education |
Private Investigator Salary Information
In Georgia, the average annual salary for private investigators is $50,402.
However, the typical range is anywhere between $40,702 and $60,902.
The salary that you earn will depend on various factors such as experience, skills, certification, and education.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$40.6K |
|
$50.3K |
|
$60.8K |
Average Salary in Georgia
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Albany | $46,402 |
| Marietta | $50,902 |
| Athens | $50,702 |
| Roswell | $50,902 |
| Atlanta | $51,002 |
| Savannah | $48,502 |
| Augusta | $48,202 |
| Valdosta | $46,402 |
| Columbus | $46,102 |
| Macon | $46,702 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 510 | $69,820 | $33.57 | $142,310 | $33,700 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 30 | $48,330 | $23.23 | $62,380 | $33,780 |
| Savannah, GA | 30 | $66,110 | $31.78 | $103,860 | $36,340 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private investigator license cost in Georgia?
In Georgia, a private investigator license costs $70.
However, the fees can vary depending on whether you apply for an armed or unarmed license.
For example, an unarmed license fee is $45, while an armed license fee is $70.
Additionally, you will have to pay $65 to renew your license.
How often does a private investigator license need to be renewed in Georgia?
If you have a private investigator license in Georgia, it must be renewed every two years.
You will have 90 days to renew it before the expiration date.
To avoid any late fees, your license must be renewed by August 31, which is the deadline.
Is it easy to become a private investigator in Georgia?
Becoming a PI in Georgia isn’t considered “easy.” Instead, it’s slightly challenging but not too difficult.
You will have to go through the entire process of training, obtaining a license, and gaining experience.
You must also meet the basic requirements.
And while Georgia doesn’t have any strict education requirements, you should meet bonding and financial requirements if you plan on opening up your own agency.
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