Go to Page Section:
- How to Become a Private Investigator in Tennessee
- A Look At Tennessee’s Private Investigator License Application
- Private Investigator Schools in Tennessee
- 1 Nashville State Community College
- 2 Walters State Community College
- 3 National Investigative Training Academy
- 4 Penn Foster
- Schools Summary Table
- Private Investigator Salary in Tennessee
- Find Private Investigator Career Guides by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Did you know that Sherlock Holmes was a private investigator?
Some of the most famous characters in film and literature are detectives.
Humans can’t help it; we love to solve mysteries.
A private investigator is generally defined as an individual hired by private citizens to inquire about a personal matter or business concern.
Private investigators can gather evidence of infidelity or find missing persons.
They are often used in business to investigate possible fraud cases or inappropriate employee actions.
For Tennesseeans, private detectives combine aspects of law and criminal investigation.
So, private investigation may be the perfect alternative for those looking for a unique career path or even a secondary career, but do not want to follow the traditional route or spend years in college.
How to Become a Private Investigator in Tennessee
Becoming a private investigator is simple in Tennessee, but it will take time and dedication.
Tennessee has basic requirements that everyone, both male and female, considering a Private Investigator License, must meet.
Here is a short overview of the Tennessee Private Investigator License screening.
State requirements are part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI).
A person should:
- Be a US citizen (resident alien), and 21 years old.
- Have a high school diploma or GED – a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Be of good mental and moral standing.
- Qualifications and Disqualifications
In Tennessee, a clean criminal record free from Felony convictions is required to apply for a PI license.
Also, a dishonorable discharge from military service will disqualify you from being a private investigator.
Finally, Tennessee requires that applicants have sound mental health and good moral character.
Tennessee does not have specific investigative education requirements, although TN.gov states applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree or experiential equivalent.
The licensing commission relies heavily on the Private Investigator Examination to prove knowledge of private investigative principles, laws, practices, and regulations.
Experience is a determining factor in being a successful detective.
To that end, Tennessee requires at least 2,000 hours of compensated and verifiable investigative experience, including the necessary skills to succeed in crime discovery, finding and following people, locating stolen property, and crime scene procedures.
There are many options for acquiring investigative skills to work in this fast-growing field.
There are numerous places to work as a private investigator:
- Law firms
- Law enforcement
- Military service
- State offices
- Private investigative firms
- Insurance agencies
- Security firms
Like many law licenses, Tennessee has recognition agreements with several states, including:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- Virginia
The Volunteer State also has limited reciprocity with Arkansas and Kentucky–meaning that if the PI license is in good standing in these states, the individual is offered a limited licensure exemption to operate in Tennessee.
A Look At Tennessee’s Private Investigator License Application
Apply online to the TDCI at CORE, including:
- Documented experience
- Proof of age and identification
- Color passport-style photos
- Take and pass the Tennessee Private Investigators Examination offered through PSI test centers throughout the state.
Pay the non-refundable fees:
- Application Fee – $150
- Licensing Fee – $100
- Fingerprinting Fee: $39.15
Renewal and Continuing Education of a PI License in Tennessee
- Each PI license must be renewed every two (2) years.
- The renewal fee is $250.
- Continuing education from approved providers, 12 hours total with at least 1 hour of ethics, is also necessary.
Private Investigator Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee prefers applicants who have a basic degree in law-related skills to be private investigators.
However, proficiency is shown by passing an examination that proves knowledge of criminal procedures and Tennessee law.
Many community colleges and online vocational schools throughout Tennessee offer certificates, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, focusing on criminal justice, forensics, fraud, and law.
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 Nashville State Community College
Nashville State Community College (NSCC) has multiple campuses and online certificate programs.
The criminal justice program offers an associate degree transferable to a four-year institution.
NSCC also has an online paralegal certification approved by the American Bar Association.
The cost of a two-year in-state degree or an eCertificate is based on residency.
Hours are priced at $185/credit plus additional fees, books, and services.
Scholarships, grants, and payment plans are available.
Contact Information
- Address: 120 White Bridge Rd, Nashville, TN 37209, United States
- Phone: +1 615-353-3333
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Walters State Community College
Walter’s State Community College (WSCC) in Morristown, Tennessee, offers a comprehensive AAS degree in law enforcement or public safety.
Like all Tennessee state academic institutions, in-state tuition costs $185 per credit hour plus fees and registration.
WSCC offers financial aid, waivers, and discounts.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 S Davy Crockett Pkwy, Morristown, TN 37813, United States
- Phone: +1 423-585-2600
- Website: Visit School Website
3 National Investigative Training Academy
The National Investigative Training Academy offers online career development and continuing education.
Small-bite courses include surveillance basics, field note organization, tracing missing persons, and fraud investigation.
The two- to six-hour courses cost $49 to $149.
Financial aid, grants, or discounts are not available.
Contact Information
- Address: 250 International Pkwy Suite 134, Lake Mary, FL 32746, United States
- Phone: +1 800-730-6482
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Penn Foster
Penn Foster is a nationally accredited private investigator course.
The online, five-month pathway covers eight courses, and graduates must pass 23 exams.
There is also an optional internship.
Class examples include:
- Background Investigations
- Fingerprinting
- Undercover investigations
The overall cost is $1,199.
Online payment plans and discounts are available.
However, Pell Grants and scholarships are not applicable.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 570-961-4033
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nashville State Community College |
| #2 | Walters State Community College |
| #3 | National Investigative Training Academy |
| #4 | Penn Foster |
Private Investigator Salary in Tennessee
In the Volunteer State, most private investigators earn $48,502, slightly lower than the national average of $52,100.
Top earners in larger cities such as Nashville can expect salaries closer to $71,959; in Knoxville, PIs collect $62,776 annually.
Compensation packages take into account specialty training and previous military or law enforcement experience.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$41.2K |
|
$56.1K |
|
$76.5K |
Average Salary in Tennessee
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson | $49,516 |
| Memphis | $62,487 |
| Knoxville | $47,910 |
| Chattanooga | $49,626 |
| Clarksville | $51,969 |
| Murfreesboro | $49,104 |
| Franklin | $49,104 |
| Johnson City | $48,139 |
| Jackson | $49,640 |
| Hendersonville | $49,122 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 50 | $55,220 | $26.55 | $103,890 | $34,280 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 40 | $43,950 | $21.13 | $63,130 | $29,570 |
| Johnson City, TN | 50 | $37,240 | $17.9 | $61,110 | $29,200 |
| Knoxville, TN | 80 | $54,200 | $26.06 | $85,760 | $34,890 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 230 | $57,680 | $27.73 | $97,080 | $35,610 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 230 | $54,330 | $26.12 | $100,620 | $34,630 |
* 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 do I get the necessary experience to apply for a private investigator license in Tennessee?
Tennessee allows apprentices to work at a sponsoring private detective firm for six months to gain the necessary 2,000 hours of experience.
What percentage of private investigators in Tennessee are women?
An estimated 33% of Tennessee private investigators are women.
Nationally, 47% of all licensed and registered private investigators are women.
Can I get a private investigator license in Tennessee with a police record?
No, individuals with a criminal record can not get a PI license in Tennessee.
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