How do I Become a Professional Investigator?

A professional investigator works to gather information for clients or employers. He may search public records, do background checks, and employ a range of surveillance techniques in order to perform his job. If you want to become a professional investigator, you will typically need training to prepare for this career. You may also need to apply for a license, depending on the jurisdiction in which you will work, which may require you to pass a test. Additionally, employers may have other requirements for job candidates, such as those related to past experience or education.

The first step you may take if you want to become a professional investigator is information gathering. Since different jurisdictions may have varied laws for investigators, you may do well to determine what is required in your area. You may also contact prospective employers to find out what they are looking for in new investigators. If you are planning to be self-employed, however, you may do well to learn the business licensing requirements in your area and obtain some getting-started tips from established investigators.

Often, professional investigators come to this field from related backgrounds. For example, if you’ve worked in law enforcement or have experience with criminal justice, your background may make it easier for you to land a job in this field. If you’ve served in the military, this may help as well. College education may also help prepare you to become a professional investigator, and earning a degree in criminal justice, political science, law, or a related major may help you stand out among other applicants.

You may also consider seeking training in investigative work as you prepare to become a professional investigator. There are many programs that train individuals for investigations, teaching them how to conduct surveillance, handle fingerprinting, and collect evidence. Such programs may also prepare students for writing reports for clients and employers as well as handling firearms, which may be necessary for some jobs. There are also some colleges that offer certificate programs, such as those in computer forensics, that may prove helpful when you’re pursing an investigative job. Much of what you’ll need to know to work as a professional investigator may be learned on the job if you will work for someone else; if you will be self-employed, the training you’ll seek on your own is likely to be particularly important.

If you will be required to seek a license as part of the process of becoming a professional investigator, you’ll usually have to pay a fee and fill out an application for licensing. You may also have to meet the licensing agency’s education requirements and pass a background check. A written examination may be required in some jurisdictions as well.