There is no doubt that a career in private investigation can provide many with the rewarding work life they crave. But how does someone with no previous experience become a private investigator?

One of the first things you need to clear are your credentials. If you have been convicted of criminal activity in the past then you are unlikely to be accepted for a PI's license. If you have a clean slate then check with the governing body in your state.

Private investigator Training

There are several options to receive the right private investigator training. In this article, we'll give you three solid options. Each one will put you on the right path to a career in the PI business.

Private Investigator School

Check with the closest college or university situated near you. As a rule, colleges and universities don't actually offer private investigator training as part of their own curriculum but administer courses on behalf of third party training organisations such as GES.

These courses can be completed online and can cost several hundred dollars. They are a good starting point in your PI career.

Online Courses

There are many courses available online. The problem is, distinguishing between those which are going to provide you with the correct and necessary skills to "get your foot in the door" with an agency.

Can you learn private investigation from an eBook? Possibly but you may get a better grounding by taking a more hands-on course such as DTI. Within three to six months, you can develop the initial skills to launch your career.

One of the core elements of good private investigator training is actually being taught the skills to land your first job. How to approach an employer and what to say should be included as part of any course curriculum.

Go Straight To The Employer

Getting on-the-job experience is a great way to get your foot firmly planted inside the private investigation door.

Approaching an agency or even an individual operator and offering your services for free to gain some work experience means you will have an edge on someone going the course route.

However, the problem is, without any experience at all you may have a tough time getting a hearing. To increase your chances, starting a course and then approaching an employer after a couple of weeks and letting them know you are currently undergoing private investigator training will enhance your prospects of at least being heard.