Generally, in Canada, the most challenging part of becoming a private investigator (PI) is getting a license for the province you want to become a PI. Otherwise, the process in Ontario is more straightforward than you might think.
What is a Private Investigator?
Private investigators have several responsibilities and duties, and as their name suggests, these entail various types of investigations. If the following duties appeal to you, becoming a private investigator can lead to an exciting and rewarding career.
In your line of duty, expect to investigate theft, fraud, infidelity, custody disputes, and finding both missing assets or persons. Your clients will include private individuals, insurance companies, corporations, lawyers, banks, etc.
Working as a private investigator entails plenty of undercover work and ensuring client confidentiality.
Learn more about a career as a Private Investigator
How to Become a Private Investigator
Anyone can apply for a private investigator license in Ontario if they meet these specific criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old or older
- Lawfully permitted to work in Canada
- Clean criminal record
- Speak and write in the English language
- Mandatory basic training from a recognized private investigator course
- Applying with a training completion number for the compulsory licensing exam
- On passing, applying for a PI License
Training Course
A recognized introductory training course is essential for everyone wanting a career as a private investigator. The course helps ensure that everyone completing it has learned the duties of a private investigator following the Private Security and Investigative Services Act 2005 (PSISA).
Trainees must complete the 50 hours online course, learning how to conduct investigations and avoid misinterpretations. Expect to learn surveillance techniques and investigative research techniques, including public databases and internet searches. You also learn how to carry out asset searches, skip tracing, use of video and audio surveillance equipment, and background checks.
The course includes taking photos while carrying out personal observations, using GPS tracking, and carrying out TSCM checks for bugs. These are just some of the training you require to become a successful private investigator.
Taking the Exam
Once you complete the training course in Ontario, you must pass the test to receive your Training Compliance Number (TCN). This completion number allows you to schedule your test at the Ministry of the Solicitor General. You need to make a booking in advance, either online or through the call center.
You get 75 minutes to complete the multi-choice exam, and the minimum pass rate is 77%. You can take the exam as many times as is necessary to pass, but for a fee.
Is Private Investigator Training Difficult?
Becoming a private investigator requires that you understand all the material covered in the training course, particularly the various laws and regulations of the job. Private Investigator training is not very difficult unless you struggle grasping some of the material.
As stated earlier, you must complete a 50-hour training course and successfully complete an exam to become a Private Investigator in Ontario.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive your physical permit in the post up to 30 days later. When working, you must follow all the requirements, including identifying yourself as a private investigator, never misrepresenting yourself as a law enforcement officer, always carrying the license when on duty, and showing it to anyone asking to see it.
In addition, you must renew your license every two years; otherwise, it becomes invalid. There is no need to redo the training course, but a career as a private investigator demands that you keep up with new developments in investigation methods. Training in these helps you stay at the top of your game.
Register for Private Investigator Training
Can I be a Private Investigator and Security Guard?
The answer is yes! It is possible to have a dual license as a private investigator and security guard. Having a dual licence broadens your job perspectives as it will provide you with more options when it comes to potential job opportunities. The skills required to be a private investigator or a security guard complement each other and give you the upperhand of choosing the field you wish to work in. This field of work is popular amongst students and new immigrants to Canada.
At Coast2Coast, we offer security licence training courses that can help you prepare for real-life scenarios and gain confidence to face risky situations at times. The security guard training is provided online with a minimum of 33.5 hours spent on the training modules out of 40 hours. You must also be certified in Emergency First Aid and CPR/AED training.
Where to Complete Private Investigator Training?
The proper education can set you up for greater success within the lucrative world of private investigators. Learning the proper techniques and understanding the challenges of the job are just some of the fundamentals covered in the course. Coupled with the practical experience you will gain as you start working with a private or government agency, you will have a solid foundation for a rewarding career.
Coast2Coast has a Ministry-approved training program for private investigators. The 50-hour online course is ideal for those who want to learn in their own time. At Coast2Coast, our instructors are available for a live chat or any other mode of communication to assist you with any part of the private investigator course.
