UPDATE
Introducing: Penn Foster’s Private Investigator Career Diploma Program
While Ashworth College is no longer accepting enrollments in our Private Investigation Program, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.
Ever thought about developing your sleuthing skills into a career? Learn all about surveillance, corporate espionage, homeland security, evidence collection, and more in our Private Investigator Career Diploma Program.
LEARN MORETake the Next Steps Towards a Career You Want
Penn Foster’s online Private Investigator Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. With flexible, online courses, you can learn skills and knowledge on your schedule, from home.
Why Penn Foster?
Penn Foster has been on a mission to help people like you launch, accelerate, and thrive in their careers for more than 130 years. We provide students with a quality education that fits their busy lifestyle and budget, offering over 100 self-paced, career-relevant programs across our College, Career School, and High School. The program you choose is structured to fit your learning needs so you can achieve your goals, and is designed to work with your schedule, anytime, anywhere you want to study. With a focus on relevant skills and career preparation for the job you’re after, Penn Foster can help you graduate with confidence and help provide a pathway towards your career goals.
ACADEMIC
SUPPORT
Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. An instructor is just an email away!
COMPETITIVE
TUITION
Online classes don't have to be expensive. We offer monthly payment plan options that can fit your budget.
You don’t have to take a break from your job to make an investment in a better career.
What You'll Learn in Penn Foster’s Private Investigation Career Diploma
- How to understand different types of laws and the steps of the legal system, including constitutional amendments, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and court-related issues for private investigators.
- How observations, descriptions, and surveillance are used in investigations, and how to develop a systematic method for applying concepts that make an investigation successful.
- How to identify procedures and techniques of conducting interviews and interrogations, including legal considerations, fingerprinting, document examination, and polygraph testing.
- How to explain methods of competitive intelligence collection and corporate espionage, and describe counterintelligence measures.
Penn Foster’s Online Private Investigator Curriculum
In our Private Investigator courses, you'll learn the foundational skills and knowledge needed to become a successful private investigator. Your online courses include:
- Legal Principles and Requirements
- Locating People and Performing Background Investigations
- Court-Related Issues for Private Investigation
- Homeland Security
Private Investigator Training FAQs
To become a private investigator, you need at least a high school diploma, though many employers may look for additional post-secondary training like a career diploma or criminal justice degree. Private investigators must be licensed, usually by their state, so they do need to meet certain guidelines to qualify. Becoming a licensed private investigator is separate from starting a licensed private investigation firm, so it's important to look into your state requirements for both. Many states also require that you have relevant previous work experience; previous work as a police officer or in the military can usually qualify you to become an investigator.
Additionally, your state may require you to pass a criminal background check.
Successful private investigators share a few qualities that help them in their role. These qualities include strong communication and decision-making skills, patience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to ethics and the law.
The average salary for a private investigator was $49,540 in 2023 according to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.† Salary can vary for investigators depending on whether they are self-employed or work for a corporation or agency. Additionally, salary can vary based on credentials, educational background, work experience, and the state you live in.
The main difference between a detective and a private investigator is what they're allowed to do under the law. A detective is usually a police officer. A private investigator does not have the authority of police power and operates under the powers of an ordinary citizen. This means that private investigators must conduct searches, interviews, and more while adhering to federal and local laws. Private investigators cannot enter property without permission, make arrests, or access some criminal files.
State requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.
Please review your state board requirements that are applicable to your field of study. State boards may impose a variety of different requirements. Penn Foster has determined that the curriculum does not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following state: Florida.