How to become a private investigator with no experience

You must meet the minimum requirements, research your state's licensure requirements, and get an education in order to become a private investigator with no experience. For details on each of these steps and others you can take to become a private investigator with no experience, use this guide:

• Meet the minimum requirements. There are some standard requirements you must meet in order to be a private investigator.

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You must not have any existing felonies on your record and be able to pass a criminal background check.

You can not be required to register as a sex offender in any state. You also must not have been dishonorably discharged from the military.

Lastly, you must not have been found to be incompetent by reasons of mental issues or disease by a court of law.

• Research your state's licensure requirements. Before you take any action, you must educate yourself on the specific licensing requirements of a private investigator in your state.

Every state has different qualifications and requirements in order to gain a private investigator license. Many states also have a minimum of working hours as a requirement. In some cases, the license boards might favor education versus working experience hours as well.

Certain states may even allow you to operate in some kind of private investigator capacity without a license. Relevant service in the military, law enforcement, or another related area may suffice in this instance also.

• Get an education. Educational requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Most employers require individuals to at least have a high school diploma or equivalent for private investigator work.

Certain employers prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, paralegal studies, or another related field. If you get a degree, you are likely to have wider access to private investigator job opportunities.

Here though, again, you'll want to do the proper amount of research to determine the requirements of the specific jurisdiction and state you want to practice in.

Courses related to private investigation will cover topics like state and federal laws, court system operations, criminal and civil law, legal documents and procedures, surveillance, research, interviewing applicable parties, and the different kinds of investigations.

You should also seek to take courses that involve computer skills, as these can often come into play in the work of a private investigator.

Certain degree programs will also provide you with internship opportunities that help you gain valuable experience and hours. These can help you get a head start in the field, as some even offer hands-on experience.

• Get firearms and self-defense training. It varies state; however, your state may allow you to carry a firearm as a private investigator. To do this, you must receive the proper training.

• Pass your licensing exam. Many states have a private investigator licensing exam that includes subjects such as criminal laws, state and federal regulations that apply to private investigation, safety procedures and other protocols, information acquiring, investigative documentation, and court preparation.

This test will vary from state to state. A study guide is normally provided for individuals seeking to take the exam.