How Do You Get Your Private Investigator License?

Have you just finished your private investigator training? Are you thinking about a change in career and private investigation is looking like the place for you? If that is the case, you shouldn't stop at just being a private investigator. You should aspire to become a licensed private investigator.

SIA has a standard process pertaining to applications for licensing and this can be broken down into a few simple steps:

• Create a personal account on the website of the SIA
• Access your account and fill in the required information. Once you have a profile, start, complete and submit your application with all the required information and attachments
• Wait for the email notification that will tell you how to proceed. This step will require you to go to the post office for payments and identity verification.
• As the SIA goes through your documents, you may be asked to provide additional documents for one reason or another
• You'll be notified of the status of your application and if successful, you'll receive the private investigator license card within 14 days. Unsuccessful applications can be appealed.

An SIA private investigator license will require a few minimum qualifications. These ensure you have the skills for the job and are less likely to engage in unethical practices. These requirements are:

• You must be an adult
• You must have attained an IQ Level 3 Award for Professional investigators
• You must pass tests that show you are mentally fit and don't have a criminal past that can compromise you
• You must be able to legally work in the UK

Becoming a private investigator that's licensed will depend on a few factors. If you've already undergone the required training, you'll only have to worry about the £220 licensing fee. The license is valid for 3 years.

If you're only just thinking about entering the profession. You'll have to come up with the training fee as well which is several hundred to a thousand pounds in accredited schools.

A little bit of patience will be necessary after you've applied for a license. The Security Industry Authority will need time to go through your application and perform a background check. The SIA can't risk licensing someone who may pose a threat to the public. You may be asked to provide additional documents after you've submitted your original application. This is normal and shouldn't cause you to worry.