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How to Get Your Private Investigator License

No private investigator is the same without an SIA private investigator licenses. Despite the fact that these licenses are not yet mandatory in the UK, many people view those who carry them in high regard.

With so many unscrupulous people operating in the industry, a licensed private detective reassures the client that their issue will be handled with the level of professionalism that it deserves. Whether you're fresh out of training or still weighing whether becoming a private detective is the right career move, licensing should be high on your list of priorities.


What You Need To Know About The Sia Private Investigator License

The licensing requirements for private investigators in the UK are not as stringent as what you find in many other countries. This offers many private investigators a chance to operate in a manner that's a credit to themselves and the industry.

When you apply for a private investigator license from the Security Industry Authority, you'll need:

  • An IQ Level 3 Certificate for Private Investigators
  • To pass tests that show you're fit for the job and also have no moral conflicts with the role e.g. a violent criminal record
  • Be 18 years of age
  • Have legal papers that show you can work in the UK

Sia Private Investigator License Application Process

The process of getting a private detective license from the SIA is the same as getting any other SIA license. You'll need to:

  • Access the SIA website, set up an account and provide your basic information
  • Send an application via the site along with the necessary documents
  • Visit a post office for other steps in the process e.g. confirmation of identity, making payments and sending your photos
  • Wait for a decision to be made on the status of your application and submit additional documents if requested.

The private investigator license card is supposed to arrive within 14 days after you receive notification of a successful application. For unsuccessful applications, you'll have to provide a response within 21 days.


How Much Does It Cost To Become A Licensed Private Investigator

If you meet the requirements to be a licensed private investigator, you'll only need to pay the £220 fee that is normally charged for SIA licenses. These licenses have to be renewed after 3 years. However, there are other processes you'll need to undergo before you're eligible for an SIA private investigator license.

The most important of these is undergoing training in an accredited school, taking a course that leads to an IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators. This can cost anywhere from several hundred to a thousand pounds. Depending on the school you're attending, you may also have to pay the £35.5 administrative fee that is charged to register for the IQ examination.



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