well, it's probably different state to state (and some states you don't even need a license!) but it's actually quite easy. In WA you just need to be trained by a certified trainer (basically a working currently licensed PI with a training certificate) and then you take a test. There are different ones, if you want to be independent and work for yourself you have to get licensed as an agency, if you're working for a company who is licensed as an agency then you just need to be licensed as an individual. If you have a gun permit then you can be licensed as a PI w/ firearms. or rather, i think you have to be.
you don't HAVE to have a college degree, though from what i've read most PIs do, in criminal justice or law or something. in my case I got a BA in comp lit / film studies (um.... do my film noir classes count!?!?!) but i am already considering getting a masters in criminal justice / psychology. i think i would eventually like to work on the criminal defense side of things, basically working privately to keep police/ the justice system in check. absolute power corrupts no?
in my case, i started working for a legal services company that has an investigations department, and i am now transferring to the investigations department where i will be trained and licensed!
you don't HAVE to have a college degree, though from what i've read most PIs do, in criminal justice or law or something. in my case I got a BA in comp lit / film studies (um.... do my film noir classes count!?!?!) but i am already considering getting a masters in criminal justice / psychology. i think i would eventually like to work on the criminal defense side of things, basically working privately to keep police/ the justice system in check. absolute power corrupts no?
in my case, i started working for a legal services company that has an investigations department, and i am now transferring to the investigations department where i will be trained and licensed!