To work as a private detective or investigator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

Many private detectives and investigators have a bachelor's degree. Several majors are good preparation for this occupation. These include law, finance, accounting, insurance, law enforcement, criminal justice, and business.

Work experience

Almost all private detectives and investigators have work experience in other occupations. Many worked as police detectives, accountants, auditors, or military intelligence officers. Other common occupations are investigative journalist, insurance investigator, and lawyer.

On-the-job training

Most private detectives and investigators learn on the job. Learning by doing, in which new investigators are put on cases and gain skills as they go, is a common approach. Training may last up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be law enforcement and security specialists. Training lasts from five to 12 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.