Private investigator
Carry out secret enquiries for your clients to find out information and check facts.
Also known as: PI, private detective, private eye
About the job
What it's like
Private investigation is about curiosity, patience and accuracy – do you think you're a good fit for the job?
In this role, you'll carry out secret enquiries for your client to find out information and check facts. You'll do in-depth background research, which may involve asking questions and making sense of complicated information.
Private investigators must have excellent observational skills and a solid knowledge of the law.
Your clients will likely come from all sorts of backgrounds. As well as individuals, you could investigate cases for law firms, councils and insurance companies. This means your work will range from personal issues – such as divorce – to corporate issues like suspected theft.
You'll probably work alone and be self-employed. You may have to spend time away from home when investigating a case.
Private investigators work in an office, but you'll also spend a lot of time out and about as you gather information.
Your tasks might include:
watching people’s movements
investigating fraud
looking for missing people or pets
distributing legal documents to people
assessing commercial piracy (such as copying software illegally)
running background checks on employees
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
Association of British Investigators (ABI) – explore the premier organisation in the United Kingdom's investigative sector
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- questioning
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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People and Society
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Photography
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Sociology
There is no fixed route to become a private investigator. But here are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting into this career.
Legal requirements to work as a private investigator
Technically, anyone can start offering their services as a private investigator.
But to collect, store and process data (as private investigators always do) you'll need to register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as a data controller. You should renew your registration every year.
Most solicitors and insurers will ask that you're registered with the ICO.
Although, many private investigators also study a Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (RQF). This is regarded as the gold standard qualification in the United Kingdom. It's widely respected by private investigation firms, solicitors and professional bodies. Other reputable qualifications include:
Private Investigator Diploma or Certificate
surveillance-specific training courses
report writing and court-ready evidence courses
You can use the My World of Work course search to explore what's available.
Work
Some careers can act as a springboard into a private investigator role. For example, working in the police, military, security, journalism, legal roles or research-based jobs can help you develop the skills you need to become a private investigator.
Many private investigators choose to join a professional body, such as the Association of British Investigators (ABI). Membership of ABI helps you network, earn client trust and stay updated on the latest ethical standards.
All private investigators must comply with the law. Many new private investigators get into trouble by misunderstanding surveillance and data access.
You must be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland. A PVG shows you're suitable for this type of work.
As a private investigator, you'll need a full UK driving licence.
There have been long-standing plans in the United Kingdom to introduce legislation that requires private investigators to hold a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and complete recognised training.
