PIABC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Understanding Professional Development for Private Investigators

Professional development is essential for private investigators in British Columbia. Continuous learning enables you to keep up with changes in the industry, hone your investigative tools and techniques, and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. It ensures that you are well-equipped to handle the complex nature of the work—from surveillance and information gathering to digital forensics and conflict resolution.

Why Professional Development Matters for Private Investigators

  • Stay current. Stay up to date with new technologies, methodologies, and legal regulations so you can use the latest tools and comply with the laws in your region.
  • Boost skills. Sharpen your skills so you can deliver high quality services and adapt to a variety of situations.
  • Act ethically. Protect client confidentiality and uphold best practices by applying ethical standards to your practice.
  • Build credibility and trust. Show clients that you’re dedicated to your professional growth and that you’re committed to providing reliable and effective services.

Professional Security Knowledge Network

$600

This includes the cost of one Provincial Licensing Exam

Delivered in English, this course is the equivalent to 60 hours of classroom instruction.

How to Get Your Private Investigator Licence in BC

You need a licence to operate as a private investigator in British Columbia. If you have a licence from another province or territory, you still need to have a BC licence to work in this province.

Here’s how to get your private investigator licence in British Columbia:

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements: You must be at least 19 years old, a Canadian resident, fluent in English, and trained for the type of licence you’re applying for.
  2. Complete Required Training: Take the Introduction to Private Investigation course and exam through the Private Security Knowledge Network (PSKN) or courses that cover the fundamentals of private investigation.
  3. Demonstrate Relevant Experience: Demonstrate 2,000 hours of private investigation work within the last five years or 10 years of police work in a Canadian police force.
  4. Submit an Application: Visit the Government of British Columbia website and complete the application process.

For more information on the PSKN course and the licensing process, please visit our How to Become a PI in BC page.

Mandatory Training: Introduction to Private Investigation in British Columbia

This course is the first stop in every British Columbia private investigator’s journey. You’ll need to complete this course and exam to earn your private investigator’s licence.

Delivered by the Professional Security Knowledge Network (PSKN), the Introduction to Private Investigation – British Columbia course provides comprehensive training for people looking to build the essential knowledge and skills needed to work in the field.

The course meets legislated knowledge-based training requirements for anybody who wants to obtain a private investigator’s security licence in the province of British Columbia. It is made up of four modules, and covers the following areas:

  • Licensing, Liability and Safety
  • Legal
  • Basic Tools of the Trade
  • Technological Aids

For more information, please visit the PSKN website.

Cost

$600

Duration

Equivalent to 60 hours of classroom instruction

Language

English

Become a Certified Canadian Professional Investigator

Professional Investigators’ Association of British Columbia (PIABC) promotes the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in our industry. We developed the Certified Canadian Professional Investigator (CCPI) designation for members and associate members to demonstrate their adherence to our high standards of ethics, competence and conduct.

To be eligible for CCPI designation, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Active PIABC Membership or an approved Canadian Professional Investigators’ Association approved by PIABC.
  • Licensed as a private investigator in Canada where you reside for a minimum of three (3) years.
  • Agree to maintain compliance with the PIABC Code of Conduct.
  • Provide proof of a minimum of 900 hours work experience in the past three (3) years.
  • Pass the Introduction to Private Investigation Course within the past three (3) years. (waived for BC Private Investigators for limited time)

Please see the website for links to schedules to assist documenting the above requirements.

For more information, please visit our Certified Canadian Professional Investigator webpage.

How PIABC Supports Our Members with Professional Development

When you’re a PIABC member, we’ll support your ongoing professional development in a variety of ways. PIABC members enjoy many benefits including:

  • PIABC webinars
  • A helpful study guide for the PSKN Private Investigation course as part of our Student Subscription.
  • Affordable rates for our engaging annual conference to network with peers and develop skills on topics like Artificial Intelligence, cryptocurrency fraud, workplace investigations, and more.
  • Practical webinars led by industry leaders to support ongoing professional development.
  • Opportunity to earn the Certified Canadian Professional Investigator (CCPI)

Other Professional Development Opportunities in British Columbia

Online Courses

University Programs

Polytechnic Institute Programs

Other Professional Development and Training

College Programs

Justice Institute of British Columbia