Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

If you are a Licensed Private Investigator or Security Consultant whether it be restricted or unrestricted and you agree to the professional code of conduct, you can make an application to become a member.   See membership tab for more information

Please review the government site for more info – Security Industry Licensing 

You must have an ‘unrestricted’ PI license and years of well documented industry experience before you can apply through the Province of British Columbia to start your own business.  Business License Qualifications 

No.  A Private Investigator or Security Consultant cannot work directly for any client.  Only a PI businesses licensed by the Security Programs Registrar can work for clients or public.  An individual Private Investigator or Security Consultant can only be an employee of a private investigation firm licensed by the Security Programs Registrar.

If you have private investigation (or security consulting) training or certification from another Province and want to work in British Columbia, submit documentation demonstrating your training and experience to the Security Licensing Government Registrar

Before applying to the Security Programs Licensing Division of British Columbia, you must complete the online course Introduction to Professional Investigation by the Private Security Knowledge  Network (Canadian Police Knowledge Network) or an equivalent course by another school. PIABC recommends PSKN

Persons entering the PI field do so as ‘under supervision’ investigators. They are required to accumulate 2000 hours of training and work experience before they qualify for an ‘unrestricted’ investigator’s license. Training is available through the Professional Security Knowledge Network.

In British Columbia, professional investigators as well as locksmiths, security guards, security systems installers fall under the category of Security Worker. The government site explains how to become a licensed investigator in British Columbia and provides all the relevant links to government forms Security Industry Licensing

Licensing is administered by the BC Government in Victoria under Security Programs Division and all the details and requirements are available Security Industry Licensing

PIABC is an volunteer Association of Professional Licensed Private Investigators and Security Consultants in British Columbia.  We also offer an Associate membership option to Private Investigators and Security Consultants lawfully licensed in other jurisdictions. The Mission of PIABC is to establish and maintain a high standard of ethics for its members; to disseminate information relating to ethical practice in private investigation; to provide professional development to its members, to encourage association between owners and operators of private investigation companies, agencies and security professionals; to educate the communities which the members serve about private investigation and the services rendered to the public.