At the present time, there is no requirement to have a licence. However, the Private Security Industry Act 2001, will result in the licensing of the activities of a Private Investigator and this is expected to commence in 2010. Although the licensing criteria have yet to be decided, there will be proof of competence required by the licensing authority.

The Edexcel BTEC Diploma in Advanced Private Investigation Level 3 will undoubtedly prove your level of competence, which will be paramount in the obtaining of a private investigators licence.

We strongly recommend that you enrol on your course and study for your Diploma at the earliest opportunity to enable you to be working within the investigation industry before licensing is implemented.

Scotland and Ireland

In Scotland and Ireland very similar legislation is in the process of being enacted which broadly follows the same line as above.

Licensing Outside the United Kingdom

Licensing varies greatly throughout the the world, ranging from no licensing requirement at all, to strictly enforced conditions. Therefore, it is important that students should check the licensing requirements for the country they wish to trade in as a Private Investigator.