How To Become a Private Investigator In South Carolina

Would You Make a Good Detective?

If you have a strong interest in legal matters and enjoy solving mysteries you might enjoy a career as a Private Investigator (P.I.). Private Investigators perform a wide range of detective duties, including searching for lost and stolen items and finding evidence for divorce and child custody court cases. They have fantastic tracking abilities and are often hired to find missing people. They may work for a private or government organization or run their own private investigation business. Once a Private Investigator receives his P.I. Business License he can choose to work alone, but during the P.I. training period he must work under the supervision of a licensed Private Investigator.

Educational Requirements and Recommendations

Complete high school level English and math courses. You do not need a high school diploma or GED to become Private Investigator in South Carolina, but you will need strong English and mathematics skills while working as a P.I. Private Investigators who hold a law-related college or university degree may end up receiving higher payment for their services. If you decide that you want to pursue a degree program, meet with your guidance counselor to discuss high school course options and college or university requirements.

Complete your college or university degree or take a private investigator program. Although you do not need to have any formal education to become a private investigator in South Carolina you will need to find work as a private investigator in order to get a P.I. license. Taking a private investigator course may help you to get a better private investigation job while fulfilling your work requirements. The ITT Technical Institute offers Criminal Justice degree programs in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina, as well as online.

Work Experience Requirements

Get three years (6,000) of private investigation work experience. You must work as a private investigator in a licensed private investigative or government agency, a law firm or a private or non-profit organization. The South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) must approve of all work locations. You will have to provide SLED with details of your work experience so keep a record of details such as work hours, employment addresses, and the names of business owners or supervisors.

Licensing Requirements

Apply for a new Private Investigation Business License at the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division Regulatory Services. U.S. citizens over the age of 18 may apply. Submit Form PD/PS-9, your fingerprint cards and photo, along with your application. You must pay the required $350 license fee when you apply. Check the SLED website for the full list of applicant requirements before handing in your application.

Tips

Those working in certain law enforcement jobs or who have a criminal record may not be eligible for a New Private Investigation Business License. Review the application ineligibility list document which is available on the SLED website.

Licensed and registered P.I.s in South Carolina must receive 12 hours of continuing education each year in order to qualify for license renewal. Approved education programs are listed on the SLED website.

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