Requirements for Private Investigator Training by Province

Overview of Canada-Wide Standards

Across Canada, private investigator training programs follow certain foundational guidelines to ensure competency and public safety. These shared expectations form the core of PI licensing requirements in most provinces.

• Courses typically cover criminal and civil law, privacy legislation, surveillance skills, and interviewing techniques
• All provinces require candidates to complete a provincially approved training program before taking the licensing exam
• Minimum eligibility often includes being at least 18 years old, legally entitled to work in Canada, and having no criminal record

Private Investigator Training Requirements in Ontario

In Ontario, becoming a licensed private investigator involves a clearly defined and regulated process set out by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. This ensures all private investigators are adequately trained to handle sensitive investigations while upholding legal and ethical standards. Whether you’re starting a new career or transitioning from law enforcement or security, understanding Ontario’s training requirements is essential.

50-Hour Training Course: All applicants must complete a Ministry-approved 50-hour training course. This course can be taken online or in person and must be delivered by a recognized provider.

Core Curriculum Topics: The training must include instruction on:

• Surveillance techniques and investigative procedures
• Note-taking and report writing
• Criminal and civil law relevant to private investigations
• Privacy legislation and client confidentiality
• Professional conduct and ethical obligations

Provincial Licensing Exam: After training, candidates must pass the Ontario Private Investigator Licence Exam, which tests knowledge across the topics covered in the course. A passing score is typically 77% or higher.

Applying for a Licence: Once the exam is passed, applicants can submit their licence application via ServiceOntario. This includes providing proof of training, exam results, identification, and payment of the applicable fee.

Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for licensing, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada (e.g., Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or with a valid work permit)
• Pass a criminal background check conducted as part of the application

Meeting these requirements allows individuals to legally work as private investigators anywhere in Ontario, offering services in areas such as fraud investigation, surveillance, background checks, and more.

Comparison: Training Requirements by Province

While all provinces in Canada require training and licensing to become a private investigator, the specific details—such as training hours and the licensing authority—can vary significantly. The following table compares Ontario’s requirements with those of other major provinces to help aspiring investigators understand key regional differences.

This comparison highlights Ontario’s structured approach with a fixed 50-hour training course, while other provinces like Quebec and Manitoba allow for varied training hours based on the program or institution. Regardless of the location, passing a final exam and being approved by a provincial licensing body remains a universal requirement.