How To Become A Private Investigator In North Carolina (NC) 2024

  • by
  • March 20, 2024

Being fond of running background checks on almost anyone you meet is a hobby you can turn into a job. Would you not love it if we showed you how to make a wholesome living out of your will to become a private investigator, especially in North Carolina (NC)?

Owing to the fact that technology keeps advancing and it has happened the pattern in which most activities are carried out, you’ll be provided with a highlight of how to do the jobs of a private investigator using online databases.

Also, you’ll find a list of all it takes in requirements and training to become a successful private investigator in North Carolina.

To get the overview of all listed above, kindly review the table below.

Table of contents

Who Is A Private Investigator?

According to Wikipedia, a private investigator is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services. This professional often works for attorneys in both criminal and civil cases.

Informally, this professional was either called a private eye, a private detective, or even an inquiry agent.

These individuals are known for carrying out background checks and being involved in surveillance activities. PIs are as good as their techniques, regardless.

What Does A Private Investigator Do?

Basically, a private investigator does many complicated things when compared to other professions but to make you get familiar with the kind of job they do, a list is provided below.

As the name private investigator implies, a PI carries out secret investigations on:

  • The recovery of lost individuals or properties
  • Causes of infernos, accidents, or even loss of lives
  • Discovering peoples personal dealings and character
  • Securing evidence for use in court, or investigative committee, and Crime
  • Identifying the location of a stolen property
  • Protecting individuals from bodily harm that may eventually lead to death.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Private Investigator In North Carolina (NC)?

Basically, there is no stipulated time to become a private investigator in North Carolina.

It is your level of education and how fast you are to obtaining the license that expedites your professionalism.

What Are The Skills Required To Become A Private Investigator In North Carolina?

Apart from the educational requirement and meeting up with the basic prerequisites that may be required of you to become an efficient PI in NC, there are some key skills you must possess to aid you to carry out your duties perfectly.

These skills include

  • Excellent knowledge of what the law says
  • Proficient in the use of computers and their applications
  • Good observation skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Keen eye
  • Patience

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Private Investigator In NC?

The notable cost in becoming a private investigator is the amount you pay for your fingerprint checks and application.

The amounts are presented as $38 and $150, respectively and vary by state.

What Kind Of Training Do I Need To Become A PI In NC?

You need to undergo various forms of training if you want to make the most out of the private investigating career. All you need to do is go for one that suits your schedule.

However, it is important to note that many states have a special kind of training that you must complete to become a private investigator or, even a licensed PI.

Therefore, you can engage yourself in:

  • A degree program
  • Certificate program
  • Home study courses
  • Internships
  • Continuing education

Training Resources for A Private Investigator In North Carolina

The following are some of the courses you will encounter during training to enable you effectively and efficiently carry out your job as a private investigator.

  • Surveillance learning courses
  • Death investigations courses
  • Forensic photography courses
  • Interviewing witness courses
  • Bounty hunting training
  • Private investigation laws and ethics
  • Skip Tracing

Salary And Job Outlook Of A Private Investigator In North Carolina?

According to BLS, there are about 460 PIs who are employed all across North Carolina. Therefore, their average salary is equated to $39,400.

Indeed posits that the average salary for private investigators on an hourly mode is about $22.54. Also, Salary.com presented the PI salary in NC to be $45,102.

However, it ranges between $36,502 and $54,602. Many factors could contribute to the rise and fall in earnings, including certifications, additional skills, education, and how much experience you have gained in the profession.

Generally, the job outlook for PIs in North Carolina is expected to grow by 6.4% in the next seven years, which is higher than the national average.

Which Schools Can I Attend To Become A Private Investigator In North Carolina?

Basically, private investigation isn’t a course or program you must undertake in a higher institution to obtain a certificate before you can start practising.

Since you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field or its equivalent, we’ll list some of the schools in NC that offer those courses.

So, they are as follows;

  • North Carolina State University
  • Johnson C. Smith University
  • University of Mount Olive
  • Gardner-Webb University
  • Barton College
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • William Peace University
  • Appalachian State University
  • Pfeiffer University
  • Salem College

What Are The Requirements To Become A Private Investigator In North Carolina?

Usually, the basic requirements for becoming a private investigator vary according to the states.

Although, there are set boundaries to one not becoming a private investigator like having any sort of criminal conviction.

Below are the general requirements.

~1 Obtain A High School Diploma or Its Equivalent

Before securing a job as a private investigator in NC, you should at least possess a high school diploma.

~2 Age

The minimum age you can attain to be a PI is 18, but, if you want to spice your job up by carrying firearms, you should be 21 years of age.

Anything below these, you are not fit to be one.

~3 Consider an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

To expedite your job growth and advancement, you should consider obtaining either of the aforementioned degrees.

This opens you up to many job opportunities and serves as a fast track to your earnings.

~4 Job Experience

To further boost your chances as a private investigator, job experience in a related field is an added advantage.

Additionally, if you are still in the paralegal field, you can choose your career as a private investigator as a second one.

How To Become A Licensed PI in NC

Private investigators in North Carolina obtain their licenses through the North Carolina Department of Justice. So, to become licensed, you must meet the following requirements.

Step 1 Meet North Carolina Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old and 21 to be an armed PI
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Be a US citizen or resident alien
  • Have a good character

Step 2: Obtain The Necessary Education and Training in North Carolina

Before you can apply for a license as a private investigator in North Carolina, you should have at least 3 years of experience carrying out investigations with either of the following: a private person, association, firm, US Armed Forces, Municipal law enforcement agency, or any other government agency.

The following are the credits you will need for any of these degrees.

  • Associate’s:  400 hours
  • Bachelor’s:  800 hours
  • Graduate:  1200 hours

More so, if you are applying to carry a firearm, you must complete these classroom instructions for unarmed security guards.

  • The Security Officer in North Carolina
  • Legal Issues for Security Officers
  • Emergency Response
  • Communications

Suppose you do not have the necessary training to become a licensed PI. In that case, you can either work as an associate or under the full supervision of a fully licensed private investigator in North Carolina.

Step 3: Submit Your North Carolina Application

After you are done acquiring the necessary training, you go ahead to submit your application to the North Carolina Department of Justice.

There, you will be asked to provide more information or submit the following.

  • Application (for armed or unarmed registration)
  • Fingerprint authorization card
  • Photograph of head and shoulders were taken within the past six months
  • Full name with your last name first
  • First four digits of your social security number
  • Type of license

In addition, you will need to submit your criminal record check for each country that you have been a resident in for the past sixty months.

Step 4: After Applying What Next?

Once you’ve been licensed, you will have a pocket identification card in your possession which you must have on you when carrying out your duties as a private investigator.

If you are also licensed to carry a firearm, you may be subject to additional requirements from the state. Also, you will be required to renew the firearm permit annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

A private investigator is someone who carries out background checks on a lot of things as the loss of lives, personal matters, accidents, etc.

According to BLS, the average salary for a PI in NC is$39,400.

The schools where you can study courses relating to the private investigation are as follows:
1. North Carolina State University
2. Johnson C. Smith University
3. University of Mount Olive
4. Gardner-Webb University
5. Barton College

References

Recommendation

— Previous article

Full Circle Scholarship 

Next article —

Best Countries to Study Abroad 

You May Also Like