Many investigators enter from the military or law enforcement jobs and apply their experience as law enforcement officers, military police, or government agents. Other investigators enter from such diverse fields as finance, accounting, investigative reporting, insurance, and law. These individuals often can apply their prior work experience in a related investigation specialty. The vast majority of States and the District of Colombia require that private investigators be licensed. Licensing requirements vary widely among the States, but, in most, the State police is the licensing authority.
Some States have very liberal requirements, while others have stringent regulations.
In contrast, other States may have little or no licensing requirements. A growing number of States are enacting mandatory training programs for private investigators. In States that require licensing, a felony conviction generally disqualifies a candidate from being granted a license. In most investigations firms, the screening process for potential employees includes a background check, consisting of confirmation of education, work experience, and criminal history, and interviews with references and others known to the applicant. Corporate and industrial security positions may require a criminal history check, a personal interview, an ethics interview, a practical test, verification of education claims, and license review as well as personal and employment references checks.