How to Become a Private Investigator Quick Start Guide

Education

Basic Private Detective Training Course
Seventy hours of classroom instruction by certified training instructor following the State Board guidelines.
Apply at:
- Gwinnett Technical College Link
  Course Name: Private Detective
  Instructor: Larry Davis
  Offered Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for ten weeks
- Clayton State University Link
  Course Name: Professional Investigator Certificate Program
  Instructor: Tripp Mitchell
  Offered Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for twenty weeks
- Online/Distance Learning
  Contact Larry Davis for additional information

Fingerprinting

Fingerprints should only be completed by applicants that are ready to submit their application to the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. Ideally, applicants should complete the fingerprinting process and submit their application within 10 to 14 days making it easier for the State Board to pair your fingerprint results with your application.

Register through Cogent Services at www.ga.cogentid.com/index.htm
- Select “Applicant Registration”.
- Select “Secretary of State”.
- Select “Private Detective/Security Business”.
- Read and accept privacy rights.
- On the application page, the receiving agency ID will automatically populate with the ID number GA920240Z. This designates that the results go to the GA Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
- Complete online application.
- Pay online and submit form for processing.
- Make a note of the registration number, as you will need it at the fingerprinting site.
Choose a location for fingerprinting at
www.ga.cogentid.com/GA_regions_html/GA_Regions_Main.htm

Registration for Private Investigators

Governed by Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies
- Application for Employee Registration to the Georgia Board
  This application requires the signature of the license holder of the company that you are registering with.
- Educational Requirements (see above)
- Fingerprinting

Licensure of Private Investigative Agency Licensing

Governed by Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
Download the application
- Educational Requirements (See above)
- Investigative Licensing Examination
- Two years of full-time private investigations experience
  -or-
- Two years prior law enforcement experience
  – or –
- Four-year degree in Criminal justice or closely related field

Professional Organizations

Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators
- Application (http://gappionline.org/gappI_application.pdf)
- Attend monthly luncheons – 2nd Tuesday of every month
  Attendees will receive one-hour of continuing education credit for each meeting.

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