Occupation
Private investigator
Carries out investigations for private clients, insurers, or law firms: tracing people, verifying claims, conducting surveillance, and checking backgrounds. Findings are delivered as written reports and sometimes as testimony, so lawful method and accurate note-taking matter more than speed. Investigators hold no police powers.
Also known as: Private detective · Licensed investigator · Insurance investigator
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Occupation content
Part of Public safety, defence and emergency response
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Take instructions from a client and scope what can lawfully be done
Conduct surveillance and record observations with times and locations
Search public records, registries, and open sources for corroboration
Interview cooperative witnesses and document their statements
Write investigation reports and preserve exhibits for possible court use
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
Investigator licensing course and examination set by the local regulator
Experience in policing, insurance, military, or security followed by licensing
College diploma in investigation or criminal justice before applying for a licence
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Regulated in most jurisdictions. Confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Works independently
- Varied work
- Involves travel
- Client sites
Works independently · Varied work · Involves travel · Client sites
Related interests
- Investigative (analytical)
- Enterprising (leading)
- Realistic (hands-on)
Investigative (analytical) · Enterprising (leading) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
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Official sources
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Public safety, defence and emergency response in Canada, not a figure for Private investigator. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
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Public safety, defence and emergency response: education pathways
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Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Public safety, defence and emergency response: licensing
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