Diploma in Private Investigation
Want to be a Private Investigator?
Become a Private Investigator, by studying at home.
This private investigation course will give you an amazing new career.
A year from now, you could be a private investigator. And as you walk down the street – any urban street – you’ll see things differently.
- You notice a man sitting in a car, trying to look unobtrusive.
- You see a woman weeping silently in her kitchen.
- You spot three youths shoplifting.
- An ex-convict is walking down the other side of the street.
- And there’s a white truck that looks, well, out of place.
- All around you the rest of the population goes about their business – unaware of the crime, the dramas and the threats surrounding them.
That’s the difference between you, the private investigator, and the ordinary Joe in the street.
PI’s see things that others don’t. They know things that others never will.
And they hear things that others don’t want to hear.
PIs walk alone, carrying their knowledge with them. Sometimes it’s a heavy burden.
Like police officers, they conduct investigations. But unlike the police, no one sees them. They work quietly and unobtrusively, relying on their instincts, their charm and their knowledge of the street.
Is this the job for you?
As a private investigator, you’ll work for yourself, deciding what jobs to take on, and which to reject.
It’s a tough job. You never know what will happen next.
And the outcome is entirely up to you. You’re the one who must make it work.
But being in charge brings you big benefits. Imagine being able to take the day off, whenever you want. You can listen in to your answerphone from the beach, and decide whether you want the assignment.
And the range of jobs is extraordinary. You’ll find missing people, track down defaulters, and investigate commercial theft for business owners.
You’ll check prospective partners for men and women. You’ll carry out surveillance. And gather evidence against criminals.
Yet the work is flexible. You can fit the job around your existing commitments. And it means an end to commuting. Many people reclaim extra hours every day – hours that you can spend with your family or earn more money.
Unlike franchises or other jobs, it takes very little money to become a PI. All you need is a desk and a telephone. Plus the knowledge that we’ll teach you.
QLS Level 4 Award
At the end of this course successful learners receive a Certificate of Achievement and a Learner Unit Summary.

Take the first step – register on the course
And how do you achieve this? By registering on our Diploma course.
We bring the private investigation course to your home – so you don’t have to take time off work.
You can study private investigation from home, or your garden, absorbing the information in peace and quiet.
Imagine never having to put up with bosses or time wasting colleagues. Just think – every penny you earn goes into your bank account.
Wouldn’t you like a job that lets you work for yourself, and where every day is different? No job in the world is as varied as that of the Private Investigator.
And the work is vitally important. You’ll be helping clients, doing a job they don’t know how to.
And, most importantly, it’s in demand. People know that a private investigator can get them the answers they need.
Your service will be welcomed by people who’ll seek your advice. And if you’re talking in a bar and someone says, ‘And what do you do for a living?’ imagine the awed response you’ll get.
People will want to seek your advice. They’ll want hints for solving the problems in their own life.
So it’s probably best to have a cover. You can say you work in housing. Or benefits.
It takes a special kind of person to be a Private Investigator.
You need the stillness of the wolf, willing to work alone. The patience of a lion, stalking its prey. And the intelligence of a chess player, thinking several moves ahead.
But most of all, you’ll need the practical information that we provide.
Do I need a licence?
You do not need a licence in the UK and many other countries. The UK Home Office has confirmed that the Security Industry Association will not be licensing private investigators. See our FAQ page here: https://inst.org/private-investigator-course/faqs/
In South Africa and some US states you will need a licence; so you should check with your town hall whether you will need one.
About the course
There are 16 modules in the course, covering 350 pages. It provides the most comprehensive coverage of the subject available anywhere in the world. So you’ll learn everything there is to know about the subject.
In addition, you get a PI’s Manual. You’ll have a source of useful information that you can consult long after finishing the course.
The course has been written by a set of practicing and experienced PIs, who have condensed their knowledge into fascinating, readable and well-structured materials. You get accurate, useful information.
It’s lively and easy to read. It provides a comprehensive coverage of the subject.
The course is full of self-assessment tests (complete with answers) that ensure you’ve understood the material. These self-assessment exercises allow you to quickly test your knowledge.
Plus, we’ll ask you to complete a selection of assignments, self assessed assignments, and interactive computer marked tests. This allows you to gain your Diploma.
The assignments are interesting, and are based on the real world. They aren’t designed to catch you out. By doing the assignments, you’ll learn more and you’ll build your knowledge.
You are given a year to study, and within this time frame you can structure a study plan that fits around your other commitments. If you’re in a hurry, you can complete the course as quickly as you want.
You can complete the course at your own pace
You do the course completely from home. You don’t have to attend classes, or sit an exam. We fit around you, not the other way around.
You acquire a whole new set of skills, and build on your existing experiences. It’s a rewarding experience for you.
The course lets you embark on a new career as a private investigator. You get a big increase in satisfaction. It’ll let you do something that you’ve wanted to do for a long time.
Student Testimonial
“All the way through I have had the pleasure in learning new skills and gaining information in how to conduct an investigation.
In the past I did a similar course and I felt that I didn’t get the same backing as I have had with this course.”
– Kevin Blunt, Diploma in Private Investigation student
Other features of the course
The course includes details on self-employment, something often missed out in other courses.
You will also be able to contact a course advisor at the Blackford Centre, if ever you need support. So you’ll always have someone to turn to.
Free Bonus
You get a free copy of Business Blueprints
This 47 page book contains complete step-by-step checklists for starting a successful business.
Click here to learn more about Business Blueprints.
How you study
There is no final exam – the assignments and Interactive Computer Marked Assessments (ICMA’s) continuously assess your progress. And as long as you read the course material and do the exercises, you’ll pass the assignments.
By completing the assignments, and passing the ICMA’s with 65% or higher, you will successfully pass the course.
Money Back Guarantee
We offer a 60 day money back guarantee in case you decide that the course isn’t right for you
Examine the course at your leisure for 60 days. And if you for any reason it doesn’t meet your needs, just let us know and we’ll refund your fees. No questions asked.
Why do we offer this? Simple. We don’t want unhappy former students. We’d rather stay friends. And it stands to reason that no course can suit absolutely everyone who registers on it.
Setting up your business

As you study the private investigation course, you’ll discover in great detail how to launch and market your PI business, something that many students lack confidence in. We’ll explain the legal requirements. So you’ll be able to set up your own practice with much greater confidence.
When you complete the course
When you complete the course, you’ll get a Diploma that you can print, frame and display.
You’ll command greater confidence among your clients. You’ll also have greater self-confidence.
You’ll also receive ‘Approved’ logos for your website and stationery. They demonstrate you’ve been examined and certified by us.
We look forward to helping you succeed.