Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your PI Training

Choosing a Non-Certified or Unapproved Training Provider

The Risk of Enrolling in Unapproved Programs

Ontario has clear regulations under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA) requiring all prospective private investigators to complete a 40-hour training course from a provider approved by the Ministry. Courses offered by non-certified institutions may lack proper curriculum, up-to-date legal content, or the necessary assessments to prepare students for the licensing exam. Worse, they often do not meet the legal standards, making graduates ineligible to proceed with the exam or licence application.

How to Verify If a Course Is Approved

To protect yourself from enrolling in a non-compliant program, always:

• Check the official list of Ministry-approved training providers on the Ontario government’s website.
• Ask the training provider directly for their approval credentials and registration number.
• Look for transparency on the provider’s website or course brochures, specifically noting Ministry recognition.

Ignoring Career Planning and Licensing Steps After Training

Delays in Scheduling the Exam or Submitting Documents

After completing your 40-hour Ministry-approved course, you are eligible to schedule the Ontario Private Investigator Licence Exam. However, many students put off booking their exam, waiting weeks or even months. This can lead to forgotten material, test anxiety, or unnecessary gaps in your career timeline.

You also need to submit several documents as part of your licence application through ServiceOntario, including:

• Proof of course completion
• Government-issued ID
• A clean criminal background check

Waiting too long to prepare and submit these materials can significantly delay your ability to start working legally.

Not Budgeting for Exam or Licence Application Fees

Budgeting for the post-training phase is often overlooked. In Ontario, you can expect:

• Licensing exam fee: Approximately $66.50 (plus HST)
• Licence application fee: Varies, often around $80–100 for a two-year licence

For those entering the field independently, additional costs such as liability insurance, equipment, and uniforms may apply. Planning ahead financially will prevent any last-minute surprises that could stall your application.

Overlooking Next Steps Like Insurance, Networking, and Continued Learning

To launch a successful career as a private investigator in Ontario, you should go beyond the minimum requirements:

• Obtain professional liability insurance, especially if working as an independent contractor
• Join industry associations or networking groups to connect with employers and peers
• Stay current with laws and investigative techniques through continuing education or online seminars

Treating your private investigator training as the first step in a long-term career—not a one-off certification—will position you for growth and credibility in Ontario’s competitive field.

• , a mandatory step for obtaining your licence.
• You may lose time and money spent on unrecognized training.
• Your career progression could be delayed while you re-enrol with a certified provider and complete the course again.

Underestimating the Time Commitment

The Course Requires Approximately 40 Hours of Focused Study

The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General mandates a 40-hour Private Investigator Training course as a prerequisite for licensing. This course is packed with critical content, including:

• Surveillance techniques and laws
• Legal authorities and limitations
• Report writing and investigative procedures
  Students are expected to engage with each module thoroughly, whether in-person or online, to prepare adequately for the licensing exam.

Balancing Training with Work or Personal Responsibilities

Many participants underestimate how difficult it can be to juggle training with full-time jobs, parenting, or other life obligations. Without proper time management, students may fall behind or miss key learning objectives. Whether you choose a self-paced online course or an instructor-led program, setting aside dedicated study time is essential for retaining complex information and applying it during the exam.

Common Scheduling Mistakes to Avoid

Several avoidable scheduling errors can impact your success:

• Cramming the course into a weekend without absorbing the material
• Skipping sessions and assuming you’ll catch up later
• Failing to create a structured study plan aligned with your availability

Not Reviewing Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Early On

Many Students Overlook the Complexity of Ontario’s Legal System

Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA), the Criminal Code of Canada, and various privacy laws define the legal limits of a private investigator’s role. Without a firm grasp of these frameworks, students often struggle to understand what they are—and are not—legally permitted to do. This includes everything from making observations in public spaces to handling sensitive personal data.

Importance of Understanding Privacy Laws, Surveillance Ethics, and Boundaries

Training programs include critical modules on:

• Privacy legislation, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Surveillance techniques that respect legal and ethical boundaries
• Situational judgment on handling evidence, data, and client confidentiality

Failing to take these topics seriously can lead to unlawful practices, complaints, or disqualification from obtaining a licence.

Why This Foundational Knowledge Is Critical to Success and Passing the Exam

Legal and ethical topics make up a significant portion of the Ontario Private Investigator Licensing Exam. Questions are designed to test not just knowledge, but judgment—such as knowing how to act in a grey-area scenario. If you skip these subjects early in training, you’ll likely struggle to pass the exam and face gaps in your readiness for the field.

Failing to Prepare for the Licensing Exam Properly

Mistaking Course Completion for Exam Readiness

Completing a Ministry-approved 40-hour course is only the first step. The Private Investigator Licence Exam, administered by Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General, tests not just memory but your understanding of laws, ethical decisions, and investigative procedures. Students often find the exam more challenging than expected when they fail to go beyond passive learning.

Not Practising Sample Questions or Reviewing Course Material

To improve your chances of success:

• Use practice exams and quizzes available through your training provider or third-party study resources
• Revisit complex topics, such as legal authority, use of force, and privacy laws
• Review training manuals and notes regularly, especially in the days leading up to your exam date

Consistent and active review helps reinforce key concepts and improves recall under test conditions.

Overconfidence Leading to Poor Exam Performance

Some students enter the exam overconfident, especially if they have law enforcement, military, or related experience. However, the Ontario licensing exam follows a specific format and regulatory scope that must be respected. Underestimating the exam’s complexity can lead to preventable failure, requiring you to retake the test and delay your licensing process.

Ignoring Career Planning and Licensing Steps After Training

Delays in Scheduling the Exam or Submitting Documents

After completing your 40-hour Ministry-approved course, you are eligible to schedule the Ontario Private Investigator Licence Exam. However, many students put off booking their exam, waiting weeks or even months. This can lead to forgotten material, test anxiety, or unnecessary gaps in your career timeline.

You also need to submit several documents as part of your licence application through ServiceOntario, including:

• Proof of course completion
• Government-issued ID
• A clean criminal background check

Waiting too long to prepare and submit these materials can significantly delay your ability to start working legally.

Not Budgeting for Exam or Licence Application Fees

Budgeting for the post-training phase is often overlooked. In Ontario, you can expect:

• Licensing exam fee: Approximately $66.50 (plus HST)
• Licence application fee: Varies, often around $80–100 for a two-year licence

For those entering the field independently, additional costs such as liability insurance, equipment, and uniforms may apply. Planning ahead financially will prevent any last-minute surprises that could stall your application.

Overlooking Next Steps Like Insurance, Networking, and Continued Learning

To launch a successful career as a private investigator in Ontario, you should go beyond the minimum requirements:

• Obtain professional liability insurance, especially if working as an independent contractor
• Join industry associations or networking groups to connect with employers and peers
• Stay current with laws and investigative techniques through continuing education or online seminars