How Do I Become a Private Investigator in Ontario?

Your Complete 2026 Guide to Training, Licensing Requirements & Starting Your PI Career

If you’re ready to Become a Private Investigator in Ontario, the path is far more approachable than many people realize. Private Investigators support a wide range of cases—from surveillance and evidence gathering to locating individuals and conducting research for legal and corporate clients. But before you can begin working in the field, the Ministry of the Solicitor General requires all PIs to hold a valid Ontario Private Investigator licence under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA).

This detailed guide walks you through each step of becoming a licensed PI in Ontario, outlining training requirements, the licensing process, exam expectations, and how to begin your investigative career with confidence.

---

Step 1: Understand the Basic Licensing Criteria

To apply for your Ministry-issued Ontario PI licence, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Be legally allowed to work in Canada

• Have a clean criminal record, as defined by PSISA and its regulations

• Complete the mandatory 50-hour Private Investigator basic training course

• Successfully pass the Ontario Private Investigator exam

You are also required to submit an official Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (digital PDF format for online submissions).

---

Step 2: Enroll in the Required 50-Hour Private Investigator Training Program

Before you can schedule the PI exam, Ontario law requires you to complete a ministry-approved 50-hour Private Investigator training course.

At Training Centre Canada, we offer an exceptional, industry-leading program that goes beyond the minimum requirements:

✔ 50-Hour Online Private Investigator Training – $199.99 + HST

Our online private investigator course is accessible instantly after purchase and is designed to help you excel both on the exam and in real investigative work.

What you receive with Training Centre Canada:

• 100% online PI course available 24/7

• Access on any device

• No time limits—your access never expires

• Narrated lessons for all learning styles

• Video recaps for every module

• A full mock surveillance demonstration

• Training developed by experienced investigators

• A Training Completion Number (TCN) issued immediately after completion

Whether you were searching for private investigator training, an online private investigator course, private investigator classes near me, private investigator training online, PI training, a private detective course, a private investigator certificate program, or the best private investigator training, our course consistently ranks as a top choice across Ontario.

💡 Note: Some people search for “free private investigator course.” We do offer a free cybersecurity awareness course, but it does not replace the mandatory 50-hour PI program.

---

Step 3: Write the Ontario Private Investigator Licensing Exam

After completing your training and receiving your TCN, you will book and complete the provincial PI exam.

Exam Details:

• Delivered online

• 60 multiple-choice questions

• 75 minutes to complete

• Passing score: 77%

• Based entirely on the ministry-approved curriculum

Once you pass, you will be issued an Ontario Testing Completion Number, which you need for your licence application.

---

Step 4: Submit Your Application for an Ontario Private Investigator Licence

You can apply online through your My Ontario Account or submit a paper application by mail.

Your application must include:

• Your Ontario Testing Completion Number

• Your Ontario mailing address

• Your Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (PDF)

• A ministry-compliant photograph

• Two valid pieces of government-issued ID

• A name-change document if your ID does not match

• The required application fee

Processing Times:

• Online applications: ~15 days

• Mail-in applications: ~30 days

Once approved, you will receive a digital Private Investigator licence, which must be accessible (printed or digital) any time you are working.

---

What a Private Investigator Does in Ontario

Under PSISA, a Private Investigator is defined as a person who:

“…conducts investigations, for remuneration, to provide information.”

This can include investigations involving:

• A person’s actions, character, or reputation

• Their employees or occupational activities

• The location of persons or property

Ontario PIs commonly handle matters involving:

• Surveillance

• WSIB and insurance investigations

• Infidelity and domestic cases

• Workplace investigations

• Fraud detection

• Missing persons

• Litigation support

---

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Private Investigator?

No. Ontario does not require a college or university degree to become a PI.

What is required:

• Completion of the 50-hour PI training course

• Passing the provincial licensing exam

• Submitting the application for your PI licence

While people often search for private investigator degree online or private detective course online, the Ministry only mandates the 50-hour training and exam.

---

Why Training Centre Canada Is the Preferred Choice for PI Training

Thousands of new investigators across Ontario choose Training Centre Canada because our program is truly built for real-world investigative success.

What makes our training different?

✔ Curriculum created by professional investigators
✔ Mock surveillance demonstration
✔ In-depth modules on surveillance preparation
✔ Narrated lessons and video-supported material
✔ 24/7 access on any device
✔ No course expiry ever
✔ Transparent pricing—no extensions or hidden fees

We don’t just teach the basics—we prepare you to confidently walk into your first assignment.

---

Start Your Career as a Private Investigator Today

If you’re ready to begin your journey, you can register for our Online Private Investigator Course for $199.99 + tax and start instantly.

👉 Learn at your own pace
👉 Receive your Training Completion Number right away
👉 Join thousands of graduates across Ontario

Start your Private Investigator training with Training Centre Canada—professional training built by investigators, for future investigators.

---

Ontario Private Investigator Industry Statistics (2023–2024)

Key Insights From the Ministry’s Annual Report

If you’re considering becoming a PI, these updated statistics demonstrate the growing demand for investigative services across Ontario.

---

🔍 Breakdown of the Regulated Industry (April 2024)

• Private Investigators: 1.5%

• Dual-Licensed (PI + SG): 1.4%

Although PIs represent a smaller segment of the industry, investigative work remains one of the most specialized and in-demand roles in the sector.

---

📈 Three-Year Growth in Licensed PIs

Interpretation:
PI licensing numbers have remained stable, while demand for investigative services (legal, insurance, workplace, and civil matters) has continued to rise.

---

🧪 PI Exam & Training Statistics

For 2023–2024:

• 75,361 total ministry tests completed (SG + PI)

• 5% increase in PI test attempts

• 87% overall pass rate (up 3% from previous year)

• 32% average annual increase in testing volume over three years

These figures highlight strong and growing interest in investigative careers.

---

💼 Earnings & Workforce Details for PIs

Based on Ontario labour data:

• Median Ontario wage: $17.56/hour

• Median Canadian wage: $18.64/hour

• Workforce age distribution:

  • 15–34: 50%

  • 35–64: 43%

  • 65+: 8%

The field draws workers across diverse age groups and continues to develop as demand increases.

---

🌎 Where PI Work Is Most Common

Major employment regions include:

• Toronto: 54%

• Ottawa: 14%

• Hamilton–Niagara: 7%

Investigation-heavy regions tend to align with legal, insurance, and corporate activity.

---

📊 Employment Outlook for PIs (2024–2025)

The Ministry projects a moderate employment outlook due to:

• Steady job creation

• New roles from retirements

• A manageable pool of qualified candidates

Those with strong surveillance, reporting, and digital investigation skills will have the best opportunities.

---

📝 Mandatory PI Training Requirements

To be licensed, every applicant must:

1. Complete the 50-hour Private Investigator course

2. Pass the Ontario PI exam

This is required under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005.

---

Start Your PI Training With Training Centre Canada

With thousands of graduates and one of Ontario’s top-rated programs, Training Centre Canada makes becoming a Private Investigator accessible, affordable, and career-focused.

Enroll today and take the first step toward your investigative career.