Ontario Private Investigator Training
Who can get a security guard licence?
To be Eligible for a Private Investigator Licence:
Must be at least 18 Years of age
Must be eligible to work in Canada
Must have a clean criminal record
Complete Online Training from a Ministry Approved Provider
The Private Investigator Course provides the comprehensive training required to begin a professional career in investigations. Exceeding the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General’s syllabus requirements, this program prepares learners to pass the provincial licensing exam and build a solid foundation for investigative work.
Once completed a Training Completion Number will be provided. This is what is used to book the licensing test.
About the Course:
This course provides the legal, ethical, and practical foundation required for private investigation work in Ontario. It covers the responsibilities of Private Investigators under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA), along with key areas such as criminal and civil law, investigative research, surveillance techniques, interviewing, human rights and bias awareness, communication strategies, and professional self-management.
The training is designed to help students understand how to gather and document information appropriately, communicate professionally with clients and subjects, make sound ethical decisions, and conduct investigative activities lawfully and effectively.
The course is delivered 100% online and is accessible 24/7, allowing students to complete the training on their own schedule. Course content is designed around current Ontario licensing requirements and relevant legislation.
Why Choose this Course?
- Meets and exceeds the Ontario Ministry’s mandatory training and licensing requirements.
- Builds essential investigative, analytical, and communication skills.
- Strengthens understanding of legal frameworks, including the PSISA and related statutes.
- Emphasizes ethical conduct, professional standards, and human rights awareness.
How to register to write your exam before applying for your licence
Before you apply for a licence, you must take the private investigator Basic Training course, pass the private investigator basic test, and have received your training completion number.
The Private Investigator Basic Training course must be at least 50 hours. Once the required training has been successfully completed, your training provider will issue a training completion number, which is required to register for the ministry test.
Testing can be completed online or at select DriveTest centres across Ontario and is subject to availability. A testing fee applies.
The ministry exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. You will have 75 minutes to complete the exam, and you must score 77% or higher in order to pass.
- You must complete the required training before you are eligible to register for the test.
- A valid training completion number is required to book the test.
- Test results are generally made available within 5 business days of completing the test.
- Once you have passed the test, you may apply for your Private Investigator licence through Ontario’s licensing system.
- Applicants must also meet Ontario’s other licensing requirements, including age, eligibility to work in Canada, criminal-record requirements, identification and application-document requirements.
- Ontario Private Investigator Study Guide
For more information on writing the security guard and private investigator basic testing exam, please visit the Ministry of the Solicitor General website.
Applying for a licence
A properly completed online Private Investigator licence application is typically processed within up to 15 calendar days.
Applicants applying online must submit the original, unaltered digital PDF of their Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. Scanned or altered copies are not accepted.
Once approved, your digital licence will be issued by email. Physical licence cards are no longer issued; however, you may download or print your licence through your Ontario.ca Login.
Government application fees apply.
Jobs in Private Investigation
Private investigator licensing can open the door to a variety of investigative career opportunities across private, corporate, legal, and insurance sectors.
Private Investigation Course:
Q&A
Who is responsible for getting my licence – me or my employer?
Security guards and private investigators are responsible for getting a licence and for renewing it before it expires.
How can I get information about the status of my application?
If you apply online you will be able to check the status of your application online within two business days through your ServiceOntario account. If you apply by mail, you may contact the Ministry of the Solicitor General for an update. Please keep in mind that it can take up to 30 business days to process an application.
Can I get a licence that allows me to work as both a security guard and a private investigator?
Yes. In order to get a dual licence, you must complete both basic training courses (or a dual course) and pass both tests. Contact RSMac Consulting about a discount on dual training modules.
What identification documents do I need to submit with my application?
You will need copies of two separate pieces of valid identification. One piece must prove that you are eligible to work in Canada. The other piece should be government issued and feature a photograph, your full legal name, your signature and your date of birth.
If you are applying by mail, you will need to submit photocopies of these documents. For online applications, you will need to scan these documents and have them ready to upload before you begin the application process.
Acceptable identification documents are listed in the application instructions on the web site
Can I get a licence if I have a criminal record?
The Eligibility to Hold a Licence - Clean Criminal Record regulation lists over 80 different offences that prevent you from getting a licence, unless you receive a pardon. These are known as prescribed offences.
Within five days of being convicted of a prescribed offence, you must update your criminal record information online or by completing a Change of Information Form and submitting it by mail.
For information on how to receive a pardon, contact your regional Parole Board of Canada office.
I already have a security guard or private investigator licence from outside of Ontario. Do I need an Ontario licence to work in Ontario?
An Ontario licence is required in order to work as a security guard and/or private investigator in Ontario. If you hold a valid security guard licence or private investigator licence from another province or territory and if that licence was issued to you after successful completion of training and/or testing you may be exempt from training and testing in Ontario.
Can I work as a security guard or private investigator if I’ve completed all of the necessary steps, but my licence card hasn’t arrived in the mail yet?
You must have a valid licence card to work as a security guard or private investigator. Working without a valid licence is a violation of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act and may lead to charges.
What testing accommodations can be made for people with disabilities?
The test provider, Serco DES Inc., meets the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act, 2005, which includes appropriate accommodation to ensure individuals with disabilities have equal access to testing services.
What is a digital licence?
If you apply for a licence online through ServiceOntario, you will be able to access a digital licence through your online account as soon as your application is approved.
The digital licence includes a QR code which can be used to verify the information printed on the licence. You must replace the printed digital licence with your plastic licence card once it arrives by mail.
How much can I make per hour as a private investigator?
Private Investigators must work for a licenced agency to provide Private Investigation services. Once you are hired by that agency, private investigators usually make approximately $21-$27 per hour depending on the location and the nature of the file. Senior investigators can make upwards of $45-$55 per hour.