Private Investigator Last updated 02/11/2025
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Prerequisites and Requirements
Prerequisites
Must be at least 18 years old; Must be eligible to work in the United States; Must be of good moral fitness as defined by law and administrative rule; Must have 1,500 hours of documented clock hours of investigatory work experience, an approved course of study, or a combination of work and study as approved by DPSST; Must have corporate surety bond, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution as defined in ORS 706.008 or such other security as DPSST may prescribe by administrative rule in the sum of at least $5,000, or errors or omission insurance in the sum of at least $5,000.Required Documentation
Three letters of professional references (none of which are from a person who is related to the applicant by blood or marriage), two recent passport-quality photograph taken in the last six months for inclusion on the license (electronic preferred), proof of corporate surety bond or errors or omissions insurance (see above); submission of fingerprints (on a DPSST-provided fingerprint card or through electronic submission through FieldPrint (more information available on DPSST website: https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/pi/Pages/Home.aspx); a signed PI Code of Ethics (Form PI-27).If applicable: Corporation Division Information if doing business under a assumed name.
Examination Information
Applicants for initial licensure as a private investigator are required to successfully complete an exam designed to test professional investigator competency.For information regarding the exam, please visit the DPSST website for Private Investigator Exams at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/PI/Pages/Exam%20Information.aspx
Exam Results: 86 percent or higher. Exam may be retaken up to three separate times, if the applicant does not pass, they must wait one year before retaking the exam.
It is recommended to view the informational video prior to taking the exam.
No exam required for renewal.