PI Accreditation and Licensing Requirements 3

Question 1

A state PI licensing board requires 'good moral character.' Which of the following would MOST likely satisfy this standard?

Accepted Answer

No felony convictions and positive professional references

Answer

Passing a written ethics exam only

Answer

Holding a college degree in criminal justice

Answer

Completing a state-approved firearms course

Question 2

Which organization offers the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation that some PIs pursue to complement their state license?

Accepted Answer

ASIS International

Answer

National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI)

Answer

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

Answer

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of requiring errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for licensed PI agencies in states that mandate it?

Accepted Answer

To compensate clients harmed by negligent investigative work

Answer

To cover criminal defense costs if the PI is arrested

Answer

To pay state licensing renewal fees automatically

Answer

To insure surveillance equipment against theft

Question 4

In states with a two-tier licensing system, what is the distinction between a 'PI license' and a 'PI agency license'?

Accepted Answer

The individual license authorizes personal practice; the agency license authorizes employing other investigators

Answer

The agency license allows interstate investigations; the individual license does not

Answer

The individual license requires more continuing education than the agency license

Answer

There is no practical distinction—they are interchangeable

Question 5

A PI's license is suspended for 90 days. What must the PI do regarding active client cases during the suspension?

Accepted Answer

Immediately cease all investigative activities and notify clients

Answer

Continue work until the suspension takes effect on a set future date

Answer

Transfer cases to any unlicensed subcontractor

Answer

Work under the client's supervision without a license

Question 6

Which continuing education topic is MOST commonly mandated by state licensing boards for PI license renewal?

Accepted Answer

Legal updates, privacy law, and ethics

Answer

Advanced firearms training

Answer

Cyber forensics certification

Answer

Marketing and client acquisition

Question 7

Under most state laws, how must a PI identify themselves when asked by a member of the public during an investigation?

Accepted Answer

State their name and that they are a licensed private investigator

Answer

Show a badge identical to law enforcement officers

Answer

Refuse to answer to protect confidentiality

Answer

Present only their business card without further disclosure