How to Become a Private Investigator in Vermont

Are you interested in becoming a detective in Vermont?

It’s an interesting job for people seeking something new and thrilling.

Before you begin, remember there are things you need to learn.

Let’s find out what it takes to become an excellent private investigator!

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Private Investigator Requirements and Duties

Becoming a private investigator in Vermont has specific requirements:

• You must be at least 21 years old.
• You need to be eligible to work in the United States.
• A background check is a must.
• If you were dishonorably discharged from the military, you can’t become a private investigator in Vermont.
• Your financial status doesn’t affect getting licensed.
• If a court found you mentally unfit, you can’t get a license.
• Insurance isn’t needed to get licensed.

You can’t get a license if you’ve been convicted of certain crimes in the last five years, have charges pending, or need to register as a sex offender.

As a private detective, your daily tasks include:

• Observing one person at a time.
• Taking clear videos and photos from a distance.
• Staying healthy and fit.
• Understanding what your clients want and need.

Private Investigator Training in Vermont

Here’s what you need to become a licensed investigator in Vermont:

In Vermont, you need two years of investigative experience with a licensed investigator.

But if you’ve worked as a law enforcement officer for two years, you’re already good to go.

There’s no written exam for private investigators in Vermont.

The next step you will need to take is to find a school to train in.

In Vermont, you get a few different options.

Northern Vermont University

The school’s criminal justice program offers a path for students interested in various careers or planning to pursue graduate studies, where they can earn either a B.S. or A.S. degree.

They offer options like summer, winter, condensed, and online classes to accommodate different schedules.

The program covers traditional aspects like:

• Law enforcement
• Corrections
• Courts
• Juvenile justice,

It also goes into issues such as:

• Terrorism
• Media and crime
• Environmental justice
• Women’s involvement in crime

Regardless of your focus, you’ll graduate well-prepared for a career or further studies.

Some of the courses provided include:

• Investigation Sciences
• GIS Crime Mapping in Communities
• Advanced GIS Techniques
• Criminal Justice Administration

These courses equip you with valuable skills that make you stand out in the job market.

Furthermore, they offer special topics courses each year.

These include:

• The war on drugs
• Gangs
• Rural criminology

NITA

NITA Training Academy offers online courses for aspiring private investigators.

These courses aim to enhance investigative skills and prepare students for the licensing exam.

Course prices range from $99 to $350, depending on the specific class.

Some classes provide additional education in this field.

PI Education

PI Education offers a 70-hour course as a prep program before getting licensed.

This course is fully online, so a reliable computer and internet connection are essential.

Completing the course earns you 70 credit hours.

To enroll, you must pay a tuition fee of $399.

Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Vermont

To get started, you’ll need to pay a $60 fee for your temporary license.

If you’re planning to work without a firearm, the fee for your full license is $150.

If you’re planning to carry a firearm, the fee is $200.

For registration, when you apply for your temporary license, you need to include:

• A 2-inch by 2-inch photograph
• Complete both an FBI background check
• A Vermont Criminal Information Center background check

Once you’ve finished your training, paid your full license fee, and your background checks are approved, you will get your license.

To maintain your PI license, you’ll need to renew it once every 24 months.

Renewals for unarmed licenses cost $120, while renewals for armed licenses cost $180.

Salaries for Private Investigators in Vermont

After you’ve obtained your license, it’s thrilling to begin searching for your first job.

Before you jump in, you may wonder about your potential earnings.

In Vermont, private investigators typically earn around $49,002 per year.

However, this amount can change based on factors like your location, education, and experience.

For more detailed information about salaries in the state, take a look at the table below.

Private Investigator by State