Top 11 Criminal Investigator Certifications

Certifications are important for a criminal investigator in the job market because they help demonstrate to potential employers that a candidate is knowledgeable and experienced in their field. Certifications provide tangible evidence of a candidate's qualifications, expertise, and commitment to their profession. They also signal to employers that an individual has the necessary abilities and experience to be successful in a criminal investigation role. Furthermore, certifications often include additional training which can provide investigators with specialized skills they may not have otherwise obtained. Finally, certifications can open up opportunities for promotion within an organization as well as career advancement into higher-level positions.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Criminal Investigators and explain how they can help to advance a criminal investigator's career.

What are Criminal Investigator Certifications?

Criminal investigator certification is a professional credential that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful criminal investigators. This type of certification typically requires applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related fields, as well as several years of experience working in law enforcement.

The purpose of criminal investigator certification is to provide professionals with the training and education needed to effectively conduct investigations into crimes such as homicide, fraud, narcotics trafficking, organized crime, sexual assault, terrorism, and other serious offenses. Certification programs typically cover topics such as interviewing techniques, evidence collection and preservation, interrogation methods and techniques, legal issues related to investigations, investigative report writing and more.

Having a criminal investigator certification can significantly improve an individual’s chances of being hired for investigative positions within law enforcement agencies. It also demonstrates that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required by employers when hiring new investigators. Additionally, having this type of certification may open up opportunities for advancement within the field. Those with this credential may be able to secure promotions or higher-level positions much quicker than those without it.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research and understand the requirements for criminal investigator certification in your state or region, as they can vary significantly. Additionally, consider pursuing additional certifications in related fields such as forensics or law enforcement to further enhance your credentials.

Related: What does a Criminal Investigator do?

Top 11 Criminal Investigator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Criminal Investigators today.

1. Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI)

Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI) is a professional certification offered by the American College of Forensic Examiners International (ACFEI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of criminal investigation. The CCI certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of criminal investigation, evidence collection, and analysis.

The CCI certification program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master. Each level requires a different amount of coursework and experience in order to qualify for the exam. To become certified at the Basic level, applicants must complete 40 hours of approved training courses and pass an exam. For Advanced certification, applicants must complete 80 hours of approved training courses and pass an exam. Finally, for Master certification, applicants must complete 120 hours of approved training courses and pass an exam.

In order to maintain their certification, CCIs must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years. Additionally, they must adhere to ACFEI’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

The cost for the CCI program varies depending on which level you are applying for. The Basic level costs $250 USD; the Advanced level costs $500 USD; and the Master level costs $750 USD. All fees include registration fees as well as materials needed for the coursework and exams.

Overall, becoming a Certified Criminal Investigator can be a lengthy process that requires dedication and commitment from those interested in obtaining this highly sought-after credential.

2. Certified Forensic Investigator (CFI)

A Certified Forensic Investigator (CFI) is a professional who has been trained and certified to investigate digital forensics. A CFI is a person who is qualified to investigate, analyze, and interpret digital evidence in a court of law. The CFI must be knowledgeable in the areas of network security, computer forensics, data recovery, and other related fields.

It typically takes between one to two years to become a CFI. To become certified, you must complete an approved training program or course. This usually includes both online and classroom instruction. You will also need to pass an examination given by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).

The cost for becoming a CFI varies depending on the training program you choose and any additional certifications you may wish to pursue. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars for basic certification up to several thousand dollars for more advanced certifications.

In order to maintain your certification as a CFI, you must adhere to the IACIS Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as well as stay current with continuing education requirements set forth by IACIS.

3. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification awarded by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). It is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. The CFE credential is designed for professionals who investigate or detect financial fraud and white-collar crime.

The CFE credential requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of the four main areas of fraud examination: Fraud Prevention, Fraud Detection, Fraud Investigation, and Fraud Deterrence. To apply for the CFE credential, an applicant must have at least two years of professional experience in the field of fraud examination or related fields such as accounting, auditing, law enforcement or legal services.

The process to become a CFE typically takes 6-8 months. During this time period, applicants are required to complete an online application form and submit it along with other required documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. After submitting the application form and documents, applicants are required to take an online exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to fraud examination.

The cost to become a CFE varies depending on your membership status with ACFE. For non-members, it costs $400 USD for the application fee plus $400 USD for the exam fee; for members it costs $250 USD for the application fee plus $250 USD for the exam fee.

4. Certified Legal Investigator (CLI)

A Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of knowledge and experience in the field of legal investigation. The CLI credential is awarded by the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI).

To become a Certified Legal Investigator, an individual must meet certain qualifications, including having at least five years of investigative experience, passing a comprehensive written examination, and completing continuing education requirements. The certification process also includes an extensive background check.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the certification process. To begin the process, interested individuals must submit an application to NALI along with a nonrefundable fee of $150. Once approved, applicants must complete a comprehensive written exam which covers topics such as legal ethics, professional conduct, evidence collection and analysis techniques, interviewing skills, court testimony preparation and presentation techniques.

After passing the written exam, applicants must then pass an oral board examination administered by experienced certified legal investigators. This step requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of investigative procedures and practices through a series of questions posed by the board members.

Finally, applicants must complete continuing education requirements every two years in order to maintain their certification status. The cost for this varies depending on the type and number of courses taken but can range from $100-$500 per course.

5. Certified Professional Investigator (CPI)

Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of private investigators. It is designed to provide an industry-wide standard for the practice of private investigation.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the CPI program. The program consists of four courses: Introduction to Private Investigation, Legal Issues in Private Investigation, Investigative Techniques, and Advanced Investigative Techniques. After completing all four courses, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to become certified.

To become certified as a CPI, you must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of two years of experience in the field of private investigation or related fields such as law enforcement or military service. You must also have successfully completed an approved training course in private investigation or related fields.

The cost for the Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) program varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for all four courses and exam fees.

6. Certified Protection Professional (CPP)

Certified Protection Professional (CPP) is a certification offered by the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in security management. The CPP is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of security principles, practices, and procedures.

It typically takes approximately two years of study and preparation to become certified. To qualify for the CPP exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree or five years of professional security experience in three out of eight specific areas: access control systems; investigations; personnel security; physical security; emergency planning and business continuity; information systems security; loss prevention/risk management; or law, regulations, investigations, and compliance.

To get the CPP certification, applicants must pass the CPP exam administered by ASIS International. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of security management including risk assessment, personnel safety, physical security measures, emergency preparedness and response plans, information systems protection methods, investigation techniques, legal issues related to security operations, and more.

The cost for the CPP exam varies depending on whether you are an ASIS member or non-member. For members it costs $350 while non-members pay $450. Additionally there may be other fees associated with your application such as background checks or fingerprinting which vary depending on your location.

7. Certified Public Safety Executive (CPSE)

Certified Public Safety Executive (CPSE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in public safety leadership. The CPSE certification is administered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). It is the highest level of recognition for public safety executives and offers a way to demonstrate commitment to professional development, ethical standards, and best practices.

The CPSE program consists of three components: an application process, a written examination, and a peer review panel. The application process requires completion of an online form that includes questions about the applicant’s experience and qualifications related to public safety leadership. Once the application is approved, applicants must pass a written examination covering topics such as organizational management, communication skills, problem solving, decision making, budgeting and financial management, personnel management, legal issues, emergency response planning and operations, technology applications in public safety operations, strategic planning and community relations.

The cost for the CPSE program varies depending on the applicant's experience level. The fee for those with less than five years' experience is $495 USD; those with five or more years' experience pay $595 USD.

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from start to finish. To get started on your CPSE journey you can visit IACP’s website at www.theiacp.org/cpse for more information on how to apply.

8. International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators Certification (IAFCI-CFI)

The International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators Certification (IAFCI-CFI) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of financial crime investigators. The IAFCI-CFI certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a mastery of the principles and techniques of financial investigation, as well as an understanding of the legal framework governing such investigations.

The IAFCI-CFI certification process consists of two parts: a written examination and an oral interview. The written examination covers topics such as money laundering, fraud, cybercrime, asset forfeiture, and other related topics. The oral interview focuses on the applicant’s experience in financial investigations, their understanding of the legal framework governing such investigations, and their ability to apply investigative techniques effectively.

To obtain the IAFCI-CFI certification, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it to IAFCI for review. Once approved, applicants will be required to take the written examination and pass with a minimum score of 70%. After passing the written exam, applicants can then schedule an appointment for an oral interview with one or more members of IAFCI’s Board of Examiners. If successful in both parts of the process, applicants will receive their IAFCI-CFI certification.

The cost for obtaining the IAFCI-CFI certification varies depending on location; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. The entire process typically takes between 6-12 months from start to finish.

9. International Association of Professional Security Consultants Certification (IAPSC-CI)

The International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) Certification (IAPSC-CI) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of security consultants. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of security consulting.

The IAPSC-CI program is administered by the IAPSC, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the security consulting profession. The certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in areas such as risk assessment, security systems design, physical security measures, and project management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the certification process. To become certified, applicants must first pass a written exam. They must also submit evidence of their professional experience and training in the field of security consulting. Finally, they must complete an online application form and pay a fee for the certification process.

The cost for IAPSC-CI certification varies depending on where you live and how many years of experience you have in the field. In general, it costs around $300 USD for individuals living in North America or Europe; however, fees may be higher or lower depending on your location and experience level.

10. National Council on Investigation and Security Services Certification (NCISS-CI)

The National Council on Investigation and Security Services (NCISS) Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the professional competence of private investigators and security services providers. It is an independent, non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive system of standards, education, and certification for the private investigation and security services industry.

In order to become certified by NCISS, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their experience in the field, educational background, knowledge of legal issues, and ethical practices. The certification process includes a written examination as well as a practical assessment.

The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laws applicable to investigations, investigative techniques, surveillance methods, evidence gathering procedures, interviewing skills and report writing. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their investigative skills in a simulated environment.

The entire certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of experience in the field or educational transcripts. The fee for NCISS Certification is $250 plus any applicable taxes or other fees.

11. Professional Certified Investigator (PCI).

Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Professional Security and Investigation (IAPSI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of professional competence in the field of security and investigation. The PCI certification requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the areas of security, investigations, risk assessment, and legal compliance.

The PCI certification process typically takes about six months to complete. Applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts, proof of education, and references. After the application is approved, applicants must then take a written examination that covers topics such as criminal law, investigative techniques, evidence collection, report writing, and ethics. Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants must pass a practical evaluation that tests their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The cost of obtaining the PCI certification varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence. In most cases, it costs around $250 USD for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam or practical evaluation.

Overall, obtaining the PCI certification can be an invaluable asset for those looking to pursue a career in security or investigation. The certification demonstrates expertise in these areas which can help open doors for new job opportunities or advancement within an existing role.

Do You Really Need a Criminal Investigator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the goals and aspirations of the individual in question. For some, a criminal investigator certificate may be essential for pursuing a career in law enforcement or for obtaining certain professional credentials. On the other hand, for others it may not be necessary or even beneficial.

For individuals who are already employed in law enforcement or security-related positions, a criminal investigator certificate can provide valuable additional training and knowledge that can help them advance their careers. This type of certificate is often offered as part of continuing education courses, and it provides an opportunity to learn about current investigative techniques, laws and regulations related to investigations, and other important topics. It can also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and dedication to one's chosen field.

For those who are considering entering into the field of criminal investigation but have no prior experience in law enforcement or security, a criminal investigator certificate may still be helpful. It can provide an introduction to key concepts and terminology used in the field, as well as insight into the types of investigations conducted by criminal investigators. It can also give students an idea of what types of jobs they might pursue after obtaining their degree or certification.

In short, whether or not someone needs a criminal investigator certificate depends on their individual goals and circumstances. For some individuals it could be essential for advancing their careers; for others it might not be necessary at all. Ultimately, it is important to evaluate one's own situation carefully before making any decisions about pursuing such certification.

Related: Criminal Investigator Resume Examples

FAQs About Criminal Investigator Certifications

1. What types of criminal investigator certifications are available?

Answer: There are many different types of criminal investigator certifications available, depending on the field and level of experience. These include Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Homicide Investigator (CHI), Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI), Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI), and Certified Law Enforcement Investigator (CLEI).

2. Are criminal investigator certifications required to work in this field?

Answer: It depends on the type of job you are looking for. Some positions may require a certification while others may not. It is best to check with the employer or organization to determine their specific requirements.

3. How do I obtain a criminal investigator certification?

Answer: In order to obtain a criminal investigator certification, you must first meet certain qualifications and complete an appropriate training program or coursework related to the particular field you wish to specialize in. After that, you will need to pass an examination administered by a recognized certifying body such as the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security or International Association of Crime Analysts.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a criminal investigator?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as a criminal investigator will depend on several factors, including the type of certification you are seeking and how much time and effort you put into studying for and taking the necessary exams. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from six months up to two years or more depending on your situation.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining a criminal investigator certification?

Answer: The cost for obtaining a criminal investigator certification will vary depending on the type of certification, where it is obtained from, and any additional fees associated with taking exams or attending courses related to your chosen field of study. Generally speaking, costs can range from hundreds up to thousands of dollars depending on all these factors.