Top 10 Field Investigator Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for a field investigator in the job market as they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is recognized by employers. Having certifications can help boost a field investigator’s resume and make them more attractive to potential employers, who may be looking for someone with specific qualifications. Certifications also provide proof of experience and training, which can give employers confidence that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully perform their duties. Additionally, having certifications can open up new opportunities for advancement within an organization or even open doors to higher paying positions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Field Investigators and explain how they can help to enhance a field investigator's career.

What are Field Investigator Certifications?

Field investigator certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have undergone specialized training in the field of investigations. It demonstrates a commitment to ethical and professional standards, as well as proficiency in the skills needed to effectively investigate cases. Field investigators are typically employed by law enforcement agencies, private investigative firms, and government agencies to conduct investigations related to criminal activity, fraud, civil matters, and other areas.

Having field investigator certification can provide numerous advantages for those seeking employment in this field. Certified professionals are more likely to be hired and receive higher pay than their non-certified counterparts. They may also be called upon more often for challenging assignments due to their demonstrated expertise. Additionally, having this certification can help set an individual apart from other job applicants during the hiring process. Finally, field investigator certification can offer peace of mind since it serves as an assurance that a person has been trained in the latest practices and techniques used in the investigation profession.

Pro Tip: When obtaining field investigator certification, make sure to include a course in legal research and writing. This type of course will help you become familiar with the laws and regulations governing your investigations, and it will also provide you with the skills needed to create effective investigative reports.

Related: What does a Field Investigator do?

Top 10 Field Investigator Certifications

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

1. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional certification obtained through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The CFE credential is the highest standard of achievement in the anti-fraud profession and signifies expertise in fraud prevention, detection, and deterrence. It is awarded to individuals who have met rigorous requirements for education, experience, and examination.

It typically takes three to four months to prepare for the CFE exam. Preparation involves completing an ACFE-approved training program or self-study course and studying for the exam. The ACFE offers a variety of resources to help candidates prepare, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses.

To get the CFE certification, applicants must pass a four-hour computer-based exam that covers topics such as fraud prevention, detection, investigation techniques, legal elements of fraud cases, and reporting methods. Applicants must also meet eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of experience in fraud investigation or related fields.

The cost of obtaining the CFE credential depends on several factors such as country of residence and type of membership chosen by the applicant. For example, US residents can expect to pay between $400 - $600 for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include membership fees and other training materials.

2. Certified Professional Investigator (CPI)

Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) is a designation awarded by the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) to qualified private investigators. The CPI credential signifies that an individual has met stringent standards of experience, education, and professional ethics and has passed a comprehensive examination.

To become a Certified Professional Investigator, an individual must have at least five years of investigative experience in the private sector or in law enforcement. They must also possess either an associate’s degree or higher in criminal justice or related field or have completed at least 60 hours of college-level courses in criminal justice or related fields.

In addition to meeting the educational and experience requirements, applicants must pass a written examination administered by NALI. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal issues, investigation techniques, interviewing skills, report writing and evidence collection. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam to be eligible for certification.

The cost to become certified as a Certified Professional Investigator is $350 for members of NALI and $450 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam, application processing fees, and certification fees. It typically takes between four to six weeks from the time an application is submitted until certification is granted.

3. Certified Legal Investigator (CLI)

Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of legal investigation. The CLI designation is issued by the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI). To become certified, an individual must meet certain qualifications, including having at least five years of investigative experience and passing an examination administered by NALI.

The process to become a Certified Legal Investigator typically takes six months to one year. It begins with submitting an application to NALI, which includes providing proof of investigative experience and passing a criminal background check. After the application is approved, applicants must take and pass the online examination administered by NALI. Once the exam is passed, applicants will receive their CLI certification.

The cost to become a Certified Legal Investigator varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NALI. For non-members, it costs $350 for the application fee and $150 for the examination fee. For members, it costs $250 for the application fee and $100 for the examination fee.

4. Certified Background Investigator (CBI)

Certified Background Investigator (CBI) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have completed specialized training and demonstrated expertise in conducting background investigations. It is designed to help employers make informed decisions when hiring, promoting, or reassigning personnel.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete and requires applicants to complete a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as legal aspects of background investigations, interviewing techniques, database research methods, and report writing. The exams are designed to assess the applicant's knowledge of the material covered in the courses.

To become certified as a CBI, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements including: having at least three years of experience in background investigations; completing all required courses; passing all required exams; and submitting an application for certification with supporting documentation. In addition, applicants must pay an application fee and any associated costs for taking the courses or exams.

The cost of becoming certified as a CBI varies depending on the number of courses taken and exams passed but generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

5. Licensed Private Investigator (LPI)

A Licensed Private Investigator (LPI) is an individual who has been licensed by their state to conduct investigations for the purpose of gathering evidence and information. An LPI may be employed by a private investigation firm, or they may work as an independent contractor.

In order to become a Licensed Private Investigator, applicants must meet certain qualifications and requirements set forth by their state. These requirements vary from state to state, but generally include having a minimum amount of experience in the field, passing a background check, and completing a licensing exam. The length of time it takes to get licensed can also vary depending on the state, but it typically takes between four months and one year.

To apply for a license as an LPI, individuals must submit an application form with supporting documentation such as proof of experience in the field, fingerprints, and other required documents. Once the application is approved by the relevant state agency, applicants must then pass both a written and practical examination before they can be officially licensed.

The cost of becoming an LPI varies depending on the state where you are applying. Generally speaking, states charge fees for submitting applications and taking examinations which can range anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. Additionally, some states may require applicants to pay for additional items such as fingerprinting services or background checks which can add up quickly.

6. Certified Security Professional (CSP)

Certified Security Professional (CSP) is a professional certification program designed to provide security professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect organizations from cyber threats. The CSP certification is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

The CSP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of information security fundamentals, risk management, network security, cryptography, application security, and other topics related to cybersecurity. Candidates must also possess at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in information security.

To obtain the CSP certification, candidates must first pass the CSP exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 700 points out of 1000 on the exam in order to pass.

The cost for the CSP exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs around $500 USD. Additionally, there are several study resources available online that can help prepare candidates for the exam.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Security Professional (CSP) certification is an excellent way for security professionals to demonstrate their expertise in cybersecurity and gain recognition within their field.

7. Certified Surveillance Professional (CSP)

Certified Surveillance Professional (CSP) is a certification program developed by the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC). It is designed to provide security professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage, operate, and maintain surveillance systems. The CSP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills required to design, install, configure, and maintain surveillance systems.

It typically takes around one year to complete the requirements for the CSP certification. To be eligible for the CSP certification, individuals must have at least two years of experience in security-related fields or a related field such as IT or engineering. Individuals must also successfully complete a comprehensive exam covering topics such as system design, installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

To get certified as a Certified Surveillance Professional (CSP), individuals must first apply for the program through IAPSC's website. After submitting their application and fees, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to take the exam. Once they have completed the exam successfully, they will receive their CSP certificate from IAPSC.

The cost of becoming a Certified Surveillance Professional (CSP) varies depending on whether you are an IAPSC member or non-member. For non-members, it costs $595 USD to become certified; however members can get discounted rates starting at $395 USD depending on their membership level.

8. Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI)

Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of experienced criminal investigators. It is offered by the International Association of Certified Criminal Investigators (IACCI).

The CCI program requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in criminal investigation and evidence collection, as well as a minimum of 24 hours of approved continuing education credits in criminal justice topics. Applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as criminal law, investigative techniques, evidence collection and analysis, and court testimony.

It typically takes several months to complete the application process and sit for the exam. The cost for the certification program varies depending on whether you are an IACCI member or non-member. For members, it costs $150 for the application fee plus $225 for the exam fee. For non-members, it costs $350 for both fees combined.

9. Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI)

Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) is a certification offered by the National Association of Certified Forensic Interviewers (NACFI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of forensic interviewing. The CFI credential is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed the NACFI Certification Program, which includes an online exam and a practical skills assessment.

The NACFI Certification Program consists of two components: an online exam and a practical skills assessment. The online exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge in areas such as investigative techniques, interviewing strategies, legal issues, and ethical considerations. The practical skills assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to conduct effective interviews with children, adults, and families.

It typically takes between two and three months to complete the NACFI Certification Program. Applicants must first register for the program on the NACFI website. Once registered, they will receive access to study materials and can begin preparing for the online exam. After passing the exam, they will be invited to attend a live skills assessment session at one of several locations across the United States or Canada.

The cost of obtaining a CFI credential varies depending on whether you are taking part in an individual or group training session. For an individual training session, it costs $995 USD; for a group training session it costs $795 USD per person.

10. National Association of Professional Process Servers Certification (NAPPS)

The National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) is a non-profit organization that provides certification to professional process servers. The NAPPS Certification program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of service and professionalism in the process serving industry.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least one year of experience as a process server, passing an exam, and completing an application form. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal terminology, ethics, court rules, and civil procedure. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from clients or supervisors who can attest to their experience and professionalism.

The entire certification process usually takes about 4-6 weeks from the time an applicant submits their application until they receive their certificate. The cost for certification is $195 for members of NAPPS, or $295 for non-members.

Once certified, applicants are eligible to join the NAPPS network of certified professionals and gain access to resources such as continuing education opportunities and discounts on services related to process serving.

Do You Really Need a Field Investigator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the type of job you are seeking and the regulations of your state. In some states, a field investigator certificate is required in order to be employed as a private investigator or detective. These certificates are typically issued by state regulatory agencies and demonstrate that the individual has completed all necessary training and education requirements for the profession.

If you are looking for a job as a private investigator or detective, it is important to check with your local state licensing board to determine if you need a field investigator certificate in order to be hired. If so, it is wise to pursue the necessary training and education required in order to obtain one. Depending on the state, this may include completing formal coursework, passing an exam, and providing proof of experience in the field.

In some cases, employers may prefer that applicants have a field investigator certificate even if it is not legally required for employment. Having such certification demonstrates that you have taken initiative to become qualified for the position and understand the relevant laws governing private investigations. This can help you stand out amongst other potential candidates when applying for jobs.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a field investigator certificate will depend on your specific situation and goals as an individual seeking employment as a private detective or investigator. It’s important to research your local regulations and consider how obtaining such certification could benefit your career prospects before making any decisions.

Related: Field Investigator Resume Examples

FAQs About Field Investigator Certifications

1. What is a Field Investigator Certification?

Answer: A Field Investigator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills to conduct investigations in the field. It is typically awarded after completion of a formal training program and passing an exam.

2. How do I obtain a Field Investigator Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Field Investigator Certification, you must complete a formal training program and pass an exam. These programs can be found online or through accredited institutions.

3. Are there different types of Field Investigator Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are various types of Field Investigator Certifications depending on the type of investigation being conducted (e.g., criminal, fraud, or insurance). Each certification may require different courses or exams to be completed.

4. What are the benefits of having a Field Investigator Certification?

Answer: Having a Field Investigator Certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct investigations in the field and provides credibility when seeking employment opportunities in this field. Additionally, it may provide access to specialized training or resources which can help increase job performance and efficiency.

5. Is there an expiration date for my Field Investigator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications expire after a certain period of time (usually two years) and must be renewed by completing additional coursework or taking another exam prior to expiration in order to maintain its validity.