Say goodbye to the office and hello to the field! The field of investigations can certainly be gratifying. But, how difficult can it be to get a Colorado private investigator license?
What if I could tell you that you, that you are only 7 steps away from a PI license?
Well, thankfully, we have done exactly that. We have researched and compiled 7 actionable steps to a Colorado private investigator license! Here is what you need to do:
1. You Must be at Least 21 Years Old
You must also be a US citizen or have permission to work in the USA.
2. A Review of Criminal Charges and Records
As in other states, your history will be checked. However, prior charges and arrests are not automatic denials. Therefore, the circumstances matter. As a result, the board can be lenient.
With this in mind, you should be honest in your application. Do not lie or omit anything. This can result in an automatic denial.
3. Chose Which License to Apply
In Colorado, there are two license types:
Level 1 – the requirements are within this article.
Level 2 – the requirements are the same as Level 1. However, there is another element.
For Level 2, you have to prove that you have 4,000 hours of experience in any of the following:
- As a private investigator
- Conducting investigations with a local, state or federal law enforcement agency
- Have a degree from a college or university. Each degree satisfies different levels of experience
- A 2-year degree satisfies 1,000 hours of experience
- A bachelor’s degree satisfies 2,000 hours of experience
- A master’s or JD degree satisfies 3,000 hours of experience
- Investigative experience gained in military education, training or service
4. You Must Pass the Colorado Private Investigator License Test
The Colorado private investigator license test has 45 questions with multiple choice answers. In fact, they break down as follows:
- General laws, rules, and regulations (27% of questions)
- Standards of practice (42% of questions)
- Grounds for discipline (15% of questions)
- Disciplinary provisions and procedures (16% of questions)
You can take the test online on a computer. The test should look like this:
You must score 75% or higher to pass.
In order to take the test, you must go to www.iqttesting.com. If you have any questions about the test, you can call IQT at 866-773-1114.
To illustrate, the first screen will show the following options.
Select “Exam Registration”
Fill the next few screens with your personal information. Then, you will need to select the organization and test:
After you pay the test fee, you will get to the following important screen. It will have your test user ID, code and an option to start the test.
If you fail the test, you have to wait 5 days to retake it.
5. You Must Get Fingerprinted
In addition to testing, you have to submit your fingerprints. They are turned over to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Accordingly, these will be used for your state and national background check. Fingerprints can be taken manually or electronically. Ink is not as reliable as electronic.
You can choose any of the following agencies for fingerprinting:
Arapahoe Community College
5900 South Santa Fe Drive, 2nd Floor, Room M2630
Littleton, CO 80120
303-797-5835
Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Friday 9 AM to 4 PM
Fingerprinting is by appointment only. You can make an appointment online here. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. Applicants must bring a valid driver’s license or passport for identification purposes.
Colorado Correctional Industries
4999 Oakland Street
Denver, CO 80239
303-370-2165
Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 3 PM
Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Only cash is accepted ($10 per card)
Alternatively, you can use your local law enforcement agency. You will need to call them and find out about how the fingerprint (manual vs. electronic). Also, do they supply their own fingerprint cards? costs? hours? forms of payment? etc.
If your local agency does not provide fingerprint cards (Form FD258), then you can obtain them before your visit. You could obtain them by calling 303-370-2165. Also, you could mail a form from the internet.
The form must be filled out in black ink. Simply follow the directions on the back of the form. Complete the spaces on the card like this:
Make sure that the person taking your fingerprints signs the card.
Then, mail the card and fee to:
Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI)
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80215
The CBI fee is $39.50. They will only accept money orders, cashier checks or a company check (not a personal check)
6. You Must Apply for a Colorado Private Investigator License
After you have completed all of the above steps, you can apply for your license. This can be done online.
Of course, the application will go over your personal information, citizenship, background, experience, and education. Fill out the application completely and thoroughly. In fact, some background questions about criminal history may require you to upload court documents or other material.
You can begin your application here.
In addition, you will need to prove that you have or will post a surety bond in an amount no less than $10,000, upon getting your license. The cost for a bond of this amount range from $100 to $300 per year. To prove that you have this bond, fill out the following form.
7. You Must Pay a Variety of Fees
The licensing test is $25 and the application processing fee is $330. As previously mentioned above, you will need pay for your fingerprints, background and a surety bond.
Are you applying or have applied for a Colorado private investigator license?
Did I miss anything?
What are your thoughts on the process?