The SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators is a qualification for individuals who work or would like to work as Professional Private Investigators.

The Award focuses on how to research information from various sources; gather information; and have an overview of surveillance operations, both overt and covert; Gathering information in support of an investigation; planning and reporting investigations. This includes identifying the objectives of the investigation; dealing with conflicts of interest; and how to report and present the findings on the investigation.

The qualification also deals with maintaining the security and confidentiality of all information during the investigation. Throughout, there is also the requirement of knowing and complying with the laws and regulations relevant to carrying out investigations. This qualification is based on the SIA Specification for Learning and Qualifications for Private Investigators.

Although the role of private investigator is not formally licensed in the UK as it is in many other countries, the Level 3 Award for Private Investigators is a nationally-recognised qualification which will prepare any diligent individual for a working life in the private investigation or wider security sector. The award also represents the pinnacle of training in the UK’s contemporary data protection laws, making it a suitable qualification for many professionals who access personal data in their job roles. 

The Award focuses on the following areas and skills:

  • Researching information
  • Gathering information (Database interrogation, Osint, interview witness/ suspect)
    -    Surveillance operations (covert) 
    -    Planning and reporting investigations; identifying objectives
  • dealing with actual or potential conflicts of interest, how to report and present findings
  • Confidentiality and security in information management 
    -    Data protection laws, handling of personal data
  • You will be taken through case studies and examples of contractual requirements that you will encounter on a regular basis working in the sector.

Who is this Qualification Suitable for?

  • Existing or aspiring process servers who handle personal data and documentation for solicitors and other agencies
  • Data processors/data controllers who deal with personal data on a regular basis
  • Private investigators (to deepen/update existing knowledge)

How is the Training Delivered?

The training is delivered by Private Investigator Training UK Ltd., in partnership with Burton Regan Ltd. - process servers, professional private investigators and enquiry agents with bases in Leeds and London who represent the forefront of best practice and knowledge in the sector.

Our MD, Kevin Regan, holds the position of Pearson PLC Lead Examiner for the Professional Private Investigator Sector. 

Schedule and Study Hours

Intake of students - rolling intake throughout the year. Exams take place in either Leeds or London, with remote support offered throughout. The course comprises approximately 31 hours of Guided Learning Hours (GLHs), with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 53 hours, once independent study is taken into account.  
More information on the full specification can be found here

Provider

[1402207] Private Investigator Training UK
 
Programme/Course
[479] SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators
 
Qualification
[328] SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (600/3345/9)


The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.

OFQUAL REGULATED COURSE

E-learn