Continuing education by state
Eighteen states set continuing education requirements for private investigators (Utah’s begins with renewals on or after May 6, 2027), and Florida requires yearly firearms requalification for armed licensees. This page sets out each state’s rules from its statute, regulations, and licensing agency, with a link to the official list of approved providers where one exists.
At a glance
States not listed here have no continuing education requirement for private investigators, or no state license. See Licensing requirements by state for every state.
| State | Hours | Required topics | Approved providers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16 hours every 2 years | 2 hours ethics | No official list found |
| Florida | Armed only: 4 hours a year | Firearms requalification | No official list found |
| Georgia | 16 hours every 2 years | 2 ethics, 2 homeland security | No official list found |
| Illinois | 8 hours a year | None set | No official list found |
| Iowa | 12 hours every 2 years | None set | No official list found |
| Kansas | 8 hours every 2 years | None set | No official list found |
| Kentucky | 12 hours every 2 years | None set | Pre-approved providers (201 KAR 41:070, § 3) |
| Louisiana | One online course every 2 years | Board course | Board continuing education page |
| Minnesota | 6 hours a year | Armed: 6 more in weapons | Board-certified training courses (linked from the Board’s training page) |
| Missouri | 16 hours every 2 years | None set | Board list of approved courses |
| New Mexico | 6 hours every 3 years | None set | No official list found |
| North Carolina | 12 hours every 2 years | None set | Board-approved courses |
| Oklahoma | 16 hours every 3 years | None set | CLEET accepted sources (not a course list) |
| Oregon | 32 hours every 2 years | 2 hours ethics | No official list found |
| South Carolina | 12 hours every 2 years | 4 hours SLED-approved | SLED approved providers (October 2023) |
| Tennessee | 12 hours every 2 years | None set | Approved course list |
| Texas | 18 hours every 2 years (12 after 15 years) | 2 ethics, 2 Act and rules | DPS school search (choose Private Investigation Continuing Education) |
| Utah | 16 hours every 2 years (from 2027) | 4 ethics, 4 Utah law | No official list found |
| Virginia | 8 hours every 2 years | In-service training | DCJS training school search |
Every state with a requirement
Alabama
- Hours
- 16 contact hours (50 minutes each) per 2-year license period, including 2 hours of ethics. Apprentices: 8 hours a year, including 2 hours of ethics (Code § 34-25B-12.1(e)(2)).
- Required topics
- 2 hours of ethics per period. The rest must be formal learning that contributes directly to professional competence. Courses must be at least 25 minutes.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private investigator, including inactive licensees, and apprentices under their separate requirement.
- Online courses
- Distance learning, including internet courses, is an accepted provider type. Self-study counts only if approved for a set number of hours by the Alabama Private Investigators Association or the Board; the Board’s 2016 renewal guidance caps self-study at 8 contact hours per renewal.
- Carryover
- Not allowed.
- Approved providers
- Accepted: incorporated private investigator associations, in-house company training for the company’s own employees, for-profit schools and firms, distance learning, and continuing education approved by a private investigator licensing board or commission. Alabama Private Investigators Association courses are pre-approved. The Board publishes no course list.
- Reporting and records
- Attest on the renewal application. Documentation is required only if selected for a random audit, within 30 days of the Board’s written request. Keep records 3 years after the renewal date.
- Deadline
- Before the license expires (2 years from issuance). Late renewal is allowed up to 30 days after expiration with a $200 late fee.
- Exemptions
- The Board may extend the deadline for one renewal period if compliance was beyond the licensee’s control, on written request with documents.
- If you fall short
- The license is not renewed without continuing education. Failing an audit or giving false evidence leads to discipline.
- Law
- Code of Ala. § 34-25B-26; Ala. Admin. Code r. 741-X-4-.03, 741-X-7-.01 to -.05
- Recent change
- Act 2023-397 changed the statute from 8 hours a year to 16 hours, including 2 ethics, per 2-year period.
Sources disagree: The statute sets 16 hours, including 2 ethics, per 2-year license period. Two Board rules (741-X-4-.03(1), amended effective March 17, 2025, and 741-X-7-.01(1)) also say 8 hours must be earned in each calendar year. Ask the Board how it applies the calendar-year rule.
Code of Ala. ch. 34-25B (Board PDF) Ala. Admin. Code ch. 741-X (Board PDF) Act 2023-397 Board renewal guidance (2016)
Florida
- Hours
- Armed (Class G) licensees only: at least 4 hours of firearms range and classroom training in each year of the 2-year license. There is no continuing education requirement for unarmed (Class C) private investigators.
- Required topics
- Firearms requalification for each type and caliber carried, taught by a Class K firearms instructor.
- Who must complete it
- Class G statewide firearm license holders, including armed private investigators.
- Online courses
- The classroom portion may be taught live online through a secure website with identity and attendance verified. Range training is in person. There is no on-demand option.
- Carryover
- None; the training is due in each year of the license.
- Approved providers
- A licensed Class K firearms instructor.
- Reporting and records
- The instructor issues a Certificate of Firearms Proficiency through the Division of Licensing’s system. The licensee submits it each year on or before the license’s expiration month and day.
- Deadline
- Each year of the 2-year Class G license.
- Exemptions
- The Department may waive it for certified state or federal law enforcement and correctional officers with annual agency requalification, qualifying firearms instructors, and officers with annual LEOSA training.
- If you fall short
- Missing the first-year requalification suspends the license until the full 28-hour initial course is retaken. Completing it but not reporting it on time also suspends the license, until proof of the completed training is filed. Missing the second year requires the 28-hour course before renewal.
- Law
- Fla. Stat. § 493.6113(3)(b); Fla. Admin. Code r. 5N-1.132
Georgia
- Hours
- 16 hours before each registration renewal for registered private detective employees (8 for security employees; 16 for those registered as both). Registrations renew every 2 years.
- Required topics
- 2 hours of homeland security (terrorism indicators and cooperation with homeland security agencies), 2 hours of ethics, and 12 hours of industry-related training, of which up to 4 may be firearms-related.
- Who must complete it
- Registered private detective employees. The rule places no continuing education requirement on company licenses.
- Online courses
- Distance learning is allowed; electronic signatures on attendance rosters are accepted.
- Carryover
- Not addressed in the rule.
- Approved providers
- Any provider of training related to the profession, taught by a Board-licensed instructor. In-house company courses for the company’s own registered employees, and incorporated state or national private detective or security associations, are excepted from the licensed-instructor rule. The Board publishes no provider list.
- Reporting and records
- Audit-based: do not send proof unless selected. Registrant and employer must provide proof on request. Providers keep training records at least 5 years.
- Deadline
- Before the registration expires on August 31 of each odd-numbered year.
- Exemptions
- The first renewal after initial registration is exempt. The Board may waive for hardship, disability, or illness on written request. Holders of Georgia P.O.S.T. peace officer certification may use their in-service hours.
- If you fall short
- Continuing education is a condition of renewal.
- Law
- Ga. Comp. R. and Regs. 509-3-.12; 509-2-.01
- Recent change
- Rule last amended effective July 26, 2022.
Illinois
- Hours
- 8 hours of training every year.
- Required topics
- Subjects related to private detective work; no set topic hours.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private detective. Registered employees of a private detective agency complete 8 hours of employer-chosen training each calendar year after the year of hire.
- Online courses
- Allowed without limit: any mix of classroom, seminar, and internet-based online hours (225 ILCS 447/15-25(d)). Employee training may be classroom, seminar, or online, but not on the job.
- Carryover
- No carryover provision.
- Approved providers
- No state-approved provider list.
- Reporting and records
- No submission at renewal. Keep a personal training log with documentation for at least 5 years; an employing agency also keeps the record. Produce records to the Department on request.
- Deadline
- Each year. Licenses expire May 31 every 3 years.
- Exemptions
- None stated beyond first-year timing.
- If you fall short
- No specific penalty; the Act’s general grounds for discipline (225 ILCS 447/40-10) apply.
- Law
- 225 ILCS 447/15-25(d)–(i); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.505, 1240.506
- Recent change
- Added by P.A. 102-152 (effective January 1, 2022); amended by P.A. 103-309 (effective January 1, 2024).
Sources disagree: Rule 1240.505(c) still lets employee refresher training be on the job. Since January 1, 2022 (P.A. 102-152), the statute has barred on-the-job annual training, and the statute controls.
Iowa
- Hours
- 12 hours (50 minutes each, whole hours only) in the 2 years before the agency license expires.
- Required topics
- No set topics. The rule lists acceptable areas, including law, management, computer science, communications, and investigative subjects such as surveillance, report writing, and court testimony.
- Who must complete it
- The agency license holder and each employee with a private investigator identification card, as a condition of the agency’s renewal.
- Online courses
- Correspondence and individual-study programs that require registration and show completion count for up to half the requirement.
- Carryover
- None; hours must fall in the 2 years before the agency license expires.
- Approved providers
- No state approval or list. Programs of recognized private investigator organizations, college courses, in-firm programs, and other organized programs qualify if they meet the rule’s standards.
- Reporting and records
- A signed statement at agency renewal listing continuing education for the licensee and employees. The Commissioner spot-checks. Keep evidence 3 years.
- Deadline
- At agency license renewal.
- Exemptions
- Hardship (health, military service, foreign residency, or other good cause). Out-of-state agencies active in a home state with similar requirements. New employees in limited cases.
- If you fall short
- The Department may issue a 30-day temporary license; if still not done, renewal is denied. An employee who falls short loses the identification card.
- Law
- Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-121.22; Iowa Code ch. 80A
Kansas
- Hours
- At least 8 hours per 2-year license period.
- Required topics
- No set topics. Courses must maintain or improve competence in detective services or in running a detective business. Firearm-permit training does not count.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private detective.
- Online courses
- Self-study, including online, counts with no cap if it requires registration and a final exam (70% to pass) and produces a certificate of completion.
- Carryover
- Not provided; hours must be earned within the 2-year period.
- Approved providers
- No approved-course list. Programs qualify by meeting the regulation’s standards (formal program, at least 50 minutes, outline, qualified instructor, attendance records). Kansas and national private investigator associations and college courses qualify.
- Reporting and records
- Submit copies of all completion documents with the renewal application, showing the sponsor, location, title, dates, and minutes.
- Deadline
- With the renewal application.
- Exemptions
- None in the regulations.
- If you fall short
- Failing to complete continuing education is a ground for discipline, and renewal requires proof.
- Law
- K.S.A. 75-7b07(a)(4), (b); K.S.A. 75-7b13; K.A.R. 16-4-2 to 16-4-4
K.S.A. 75-7b07 K.S.A. 75-7b13 K.A.R. 16-4 (Attorney General) Attorney General private detective page
Kentucky
- Hours
- 12 hours (50 minutes each) every 2-year license period.
- Required topics
- No set topics; all hours must relate directly to private investigation.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private investigator.
- Online courses
- Programs from the 19 pre-approved providers count in any format. Home-study programs from other providers need Board approval.
- Carryover
- Not allowed.
- Approved providers
- Programs from 19 named providers are pre-approved, including the Kentucky Professional Investigators Association, the Kentucky Society of Professional Investigators, ACFE, NALI, IASIU, NSPII, state and local bar associations, and programs approved by other state licensure boards. Other providers apply at least 60 days ahead; licensees can also ask the Board to approve a program.
- Reporting and records
- Submit proof with the renewal application. Keep records 2 years from the program date.
- Deadline
- At renewal of the 2-year license.
- Exemptions
- The Board may grant a waiver or extension of up to 1 year for injury, illness, family death or illness, active military duty, or undue hardship.
- If you fall short
- Refusal to renew, suspension, or revocation.
- Law
- 201 KAR 41:070; KRS 329A.025
Louisiana
- Hours
- No hour count: pass (75%) the Board’s online investigative course every 2 years. Licenses renew yearly.
- Required topics
- The Board’s own online course and assessment. The Board asks licensees to review Louisiana’s private investigator law, rules, and reciprocity documents first.
- Who must complete it
- All licensed private investigators.
- Online courses
- The requirement is an online course and assessment on the Board’s website.
- Carryover
- Not applicable.
- Approved providers
- Only the Board’s course counts. Other courses can be filed but do not replace it.
- Reporting and records
- The Board says the online provider sends results to it; the rule also says to return the printed course form with the renewal request.
- Deadline
- Every 2 years before renewal. New licensees: before the second renewal, then every 2 years.
- Exemptions
- Extension on written request 30 days before renewal. The Board may waive for good cause.
- If you fall short
- The course must be passed to renew.
- Law
- La. Admin. Code tit. 46, pt. LVII, §§ 518–519; La. R.S. 37:3505
Sources disagree: The Board charges $100 (PayPal, non-refundable) for the course, but rule § 518 still says it is free.
Minnesota
- Hours
- 6 hours every license year. Armed individuals complete 6 more hours a year in weapons.
- Required topics
- Board-certified training related to the field. Armed: weapons training with annual range certification, plus first aid and CPR.
- Who must complete it
- Every license holder, qualified representative, Minnesota manager, partner, and employee of a licensed private detective business.
- Online courses
- Online courses count if Board-certified; the Board’s directory flags them. No cap.
- Carryover
- No carryover provision.
- Approved providers
- Courses must be Board-certified. A license holder can ask the Board to approve an outside course as equivalent training.
- Reporting and records
- At renewal the license holder submits an affidavit that all employees met the training requirements. Training programs keep records at least 3 years.
- Deadline
- Each license year, not calendar year.
- Exemptions
- Full-time licensed peace officers meet the requirement. If an employee is hired during year one of the license year, their 12-hour pre-assignment training satisfies year-one continuing education.
- If you fall short
- A 60-day contingent license (penalty up to $50) or a lapsed license (penalty up to $100; cannot do business).
- Law
- Minn. Stat. § 326.3361, subd. 2; Minn. R. 7506.2700, 7506.2900, 7506.0130
Minn. Stat. § 326.3361 Minn. R. ch. 7506 Board training page
Missouri
- Hours
- 16 hours per 2-year cycle for licensed private investigators; 8 hours for agency investigator employees.
- Required topics
- No set topics; courses must relate to private investigation.
- Who must complete it
- Licensed private investigators and agency investigator employees. Private fire investigators meet it by holding active state fire investigator certification.
- Online courses
- Distance learning may be approved if it allows immediate interaction with the instructor; correspondence courses are not. The Board’s approved list includes online courses.
- Carryover
- Extra hours carry to the next cycle, up to 16 (8 for agency investigator employees).
- Approved providers
- Courses must be Board-approved. Courses approved by Missouri’s peace officer standards (POST) program count without a review. Licensees may petition for approval of other courses.
- Reporting and records
- Providers send attendance to the Board within 2 weeks. Licensees must report proof of hours each cycle.
- Deadline
- Private investigators: February 28 of each even year. Agency investigator employees: April 30 of each even year.
- Exemptions
- Not required in the first renewal cycle. Inactive licensees are exempt but must show 2 years of hours to reactivate.
- If you fall short
- Continuing education is a renewal requirement.
- Law
- 20 CSR 2234-6.010; 20 CSR 2234-2.040; RSMo §§ 324.1122, 324.1126, 324.1138
- Recent change
- 20 CSR 2234-6.010 was amended effective February 28, 2026.
New Mexico
- Hours
- 2 hours a year; 6 hours per 3-year renewal period.
- Required topics
- Must relate directly to the duties of the license. Firearms requalification does not count.
- Who must complete it
- Licensed private investigators.
- Online courses
- Not addressed in the rule.
- Carryover
- Not permitted.
- Approved providers
- College courses, in-house training by a licensed private patrol company, the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, or another program the Department approves. No published list.
- Reporting and records
- Submit proof with the renewal application.
- Deadline
- Within the 3-year renewal period.
- Exemptions
- Initial licensing training covers the first period.
- If you fall short
- The license is not renewed without proof.
- Law
- 16.48.6.8 NMAC
North Carolina
- Hours
- 12 hours every 2-year license period.
- Required topics
- No set topics; courses must be Board-approved and relevant to the industry.
- Who must complete it
- Every licensee. Registrants such as guards do not need continuing education.
- Online courses
- Rule .1202(d) caps online courses at 6 hours per period. The Board applies the cap only to on-demand courses and allows unlimited live virtual instruction.
- Carryover
- Not allowed.
- Approved providers
- Board-approved courses. Board meetings count 2 hours each, up to 4 hours a year and 8 per period. Instructors earn 4 hours per teaching hour, up to 8 per period.
- Reporting and records
- Upload certificates and the continuing education statement with the renewal application.
- Deadline
- Within the 2-year term, before renewal.
- Exemptions
- None; the Board says the requirement cannot be waived or deferred. Not required for a first license.
- If you fall short
- The license cannot be renewed without the certificates.
- Law
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 74C-22; 14B NCAC 16 .1201–.1205
- Recent change
- Rule .1203 (course approval) amended effective September 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026.
Oklahoma
- Hours
- 16 hours per 3-year license term (8 for security guards; 16 total for those holding both).
- Required topics
- Must relate directly to the licensee’s duties. Refresher and requalification courses, including firearms requalification, do not count.
- Who must complete it
- Licensed private investigators.
- Online courses
- Not addressed in the rule.
- Carryover
- Not addressed in the rule.
- Approved providers
- CLEET-accredited schools and seminars, recognized professional associations, college courses, and others the Council approves.
- Reporting and records
- Report to CLEET as completed or at renewal; CLEET verifies hours at renewal.
- Deadline
- At renewal. Renewals are accepted from 60 days before to 30 days after expiration.
- Exemptions
- Not addressed in the rule.
- If you fall short
- Renewing without the hours brings a penalty citation and 15 days to show proof and pay the fine.
- Law
- 59 O.S. § 1750.3(4); OAC 390:35-5-2.1
59 O.S. § 1750.3 Oklahoma Administrative Code CLEET continuing education page
Oregon
- Hours
- 32 hours every 2-year license period (40 for provisional investigators).
- Required topics
- At least 2 hours of ethics. The rest can be any education that could reasonably benefit investigative work.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private investigator and provisional investigator.
- Online courses
- Allowed: in person, remote, or self-study.
- Carryover
- Up to 15 hours carry to the next period, but not toward the ethics minimum.
- Approved providers
- No approved-provider requirement. DPSST may reject hours it does not consider beneficial.
- Reporting and records
- Report on Form PI-6 during the period or with the renewal application.
- Deadline
- Renewal documents are due within 90 days before expiration.
- Exemptions
- None found.
- If you fall short
- The license is not renewed without proof.
- Law
- ORS 703.447; OAR 259-061-0240
- Recent change
- OAR 259-061-0240 last amended effective October 26, 2023.
OAR 259-061-0240 ORS chapter 703 DPSST continuing education pamphlet
South Carolina
- Hours
- 12 SLED-approved hours every 24 months.
- Required topics
- At least 4 of the 12 hours must be presented or specifically approved by SLED. Programs must build investigative skills or relate to running an investigation business.
- Who must complete it
- Every licensed and registered private investigator. Licensees must make sure their registered employees comply.
- Online courses
- SLED lists online training among acceptable sources; no cap stated.
- Carryover
- Not addressed.
- Approved providers
- Training must be SLED-approved before you take it.
- Reporting and records
- Document hours to SLED. Credit applications may be filed when training is completed, and SLED’s license renewal checklist asks for continuing education documentation.
- Deadline
- By the renewal date in each 24-month period.
- Exemptions
- None found.
- If you fall short
- Not specified in the regulation.
- Law
- S.C. Code Regs. 73-422; S.C. Code Title 40, ch. 18
S.C. Code Regs. ch. 73 SLED private investigators page SLED license renewal checklist
Tennessee
- Hours
- 12 hours every 2-year renewal period.
- Required topics
- No set topics; formal learning that contributes directly to professional competence.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private investigator.
- Online courses
- Correspondence and individual-study programs that require registration and show completion may qualify, for credit the Commissioner decides.
- Carryover
- Not permitted.
- Approved providers
- Sponsors must register each program at least 30 days before offering it. Relevant college courses and recognized professional organizations’ programs also qualify.
- Reporting and records
- Sponsors report attendance within 15 days. Give the sponsor your name and license number at registration, or you may not get credit.
- Deadline
- On or before license expiration.
- Exemptions
- Extensions for poor health, military service, or other reasonable cause.
- If you fall short
- A late fee if not done by expiration. More than 30 days late: the renewal is not accepted.
- Law
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-26-225; Tenn. Comp. R. and Regs. 1175-02
Tenn. Comp. R. and Regs. ch. 1175-02 Continuing education page
Texas
- Hours
- 18 hours per 2-year license period; 12 hours after more than 15 years of continuous licensure.
- Required topics
- Under 15 years: 14 hours investigations, 2 ethics, 2 review of the Private Security Act and rules. Over 15 years: 8 investigations, 2 ethics, 2 Act and rules.
- Who must complete it
- Each licensed private investigator. Owners licensed only as owners complete 8 hours (7 related to the company’s service, 1 ethics).
- Online courses
- No online limit stated in the rules.
- Carryover
- None; courses count only if completed in the 2 years before expiration.
- Approved providers
- DPS-approved continuing education schools. DPS may also accept related courses from government agencies, colleges, nonprofit associations, or schools licensed by another state’s private security agency.
- Reporting and records
- State on the renewal application that it is complete. Keep certificates 2 years and provide copies on request.
- Deadline
- Before the renewal application can be submitted.
- Exemptions
- The reduced 12 hours after 15 years. No military or hardship waiver in the rule.
- If you fall short
- Under the DPS penalty schedule: $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, then a 60-day suspension, then revocation.
- Law
- 37 Tex. Admin. Code §§ 35.161, 35.162; Tex. Occ. Code § 1702.308
DPS training and continuing education Private Security statutes and rules (DPS)
Utah
- Hours
- 16 hours per 2-year cycle, required for renewals on or after May 6, 2027. Renewals are in August of odd years, so the August 2027 renewal is the first one after that date. Hours are prorated by licensure date.
- Required topics
- At least 4 hours of ethics and 8 hours on the licensee’s scope of practice, both from a nationally recognized association, and at least 4 hours of Utah law, including the Private Investigation Licensing Act.
- Who must complete it
- Private investigator agents, registrants, and apprentices licensed by DOPL.
- Online courses
- Not addressed in the rule.
- Carryover
- Not addressed in the rule.
- Approved providers
- No approved list. Courses must meet the rule’s quality standards.
- Reporting and records
- A renewal requirement. Keep proof 3 years after the end of the renewal period.
- Deadline
- Two-year cycles start in August of each odd-numbered year.
- Exemptions
- DOPL may defer or waive under its general rule (R156-1-308d).
- If you fall short
- The license cannot be renewed without it.
- Law
- Utah Code § 58-92-309; Utah Admin. Code R156-92-309 (emergency rule effective September 1, 2026)
- Recent change
- 2026 legislation moved private investigator licensing to DOPL on September 1, 2026. The rule is a 120-day emergency rule; the permanent rule may change these details.
Utah Code § 58-92-309 R156-92 emergency rule DOPL laws and rules
Virginia
- Hours
- 8 hours of in-service training in each 24-month registration period.
- Required topics
- Private Investigator In-Service (02I): job-related training. Online courses may include at most 1 hour of regulation review unless DCJS allows more.
- Who must complete it
- Each registered private investigator. Firearms endorsement holders also need annual firearms retraining.
- Online courses
- Allowed for in-service training through a DCJS-certified school, finished within 30 days of first log-on.
- Carryover
- No carryover provision.
- Approved providers
- A DCJS-certified private security training school. Documented third-party training may be credited.
- Reporting and records
- A renewal requirement. Schools keep records 3 years.
- Deadline
- Before the registration expires; apply at least 30 days ahead.
- Exemptions
- Extensions of up to 12 months total for extended illness or injury, military or foreign service, or emergency temporary assignment.
- If you fall short
- An unrenewed registration becomes void. More than 60 days late: entry-level training must be repeated.
- Law
- 6VAC20-174-100, -170, -310; 6VAC20-173-180
This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing agencies change their rules and course lists, so confirm with the agency before relying on a course for credit. USCLI does not approve or sell continuing education. How we verify entries.
Last updated October 17, 2026Source: United States Council for Law & InvestigationCite as: United States Council for Law & Investigation, “Private investigator continuing education requirements by state,” uscli.org/licensing-tracker/continuing-education (last updated October 17, 2026). Text licensed CC BY 4.0.