An Oregon private investigator must have education, experience or both.
In Oregon, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training oversees the licensing and training of private investigators. Experience and/or education are critical criteria in qualifying for a license. You must have completed 1,500 hours of investigative work, completed a related course of study approved by the department, or have a combination of experience and education approved by the department. Once licensed, a private investigator must complete at least 32 hours of continuing education every two years.
Instructions
1. Determine whether you meet the qualifications to obtain a private investigator license. You must be at least 18 years old and qualified to work in the United States. You must have a passing score on the investigator competency test administered by the DPSST. You must undergo a fingerprint and criminal records check. You must have a corporate surety bond, an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution, or other security approved by the department of at least $5,000.
2. Complete a PS-1 application, found on the DPSST website. Do not leave any areas blank, or your application process could be delayed. If a question or statement does not apply, enter N/A. Provide all history requested, including the 10-year employment and residence history. You must also provide three personal references.
3. Submit two passport/driver's license quality photos with your application. The photo, which will be used for your photo identification card, must be a cropped head shot with a solid color background and have been taken within the last six months. If emailing, the photos must be in a .jpg format and have a minimum resolution of 640 x 480.
4. Include a copy of your resume documenting your education, work experience and training. Provide proof that you have the required 1,500 hours in experience. Also include the original bond or letter of credit verifying $5,000 in protection.
5. Sign your application and have it notarized. Mail it with a $79 application fee, a $550 license fee and all other required materials to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
