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While there are no academic requirements for this field, a two-year associate’s program or a four-year bachelor's program in a criminal justice-related area is helpful to aspiring private detectives and investigators (PI). Most corporate investigators must have a bachelor's degree and some corporate investigators have master's degrees in business administration or law. Corporate investigators hired by large companies may receive formal training from their employers on business practices, management structure, and various finance-related topics.

Most states require private detectives and investigators (PI) to be licensed. Requirements vary widely, but convicted felons cannot receive a license. In California, detectives and investigators (PI) must be at least 18 years of age; have a combination of education in police science, criminal law, or justice, and three years (6,000 hours) of investigative experience; pass an evaluation by the Federal Department of Justice and a criminal history background check; pass a state examination covering laws and regulations; and meet requirements for a firearms permit.

There are many organizations that certify investigators (PI). The National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) confers the title Certified Legal Investigator to licensed investigators who specialize in negligence or criminal defense investigation and meet experience, education, and continuing training requirements.