How to Become a Private Investigator in Alaska

Children are known to have many dreams when they become adults, especially when it comes to their occupations.

Being a private investigator looked interesting on TV, but my current job is different.

I get to tell you how you can get your dream job no matter the industry it falls under:

• Medicine
• Law enforcement
• Mechanics

Read my guide if you want to become a PI in Alaska!

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Private Investigator Requirements and Duties

In this state, these professionals are not required by the state’s laws to hold a license.

Instead, they need a license to conduct business.

Despite all this, the local regulations do mandate PIs to be licensed.

Let’s see which are some of the most common requirements to becoming a private investigator!

The licensing requirements are:

• At least 18 years old – in some areas
• A clean criminal record
• A good moral character
• Have insurance of at least $10,000
• Pass a drug test

Unlike many other states, Alaska doesn’t have prerequisites when it comes to education and passing exams for future private investigators.

Universities and colleges offer training programs for those wishing to be PIs.

The basic duties of this job include:

• Single person surveillance
• Recording events at high resolution from afar
• Taking good-quality pictures from afar
• Keeping accurate records
• Being and maintaining good health
• Understanding the needs of their clients

Private Investigator Training in Alaska

As previously noted, there is no legal requirement for a Private Investigator (PI) to undergo training.

However, it’s important not to disregard this aspect entirely.

Seeking training can offer various benefits, including the ability to charge higher fees to clients and improve job performance.

As previously mentioned, classes or degrees in law enforcement can be particularly advantageous in this regard.

Specialized classes can provide valuable insights into the necessary equipment, helping you discern between essential tools and those that are obsolete or unnecessary.

Through the training received, and considering the many types of PIs, you’ll be able to make up your own set:

• Maps
• Computers, tablets, and peripherals
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Microphones
• Car and/or motorcycle

These classes will also teach you the NATO phonetic alphabet and common terminology used in the field.

Novel Data Investigative Learning 

The course offered here is called ICPI 100 and costs just under $250.

Its duration is 30 hours and you can complete the class at your own pace.

At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certification.

One of the best parts about this course is that you’ll learn how PIs are shown in TV shows and movies and whether it’s true or not.

University of Alaska Southeast

The Alaska Department of Public Safety offers the ALET program at this university.

The admission is based on a first-come, first-served, but they have to pass a difficult selection process.

The course lasts for 15 weeks, during the fall and spring semesters.

Some of the teachers are sworn officers while others are civilians.

They come from across the country, including Alaska.

Upon the completion of the program, you’ll receive an Occupational Endorsement in Law Enforcement.

Becoming Licensed as a Private Investigator in Alaska

Let’s see what you need in Alaska if you want to earn a license as a private investigator.

You’ll need first an application accompanied by a fee of $75 in Fairbanks while in Anchorage you’ll have to pay $100.

The fee for the license itself is paid separately and it will make you short of $400.

You’ll additionally have to prove you meet the bare requirements for this job.

In some areas, you’ll also be asked to provide a detailed work history, like in Anchorage.

Maintaining Your PI License

Remember you actually have 2 licenses to keep active:

• The business one
• The PI one

In Alaska, the business license has to be renewed every year.

In Anchorage, the PI credential has to be renewed every 2 years.

The fee associated with the process is $100.

In Fairbanks, the renewal period is 2 years as well.

You’ll have to pay $400 for the process to go through.

Salaries for Private Investigators in Alaska

Salary is important, especially after the hard preparation you went through for this job.

Currently, private investigators receive an average of $50,902 annually.

At the same time, in Alaska, these professionals earn about $55,602.

Let’s see in which cities you can make more money while being a PI!

Regional Salary in Alaska

Private Investigator by State