Introduction
If you’re interested in a career as a professional investigator in Alberta, you’ve come to the right place.
As per the Security Services and Investigator’s Act, obtaining a license is mandatory for investigative positions in the province. Our comprehensive Alberta Investigator’s Training Course includes nine modules designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a professional investigator. With higher exam success rates compared to the provincial average, we ensure that you are well-prepared to pass the provincial exam and secure your license.
Now offered in person as well as online, our classroom-based training provides added structure, direct access to instructors, and more opportunities for hands-on learning and discussion. It’s an ideal option if you learn best through real-time support and peer interaction.
As a certified proctoring site, you can conveniently write your provincial exam at Columbia College or choose from over 70 sites across Alberta.
Program Highlights
- Delivery: In Classroom (NEW!)
- Cost: $425
- Duration: 38.5 Hours
- Semester Intake: TBD
- Delivery: Online
- Cost: $275
- Duration: 50-60 Hours
- Semester Intake: Ongoing
Program Information
To enroll in the course, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Completed the Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Course (for the in-classroom course delivery only)
- At least 18 years old
- Fluent in speaking English (Level 5 Canadian Language Benchmark)
- No serious criminal convictions that have not been pardoned
The nine modules which make up the Professional Investigator Training course are:
- Module 1: Introduction to the Investigator’s Industry
- Module 2: Professionalism and Ethics
- Module 3: Health and Safety
- Module 4: Law and the Canadian Legal System
- Module 5: Use of Force
- Module 6: Investigations
- Module 7: Communications and Report Writing
- Module 8: Specialized Investigations
- Module 9: The Business of Investigations
To graduate from the Alberta Investigator Training course an individual must:
- Complete all modules within the 50-60 hour course.
- Write the mandatory Solicitor General’s provincial exam.
- The Solicitor General Registrar will issue a certificate of completion upon passing the exam with 80% or better, after which an individual may apply for their Professional Investigator License.
Additional Information
- Take 1 passport-sized photo and two pieces of government issued identification to the police service.
- Have a member of the police service, peace office, or commissioner of oaths employed by the police service sign the back of your photo.
- Request an employment Police Information Check (PIC) to include
- CPIC
- Vulnerable Sector
- Local database
- Do not submit your application until you have received your final documents or are informed by the police service that the documents will be sent directly to the Ministry.
- Complete all sections of the application form (must be neat and readable) using a computer or print using CAPITAL letters only.
- Sign both part 5 and part 6 (police do not sign your application).
- Photocopy both sides of your government issued identification to include with your application.
- Provide photocopies of proof of training.
- Proof of citizenship or eligibility to work in Canada (e.g. a Work Visa).
- Submit your application with all other documents, ensuring it is completed to an approved registry office or:
Security Programs
PO Box 1023 Station Main
Edmonton, AB T5J 2M1
If using a courier:
Security Programs
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Safety
9th Floor, 10365 97 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7
Please click here to access a copy of the Security Services and Investigator’s Act (SSIA) License Application. If you have trouble opening this document, you may choose to save the document to your computer and it will save and open.
Graduation Success
Columbia College takes pride in its impressive 83% exam success rate, surpassing the provincial average of 50%.
Example Job Titles
Professional Investigator, Detective, Surveillance, Missing Persons, Fraud Investigator
Course Features
- Lectures 0
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 0
- Assessments Yes
