Book Now

Accredited Training with Real-World Impact

Gain your SFJ Awards Level 3 qualification and real-world skills to launch your career as a professional private investigator.

A Career-Ready Course for Serious Investigators

At the UK Private Investigator Training Academy (UKPITA), we don’t aim to be the cheapest. We aim to offer the best value for those serious about building a career in private investigation.

Our nationally recognised SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators is delivered face-to-face by experienced tutors and goes far beyond the basics.

We combine accredited learning with practical insights drawn from real cases, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work in the field or launch your own agency.

More Than Just a Certificate

Our course goes well beyond the standard 34 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) now required by the updated 2026 SFJ Awards syllabus.

You’ll receive:

  • 36 hours of accredited, tutor-led instruction
  • An additional 8+ hours of non-accredited but essential training based on real operational experience
  • A free copy of our book: So You Want To Be A Private Investigator
  • Hands-on exercises, guest speakers, and personalised support
  • Lunch in the hotel restaurant, plus tea, coffee, and biscuits throughout the day

Our unique ‘course within a course’ approach ensures that you’re not only qualified, you’re job-ready.

Delivered by Professionals, Backed by Experience

Training is led by former police officers, each with extensive investigative backgrounds. You’ll also benefit from the support of working field agents from our partner agencies:

Together, our team ensures that classroom learning translates into practical, real-world preparation.

Upcoming Course Details

  • Course Dates: Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th February 2026 (3 nights, 4 days)
  • Location: Premier Inn, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol
  • Accommodation: Not included. Students are welcome to book independently and will receive a discount code for the venue once their deposit is paid. There are also numerous other options within easy reach.

Please note: Full joining instructions, including accepted ID documentation, will be provided upon enrolment.

By successfully completing the course, you’ll be awarded the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators, having completed the full accredited curriculum and passed the official assessments.

This nationally recognised qualification is aligned with the expected SIA licensing requirements, putting you ahead of the curve in a profession moving toward formal regulation.

Our revised 2026 course is delivered over four immersive days, blending accredited content with practical, real-world training. You’ll receive:

  • 36 hours of accredited Guided Learning Hours (GLH), exceeding the SFJ Awards minimum requirement
  • Additional unaccredited modules focused on launching and running your own investigation business
  • Live guest speaker sessions, bringing real experience into the room
  • Hands-on practical exercises to put your skills into action

Course Breakdown

Day 1:

  • Introduction to the role of a professional investigator
  • Ethical conduct, legislation, and key terminology
  • Building your business: marketing, branding, and getting started

Day 2:

  • Understanding investigation planning, continuity of evidence, and handling information securely
  • Preparing for portfolio work with guided support
  • Guest speaker session

Day 3:

  • Practical learning through scenario-based tasks and simulated operations
  • Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) task
  • Preparation for final assessments
  • One-to-one tutorials

Day 4:

  • Completion of accredited assessments
  • Course wrap-up and personalised
  • development planning
  • Graduation and next steps

*GLH refers to Guided Learning Hours. GLH are all times when a member of provider staff is present to give specific guidance towards the learning aim being studied on the programme. The definition includes examinations, lectures, tutorials and supervised study. The total recommended GLH for the SFJ Awards Level 3 award is 34 hours- 25 for Unit 1 and 9 for Unit 2. This course timetable delivers 36 hours of GLH- 27 for Unit 1 and 9 for Unit 2.

  • Course Fee: £599 (VAT-exempt)
  • Deposit Required: 50% (£299.50) to secure your place
  • Balance: Payable before the course begins (for private students)
  • MOD / ELCAS Funding: Accepted (only the student-funded portion needs to be paid upfront)
  • Invoices / Receipts: Can be provided upon request

A Growing Market: Be Part of It

UKPITA is the only accredited UK provider offering this depth of in-person, tutor-led private investigator training. Our aim is to develop a new generation of professional investigators equipped with the technical knowledge, legal understanding, and business acumen needed to thrive in a multi-million-pound UK industry.

Are you ready to join them? Limited spaces available on our February 2026 course.

Book Now

Need More Details About the Course?

Get in touch with our team to find out more about course content, funding options, or next steps.