Continuing Education Rules & Regulations for North Carolina Private Investigators

Continuing Education Requirements

• Private investigators in North Carolina must complete 12 hours of continuing education during each two-year licensing period.
• Extra CE hours cannot be carried over to the next licensing period.
• A maximum of 6 hours can be earned through asynchronous online courses (self-paced courses without a live instructor).
• Licensees may fulfill the full 12-hour requirement through live, real-time courses (either in-person or virtual).

Types of Courses

The PPSB defines acceptable courses as follows:

• Live Courses: Delivered in real-time, either in-person or online, with an instructor available to answer questions and facilitate discussions. These courses can provide up to 12 hours of continuing education credit.
• Asynchronous Online Courses: Pre-recorded, self-paced courses without a live instructor. These are limited to a maximum of 6 hours of credit per two-year licensing period.

Steps to Receive Continuing Education Credit

1. Attend an Approved Course: Ensure the course is approved by the North Carolina PPSB.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Completion: After completing the course, request your CE Certificate of Completion from the instructor or course provider.
3. Submit Documentation with License Renewal:
   • Attach the Certificate of Completion to your license renewal form.
   • Do not send certificates to the PPSB office prior to submitting your license renewal paperwork.
4. Submit the Licensee's Statement of Continuing Education Hours: This document verifies that you have completed the required 12 hours. You must fill it out, sign it, and include it with your renewal paperwork. Do not send this statement to the PPSB before license renewal.