Public Safety & Security training

Detective Training

Learn what detectives do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What you’ll learn in Detective training

A practical, general introduction to the detective job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as conduct a witness interview and maintain chain of custody, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 12 hours, $109.99.

  • Tuition
    $109.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    12 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a detective does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential detective terms correctly
  • Walk through conduct a witness interview, maintain chain of custody, and write a search warrant affidavit step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as State peace officer certification

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 12 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the Detective Role1 hr
  • What detectives do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job45 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential Detective Vocabulary1 hr 10 min
  • Key term: Chain of custody
  • Key term: Probable cause
  • Key term: Search warrant
  • Key term: Miranda warning
  • Key term: Lead
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities1 hr 10 min
  • Investigate crimes and review case reports
  • Process scenes and collect evidence
  • Interview victims, witnesses and suspects
  • Write search and arrest warrants
  • Analyze records, video and digital evidence
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step2 hr 40 min
  • How to conduct a witness interview
  • How to maintain chain of custody
  • How to write a search warrant affidavit
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology1 hr
  • Case management systems
  • Evidence kits
  • Cameras and video tools
  • Databases and records systems
  • Digital forensics tools
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards1 hr 25 min
  • Plan for officer safety during contacts
  • Follow evidence safety for biohazards and drugs
  • Use peer support for traumatic cases
  • Follow legal procedures to protect cases
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For1 hr
  • Investigative interviewing
  • Evidence collection
  • Report and warrant writing
  • Persistence
  • Critical thinking
MODULE 09Launching Your Detective Career1 hr
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: State peace officer certification
  • Credential overview: Investigative interviewing training
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check1 hr
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the detective job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new detective.

Pricing

$109.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and build cases on crimes such as theft, fraud, assault and homicide. BLS reports a median wage of $93,790 (May 2025) and about 7,800 openings per year. Read the full detective career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in Detective Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course Detective Training · 12 hours · $109.99 per learner

We currently serve U.S. residents only.
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Detective training FAQ

How long is the Detective training?

About 12 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.

How much does the Detective training cost?

$109.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.

Is the course online?

Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.

Will this course make me a licensed or certified detective?

No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. Police detectives must be sworn peace officers certified by their state. Federal agents are hired through federal agency selection processes. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.

Who is this course for?

Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding detectives.

How do I enroll?

Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.

Do you offer group or employer pricing?

Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.

What do I receive when I finish?

Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.

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