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The CALI Academy offers an Online Private Investigator Examination Preparation Course for anyone interested in passing the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Licensed Investigator Exam. The course includes study and reference materials to help you prepare for the examination. Relevant Business and Professions Code sections are included in the study package.

The CALI Academy practice exam may be taken as many times as necessary in a twelve-month period. 

The 2026 version of the course materials includes the combined work of more than a dozen experienced Licensed Private Investigators. The newest laws impacting private investigators' use of retainers and preservation of files have been incorporated into the test questions and study materials. 

After researching and reviewing the materials from other PI Testing platforms, CALI can honestly say the CALI PI Exam Prep Course is the best option when preparing for the state exam.


Course Fees

Non-Member: $399*
CALI Pre-Licensed Member: $299

Save $100 off the PI Prep Course non-member fee by joining CALI as a Pre-Licensed member* for $99.00 before purchasing the course. Click here for membership information and to apply.

Purchase Course Now

Access to the Online Course:  Once you register and pay for the course on the CALI Website, you will receive an email with login instructions for the online course within one (1) to three (3) business days. You will have access to the course for twelve (12) months from the day you receive the link. If you do not receive the course link, please email info@cali-pi.org.

Refund Policy:  To cancel your purchase of the prep course and request a refund, you must submit your request in writing to info@cali-pi.org within six (6) business days of the purchase date to receive a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for requests received more than six (6) business days after the purchase date.

Questions?  If you have any questions about the prep course, please email info@cali-pi.org
  

NOT A CALI MEMBER YET?


Save $100 off the PI Prep Course by joining CALI as a Pre-Licensed member* for $99.00 before purchasing the course.
 Click here for membership information and to apply.

Pre-Licensed Membership Application Qualifications:

Any individual who does not qualify for Active, Associate or Affiliate membership and:


1. Is currently enrolled, in a private or state university, community college or private accredited vocational institute and undertaking a course in criminal justice and/or a similar investigation discipline, Criminology, Juris Doctorate or a Forensic Discipline, or;


2. Has completed a course of study and received a certificate or diploma from any of the above categories and does not yet qualify to take the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Licensed Investigator examination; or;


3. has met all of the minimum requirements for licensure, has received approval of their application for licensure by BSIS, and is eligible to take the BSIS private investigation examination is eligible for Pre- Licensed membership.


Pre-Licensed members shall not have the right to vote or hold office. Pre-Licensed members shall not have access to the association listserv, but they will have access to the CALI Members-Only section of the CALI Website.


Application Requirement: Submit proof of current enrollment in a criminal justice and/or private investigation course at a private or state university, community college or private accredited vocational institute, verification from BSIS of eligibility to take the California PI Exam.


*
Membership applications require approval from the Membership Committee before activation.


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After you’ve become a licensed private investigator, become an Active member of the California Association of Licensed Investigators and attend the Newly Licensed Investigator Training and Education (NLITE).

The Newly Licensed Investigator Training and Education provides an overview of the profession, the must haves when starting and operating a business, the laws that new PI's must be familiar with, ethical issues and professional responsibilities.

Each attendee will leave with the practical knowledge and tools needed to be a successful Private Investigator and business owner. 

Read more about NLITE here.