TheoryFree California Private Investigator Licence (BSIS) Practice Test
Take a free California Private Investigator Licence (BSIS) practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam…
California Private Investigator Licence (BSIS) Questions
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Q1Which California agency licenses and regulates private investigators?
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✓ Correct answer: The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
Private investigators in California are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Q2Under the Private Investigator Act, the PI license number is commonly referenced by which Business and Professions Code section?
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✓ Correct answer: Section 7542
The California Private Investigator Act is found at Business and Professions Code section 7512 and following; PI 7542 specifically addresses the license. The Act governs qualifications, conduct, and discipline.
Q3What is the minimum age to qualify for a California private investigator license?
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✓ Correct answer: 18 years old
An applicant must be at least 18 years of age to be licensed as a private investigator in California.
Q4How many hours of qualifying, compensated investigative experience does BSIS generally require for a PI license?
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✓ Correct answer: 6,000 hours
BSIS generally requires three years (6,000 hours) of compensated investigative experience, which may be partially offset by a relevant degree.
Q5Before issuing a PI license, BSIS requires the applicant to:
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✓ Correct answer: Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check
Applicants must submit fingerprints (Live Scan) so BSIS can run a state and federal criminal background check before licensure.
Q6A licensed PI who operates a business under a name other than their own must:
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✓ Correct answer: Register the fictitious business name and have it approved/branch as required
Operating under a fictitious or branch business name requires registering that name with BSIS so the public can identify the licensee responsible.
Q7How long is a California PI license valid before it must be renewed?
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✓ Correct answer: 2 years
A California private investigator license is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration to remain active.
Q8Which of the following can result in BSIS suspending or revoking a PI license?
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✓ Correct answer: A conviction substantially related to the duties of an investigator
BSIS may discipline a licensee for a conviction substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a private investigator, among other grounds.
Q9An unlicensed person who advertises and performs paid investigative services in California is:
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✓ Correct answer: Engaging in unlicensed activity, which is a violation of the PI Act
Performing compensated investigative work without a BSIS license violates the Private Investigator Act and can lead to criminal and administrative penalties.
Q10A private investigator's employees who conduct investigations generally must:
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✓ Correct answer: Be registered/qualified as required and work under the licensee's authority
Employees performing investigations work under the qualified manager/licensee; they must meet BSIS registration requirements rather than each holding a full PI license.
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