Now enrolling for the updated 2026 SFJ Awards course — no final exam required when you train with UKPITA. We’re the only UK provider offering the latest syllabus.
Now enrolling for the updated 2026 SFJ Awards course — no final exam required when you train with UKPITA. We’re the only UK provider offering the latest syllabus.
Our comprehensive, tutor-led training goes far beyond the basics combining the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award with real-world, practical instruction from experienced professional investigators, as well as a series of core skills CPD-accredited workshops to embed and develop existing knowledge.
Having recently introduced legislation to require police officers to be licensed, the professional investigation industry is changing rapidly. The UK Government has confirmed its intention to regulate the activities of both Private Investigators and professional investigators / investigation departments within industry, with future licensing expected to fall under the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Under the proposed framework, individuals carrying out investigative work will be required to hold an SIA licence, granted only following identity and criminality checks and the successful completion of an approved competency-based training programme.
UK Professional Investigator Training Academy (UKPITA) delivers professional investigator training designed to prepare learners for both the future of industry regulation and the practical realities of investigative work.
Our flagship programme is the nationally recognised SFJ Awards Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators — the qualification recommended by the SIA for future licensing purposes. Alongside this accredited qualification, we now also deliver a series of specialist one-day Core Skills Workshops, providing focused Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in key investigative disciplines.
Our Core Skills Workshops include:
Each workshop is delivered face-to-face in a practical, scenario-led environment by experienced professionals and is recognised for CPD purposes through The CPD Group.
Our SFJ Awards Level 3 programme goes beyond the minimum requirements. While SFJ Awards specifies 34 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), UKPITA delivers 36 GLH of in-person tuition based on the latest 2026 syllabus. Training is delivered by experienced, accredited tutors with extensive operational backgrounds in investigations and law enforcement.
Students also receive a complimentary copy of So You Want To Be a Private Investigator to support their ongoing development beyond the classroom.
All training is delivered by qualified tutors who are former police officers, supported by experienced investigators from our associated agencies, including:
This ensures our training reflects current investigative practice, operational realities, and real world casework — not simply theoretical classroom learning.
Whether you are looking to begin a career in private investigation, enhance your existing investigative skills, or prepare for future SIA licensing requirements, our training programmes are designed to provide practical, professional development.
By training with UKPITA you will:
Our SFJ Awards Level 3 course is priced at just £799, offering exceptional value for a fully accredited, face-to-face learning experience delivered by experienced professionals.
Our one-day CPD Core Skills Workshops, priced at £299, provide additional specialist training in key operational areas and are ideal both for new investigators and experienced practitioners seeking to strengthen their professional capability whilst earning CPD credits.
Unlike many providers relying solely on online delivery or outdated materials, UKPITA delivers modern, practical, tutor-led training designed for real-world investigative work.
Whether you’re ready to apply or just have a few questions, we’re here to help. Send us a quick message and one of our team will be in touch.
