Ontario Private Investigator Exam
Questions 2025/2026 – 75+ Fully Solved
Scenarios – PSISA, PIPEDA, Surveillance
Law, Arrest Authority, Habeas Corpus &
Process Serving
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR EXAM REVISION STUDY GUIDE
Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA)
Questions, Correct Answers & Rationales
1. The legislation governing the private investigator profession is known as?
CORRECT ANSWER:
PSISA – Private Security and Investigative Services Act (2005)
RATIONALE:
The PSISA is Ontario legislation that regulates private investigators and security professionals. It
establishes licensing requirements, professional standards, prohibited activities, and
enforcement procedures.
2. What are three general types of cases that a private investigator will take on?
CORRECT ANSWER:
1. Investigation following an incident
2. Investigation into a suspicion or allegation of misconduct
3. Investigation into suspicion or allegation of breach of compliance
, RATIONALE:
Private investigators commonly assist organizations and individuals by gathering facts, evidence,
and information regarding incidents, misconduct, or compliance issues.
3. What are the ethical requirements of a private investigator?
CORRECT ANSWER:
To conduct yourself in a lawful, transparent, professional manner and free of judgement, bias,
or personal motivations.
RATIONALE:
A private investigator must remain objective and impartial. Personal opinions or bias can
damage the credibility of an investigation.
4. What may be the goal(s) of an investigation?
CORRECT ANSWER:
• Collection of evidence for larger action
• Amalgamation of data/information
• Assistance with compliance and resolution
• Mitigation of future risk/incidents
RATIONALE:
Investigations are conducted to establish facts, support decision-making, reduce risk, and
provide evidence when required.
5. What 8 criteria should be included in investigative plans?
CORRECT ANSWER:
1. Determining the goal/objective
2. Clarifying the scope and any potential hindrances
3. Establishing timeline and expectations for deliverables
4. Determining the resources required
, 5. Budget allowances
6. Communication and points of contact
7. Expectations of outcomes and possible alternatives
8. Scope of expertise and resources
RATIONALE:
A proper investigative plan ensures the investigation is organized, controlled, cost-effective, and
achieves the intended objective.
6. What tasks/duties could be expected in working as a private investigator? (7)
CORRECT ANSWER:
1. Investigating behaviour
2. Conducting searches/surveillance
3. Researching
4. Interviews
5. Documentation
6. Assessing facts and the source of facts for credibility
7. Assisting law enforcement
RATIONALE:
Private investigators gather and analyze information while maintaining professionalism and
operating within legal limits.
7. What is a Mareva injunction?
CORRECT ANSWER:
A court order that allows the freezing of a defendant's assets as a means of protection.
RATIONALE:
A Mareva injunction prevents a person from hiding or disposing of assets before a legal claim is
resolved.
Questions 2025/2026 – 75+ Fully Solved
Scenarios – PSISA, PIPEDA, Surveillance
Law, Arrest Authority, Habeas Corpus &
Process Serving
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR EXAM REVISION STUDY GUIDE
Ontario Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA)
Questions, Correct Answers & Rationales
1. The legislation governing the private investigator profession is known as?
CORRECT ANSWER:
PSISA – Private Security and Investigative Services Act (2005)
RATIONALE:
The PSISA is Ontario legislation that regulates private investigators and security professionals. It
establishes licensing requirements, professional standards, prohibited activities, and
enforcement procedures.
2. What are three general types of cases that a private investigator will take on?
CORRECT ANSWER:
1. Investigation following an incident
2. Investigation into a suspicion or allegation of misconduct
3. Investigation into suspicion or allegation of breach of compliance
, RATIONALE:
Private investigators commonly assist organizations and individuals by gathering facts, evidence,
and information regarding incidents, misconduct, or compliance issues.
3. What are the ethical requirements of a private investigator?
CORRECT ANSWER:
To conduct yourself in a lawful, transparent, professional manner and free of judgement, bias,
or personal motivations.
RATIONALE:
A private investigator must remain objective and impartial. Personal opinions or bias can
damage the credibility of an investigation.
4. What may be the goal(s) of an investigation?
CORRECT ANSWER:
• Collection of evidence for larger action
• Amalgamation of data/information
• Assistance with compliance and resolution
• Mitigation of future risk/incidents
RATIONALE:
Investigations are conducted to establish facts, support decision-making, reduce risk, and
provide evidence when required.
5. What 8 criteria should be included in investigative plans?
CORRECT ANSWER:
1. Determining the goal/objective
2. Clarifying the scope and any potential hindrances
3. Establishing timeline and expectations for deliverables
4. Determining the resources required
, 5. Budget allowances
6. Communication and points of contact
7. Expectations of outcomes and possible alternatives
8. Scope of expertise and resources
RATIONALE:
A proper investigative plan ensures the investigation is organized, controlled, cost-effective, and
achieves the intended objective.
6. What tasks/duties could be expected in working as a private investigator? (7)
CORRECT ANSWER:
1. Investigating behaviour
2. Conducting searches/surveillance
3. Researching
4. Interviews
5. Documentation
6. Assessing facts and the source of facts for credibility
7. Assisting law enforcement
RATIONALE:
Private investigators gather and analyze information while maintaining professionalism and
operating within legal limits.
7. What is a Mareva injunction?
CORRECT ANSWER:
A court order that allows the freezing of a defendant's assets as a means of protection.
RATIONALE:
A Mareva injunction prevents a person from hiding or disposing of assets before a legal claim is
resolved.
