Ontario Private Investigator Exam
2025/2026 | Actual Licensing Exam with
Complete Questions & Verified Answers |
Ministry-Approved Content
1. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a private investigator license in
Ontario?
A) 18
B) 19
C) 21
D) 25
Answer: B) 19
Solution: The Private Security and Investigative Services Act requires applicants to be at
least 19 years old.
2. Which government body regulates private investigators in Ontario?
A) Ministry of Justice
B) Ontario Police Service
C) Ministry of the Solicitor General
D) Ontario Security Authority
Answer: C) Ministry of the Solicitor General
Solution: The Ministry of the Solicitor General oversees licensing and regulation under
the PSISA.
3. A private investigator in Ontario must renew their license every:
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
,Answer: B) 2 years
Solution: Licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
4. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a licensed private investigator?
A) Conducting surveillance
B) Investigating fraud
C) Making arrests
D) Background checks
Answer: C) Making arrests
Solution: Private investigators cannot arrest anyone; only police officers have that
authority.
5. Under Ontario law, which of the following is considered a “security service”?
A) Providing bodyguard services
B) Selling security equipment
C) Investigating crimes without a license
D) Reporting crimes to police
Answer: A) Providing bodyguard services
Solution: Security services include guard, patrol, and protection services; private
investigation is separate but regulated under the same Act.
6. A PI may conduct surveillance on:
A) Any person, without restrictions
B) Only with client consent and lawful purposes
C) Police officers
D) Government officials without reason
Answer: B) Only with client consent and lawful purposes
Solution: Surveillance must be for legitimate purposes and compliant with privacy laws.
7. Which legislation governs private investigative work in Ontario?
A) Criminal Code of Canada
B) Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA)
,C) Occupational Health and Safety Act
D) Ontario Human Rights Code
Answer: B) PSISA
Solution: The PSISA regulates licensing, conduct, and scope of work for PIs and
security professionals.
8. Which document is essential when applying for a PI license?
A) Birth certificate
B) Criminal record check
C) Driver’s license only
D) College diploma
Answer: B) Criminal record check
Solution: Applicants must provide a clear criminal record check as part of licensing.
9. How long must a PI retain records of their investigations in Ontario?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 5 years
Answer: C) 2 years
Solution: PSISA requires PIs to retain records for at least 2 years for inspection by
authorities.
10. A PI is caught using illegal methods to gather information. What is the likely
outcome?
A) Nothing, if results are useful
B) Fined and license revoked
C) Promoted
D) Temporary warning
Answer: B) Fined and license revoked
Solution: Unlawful conduct can result in penalties, fines, and revocation under PSISA.
, 11. Private investigators may carry firearms in Ontario if:
A) They have a PI license
B) They have a separate valid firearms license and follow regulations
C) They are over 25 years old
D) They work for police
Answer: B) They have a separate valid firearms license and follow regulations
Solution: PI licensing does not automatically allow firearm possession; separate
licensing is required.
12. Which of the following is an ethical responsibility of a PI?
A) Misrepresent identity to gain access
B) Respect client confidentiality
C) Intimidate witnesses
D) Fabricate evidence
Answer: B) Respect client confidentiality
Solution: PIs must follow ethical standards, including confidentiality and lawful conduct.
13. What type of insurance is recommended for a PI in Ontario?
A) Life insurance
B) Liability insurance
C) Car insurance only
D) Travel insurance
Answer: B) Liability insurance
Solution: Liability insurance protects against legal claims arising from investigative
activities.
14. A PI observes illegal activity during surveillance. What should they do?
A) Ignore it
B) Report it to police immediately
C) Intervene personally
D) Record and sell it
Answer: B) Report it to police immediately
Solution: PIs are not law enforcement but must report illegal activity to authorities.
2025/2026 | Actual Licensing Exam with
Complete Questions & Verified Answers |
Ministry-Approved Content
1. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a private investigator license in
Ontario?
A) 18
B) 19
C) 21
D) 25
Answer: B) 19
Solution: The Private Security and Investigative Services Act requires applicants to be at
least 19 years old.
2. Which government body regulates private investigators in Ontario?
A) Ministry of Justice
B) Ontario Police Service
C) Ministry of the Solicitor General
D) Ontario Security Authority
Answer: C) Ministry of the Solicitor General
Solution: The Ministry of the Solicitor General oversees licensing and regulation under
the PSISA.
3. A private investigator in Ontario must renew their license every:
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
,Answer: B) 2 years
Solution: Licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
4. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a licensed private investigator?
A) Conducting surveillance
B) Investigating fraud
C) Making arrests
D) Background checks
Answer: C) Making arrests
Solution: Private investigators cannot arrest anyone; only police officers have that
authority.
5. Under Ontario law, which of the following is considered a “security service”?
A) Providing bodyguard services
B) Selling security equipment
C) Investigating crimes without a license
D) Reporting crimes to police
Answer: A) Providing bodyguard services
Solution: Security services include guard, patrol, and protection services; private
investigation is separate but regulated under the same Act.
6. A PI may conduct surveillance on:
A) Any person, without restrictions
B) Only with client consent and lawful purposes
C) Police officers
D) Government officials without reason
Answer: B) Only with client consent and lawful purposes
Solution: Surveillance must be for legitimate purposes and compliant with privacy laws.
7. Which legislation governs private investigative work in Ontario?
A) Criminal Code of Canada
B) Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA)
,C) Occupational Health and Safety Act
D) Ontario Human Rights Code
Answer: B) PSISA
Solution: The PSISA regulates licensing, conduct, and scope of work for PIs and
security professionals.
8. Which document is essential when applying for a PI license?
A) Birth certificate
B) Criminal record check
C) Driver’s license only
D) College diploma
Answer: B) Criminal record check
Solution: Applicants must provide a clear criminal record check as part of licensing.
9. How long must a PI retain records of their investigations in Ontario?
A) 6 months
B) 1 year
C) 2 years
D) 5 years
Answer: C) 2 years
Solution: PSISA requires PIs to retain records for at least 2 years for inspection by
authorities.
10. A PI is caught using illegal methods to gather information. What is the likely
outcome?
A) Nothing, if results are useful
B) Fined and license revoked
C) Promoted
D) Temporary warning
Answer: B) Fined and license revoked
Solution: Unlawful conduct can result in penalties, fines, and revocation under PSISA.
, 11. Private investigators may carry firearms in Ontario if:
A) They have a PI license
B) They have a separate valid firearms license and follow regulations
C) They are over 25 years old
D) They work for police
Answer: B) They have a separate valid firearms license and follow regulations
Solution: PI licensing does not automatically allow firearm possession; separate
licensing is required.
12. Which of the following is an ethical responsibility of a PI?
A) Misrepresent identity to gain access
B) Respect client confidentiality
C) Intimidate witnesses
D) Fabricate evidence
Answer: B) Respect client confidentiality
Solution: PIs must follow ethical standards, including confidentiality and lawful conduct.
13. What type of insurance is recommended for a PI in Ontario?
A) Life insurance
B) Liability insurance
C) Car insurance only
D) Travel insurance
Answer: B) Liability insurance
Solution: Liability insurance protects against legal claims arising from investigative
activities.
14. A PI observes illegal activity during surveillance. What should they do?
A) Ignore it
B) Report it to police immediately
C) Intervene personally
D) Record and sell it
Answer: B) Report it to police immediately
Solution: PIs are not law enforcement but must report illegal activity to authorities.
