Professional Certified
Investigator (PCI)
BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFIED
INVESTIGATOR (PCI)
Why Apply for the PCI?
Earning a Professional Certified Investigator (PCIⓇ) designation provides independent confirmation of your specialized skills in security investigations, including case evaluation and review of options for case management strategies. It validates your ability to collect information through the effective use of surveillance, interviews, and interrogations.
What's in the Exam?
The PCI examination consists of 125 scored multiple-choice questions and may also contain 15 randomly distributed pre-test (unscored) questions for a total of up to 140 questions. The 2.5 hours allowed takes into consideration the review of pre-test items.
The exam covers tasks, knowledge, and skills in three primary domains that have been identified by professional investigators as required areas of competency in this field.
Eligibility
Three (3) to five (5) years of investigations experience depending on education level and two years of case management
AND
- Have been employed full-time in a security-related role
- Not have been convicted of any criminal offense that would reflect negatively on the security profession, ASIS, or the certification program
- Sign and agree to abide by the ASIS Certification Code of Conduct
- Agree to abide by the policies of the ASIS Certification programs as outlined in the Certification Handbook.
*Definitions for these terms can be found in the Certification Handbook.
Getting Started
Certification Handbook
Review all the policies and procedures you’ll need to follow to apply, study, and sit for each exam, including familiarizing yourself with the exam contents for each program.
Self-Assessment Guide
Assess your readiness for each of the certification programs. Use this tool to help you decide which exam is right for you and to set your study plans.
PREPARING FOR THE CPP EXAM
Reference Material
We encourage candidates to refer to the below reference materials as you prepare for the PCI certification exam. Our item writers and reviewers use these same materials to reference the correct answers on our exams. Remember: the ASIS exams are experienced-based; therefore, you will need to apply your own experience to help you answer the questions correctly. Please don’t attempt to memorise these reference sets.
ASIS International's Investigations Standard
PCI Practice Exam
The PCI practice exam contains items that once appeared on the actual certification exams but are now retired. Use the practice exam to familiarize yourself with how exam items will appear on the current exam(s).
Study Resources
The PCI Study Guide includes information about the test and how to study for it, plus an outline of the recommended reference materials.
Flash Cards are a simple, yet comprehensive tool to help you identify key terms, understand critical concepts, and recall facts. Available in print or digital.
Many ASIS Chapters also offer study groups. Contact the ASIS Chapter in your area for more information.
FREE WEBINAR
Reaching Your Career Potential: Why ASIS Certifications Are a Vital Professional Investment
Listen to this free, on-demand webinar to learn more about ASIS certifications. We’ll explain each of these programs—including which program is right for you—how to apply for the exams, study tips, and why employers hire those with these designations. Plus, we’ll give you the answers to our most frequently asked questions to set you up for success!