Unlock Your Investigative Career: Training with The Smith Investigation Agency
If you’re serious about becoming a licensed private investigator in Canada—or simply want to level up your investigative skills—The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. has a course catalogue built for you. Their suite of online programs spans from foundational PI training to advanced specializations like OSINT, interviewing tactics, and labour dispute management. Here’s a deep dive into what makes their private investigator courses so compelling—and how each course can help you on the road to professional success.
1. Private Investigator Course (PI Training)
At the core of Smith’s training offering is their 50-hour Private Investigator Course, available 100% online. This is a Ministry-compliant curriculum that equips you with everything you need to pass the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) licensing exam.Key features:
- Self-paced learning with full flexibility — 24/7 access on any device.
- Engaging content in multiple formats: narrated audio, videos, and embedded case scenarios. Covers essential subjects: criminal and civil law, investigative techniques, provincial/federal statutes, and ethical decision-making.
- No time limit to complete; once enrolled, you have unlimited access.
- Highly affordable: $199.99 + tax.
- By completing this course, you meet the mandatory training requirement to apply for your PI license.
2. Private Investigator Exam Prep
After completing the core training, students can reinforce their knowledge with the PI Exam Prep course. This is a focused practice tool designed to mimic the Ontario Ministry’s licensing exam.
- Includes 684 practice questions that closely resemble the actual exam content, giving you realistic preparation.
- Unlimited attempts — practice as much as you want until you’re confident.
- Fully self-paced and accessible 24/7.
- Priced at $19.99 + tax. S
- Note: this prep tool does not issue a certificate or Training Completion Number (TCN); it’s meant to complement the main training, not replace it.
This exam prep gives you targeted, confidence-building practice to help you perform your best on test day.
3. OSINT: Unlocking the Power of Open-Source Intelligence
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is increasingly vital in modern investigations—and Smith offers a dedicated OSINT training course to help investigators master it.
What you’ll learn:
- Fundamentals of OSINT as well as advanced techniques, including web intelligence (WEBINT), social media intelligence (SOCMINT), geospatial (GEOINT), and cyber intelligence (CYBINT).
- How to ethically collect, analyze, and verify open-source information.
- Use of practical tools and frameworks used by professionals in real-life investigations.
- Real-world case studies and hands-on exercises.
Course benefits:
- Instructor-led content from seasoned investigators.
- Self-paced with lifetime access—you can revisit lessons anytime.
- Recognized, Ministry-compliant certificate upon completion.
- Price: $199.99 + tax for full course access.
Whether you’re a PI looking to modernize your toolkit or a security professional wanting better research capabilities, this OSINT training offers concrete, applicable skills.
4. Report Writing for Private Investigators
Collecting evidence is just the first step—turning it into a clear, professional, and compliant investigative report is where real value lies. Smith’s Report Writing for Private Investigators course hones that crucial skill.
Course content:
- Structure and format of investigative reports.
- Techniques for information gathering, documentation, and organizing findings.
- Legal and ethical considerations—so your reports are admissible, objective, and professionally sound.
- Writing with clarity, precision, and attention to audience (clients, courts, stakeholders).
- Real case studies, revision strategies, and advanced topics.
Logistics:
- Fully online, available 24/7.
- Approximate duration: 1 hour (self-paced).
- Price: $19.99 + tax.
- This course builds your confidence in producing written work that stands up to client expectations, legal scrutiny, and professional standards.
5. Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Defending the Digital Frontier
In an ever more connected world, cyber threats are a real and growing concern. Smith’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals course helps investigators—and anyone who works in security—develop resilience against digital risks.
Highlights:
- Beginner-friendly: no prior technical knowledge required.
- Actionable guidance: recognize phishing, data breaches, ransomware, identity theft, and other cyber threats.
- Build habits and defensive strategies that work both personally and professionally.
By the end of this training, you’ll be equipped with practical tools, an understanding of the cyber threat landscape, and a certificate to show your cyber awareness.
6. Mastering Interviewing & Interrogation Techniques
Interviewing witnesses, suspects, or other parties is central to most investigative work. The Mastering Interviewing & Interrogation Techniques course brings proven strategies and ethical practices to the table.
What makes this course powerful:
- Instructor-led training delivered by working investigators with real-world experience.
- Fully online and available 24/7, with narration and read-along text for different learning styles.
- Focus on building rapport, structuring interviews, and asking the right questions.
- Techniques for detecting deception: verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Handling difficult or evasive subjects professionally, and keeping statements legally sound.
- Post-interview analysis: debriefing, documentation, and how to use what you’ve learned in your case.
- Price: $149 + tax.
For anyone looking to strengthen their human intelligence-gathering capabilities, this is essential training.
7. Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
Getting your Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) is often a licensing requirement for PIs and security professionals. Rather than navigating the process on your own, Smith offers a streamlined, same-day online service.
Why use Smith’s CRJMC service?
- Fast processing: same-day results.
- Fully online application—no need to visit a police station.
- Recognized for licensing: the check is accepted for PI or security licensing.
- Price: $59.99 + tax.
- Transparent and secure payment options.
Smith makes this essential step fast, reliable, and stress-free — so you can focus on your training and career path.
8. Labour Dispute Training
Labour disputes are a specialized and high-stakes area of investigation. The Labour Dispute Training Course equips private investigators and security guards with the skills to navigate these tense situations professionally.
Course breakdown:
- Understand different types of labour disputes across sectors like manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and more.
- Learn about travel logistics, accommodations, and planning for remote or urban labour dispute assignments.
- Role clarity: responsibilities during a dispute, in both investigative and security contexts.
- Conflict resolution strategies, including de-escalation techniques.
- Legal frameworks: liabilities, use of force, compliance with Canadian labour laws.
- Professional conduct: how to present yourself, manage finances, and maintain integrity on assignment.
- Duration: about 2 hours of online material.
- Price: $29.99.
This training helps you stand out in the field: being prepared for labour dispute situations means more opportunity and higher trust from clients.
Why Smith Investigation Agency’s Training Stands Out
- Comprehensive curriculum: Whether you’re aiming for a PI license, exploring intelligence work, or taking on specialized roles, Smith’s course library supports a full career path.
- Flexible learning: All their courses are online and available any time, on any device.
- Experienced instructors: Courses are created and taught by real investigators with field experience.
- Compliance and credibility: Their PI course is Ministry-compliant, and certification from their programs adds real professional value.
- Affordability: Many programs are priced accessibly, with the PI core course, OSINT, and other advanced courses at reasonable rates.
- Efficient licensing support: Through the CRJMC, you can easily complete a critical licensing requirement all in one place.
- Specialization for today’s needs: From cybersecurity to OSINT to labour dispute management, their offerings match modern investigation demands.
Who Should Take These Courses?
Smith Investigation Agency’s training is ideal for:
- Aspiring private investigators who want a clear, structured path to licensing.
- Licensed PIs who want to expand their skill set in interviewing, OSINT, or cyber.
- Security professionals looking to transition into investigative roles.
- Anyone interested in open-source intelligence, background check services, or labour dispute work.
- Professionals outside investigations — like journalists, risk analysts, or compliance officers — who could benefit from OSINT or cyber training.
Final Thoughts
The world of private investigation is evolving, and so are the skills required to succeed. By offering a well-rounded, accessible, and professionally credible training suite, The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. positions itself as a leader in investigator education. Their courses don’t just prepare you for licensing—they prepare you for a real, modern career in investigation and intelligence work.
Whether you’re just starting out, already licensed, or branching into specialized areas, Smith’s training programs give you the tools, knowledge, and certificate-backed skills to make an impact. Enroll today, sharpen your investigative edge, and take your next step with confidence.
