The licensing act: who needs a license and prohibited acts 13
A company's own employee investigates a theft inside that company. Does the Kentucky act require a private investigator license?KRS 329A.070(7)
A Kentucky company's whole workforce is one private investigator. Which license does it need?KRS 329A.040(4)
A person holds himself out as a private investigator in Kentucky without a license for the second time. What is the offense?KRS 329A.080
An employee works under the direction of a licensed Kentucky private investigator. Below how many hours a year is the employee outside the licensing act?KRS 329A.070(9)
In the Kentucky act, who is a "qualifying agent"?KRS 329A.010(6)
It becomes obvious to a Kentucky licensee that an investigation is unlikely to succeed. When may the licensee continue it?KRS 329A.055(5)
May a Kentucky city adopt its own ordinance regulating private investigators, under KRS 329A.085?KRS 329A.085
To whom may a Kentucky licensee divulge information from an investigation that could compromise the client?KRS 329A.055(2)
What does the Kentucky act say about a licensee using a badge?KRS 329A.055(1)
Which activity is "private investigating" under the Kentucky Private Investigators Licensing Act when done as a business?KRS 329A.010(4)
Which business is outside the Kentucky Private Investigators Licensing Act?KRS 329A.070(3)
Who may use a title that implies a Kentucky private investigator license?KRS 329A.015
Whose work falls outside the Kentucky Private Investigators Licensing Act under KRS 329A.070(4)?KRS 329A.070(4)
Show all 63 questions (50 more)
The board, applying, the examination and renewal 20
A former Kentucky licensee applies to reinstate a terminated license. Within what period is no examination required?KRS 329A.045(8)
A Kentucky applicant fails the examination a second time. How long must pass before another attempt?201 KAR 41:030 Section 2(6)
A Kentucky company's qualifying agent stops performing the duties. Within how many days must a new qualifying agent be substituted?KRS 329A.050(2)
A Kentucky licensee misses the renewal date. Until when does the grace period run before the license terminates?KRS 329A.045(6) and (7)
A Kentucky private investigator license is issued today. Counting from the date of issuance, when does it run out?KRS 329A.045(1)
A Kentucky private investigator wants a court to review discipline the board imposed. Which court does KRS 329A.065 name?KRS 329A.065(6)
After the Kentucky board administrator says an applicant may sit for the examination, how long does the applicant have to take it?201 KAR 41:030 Section 2(2)
An applicant was sentenced for a felony. Under KRS 329A.035, when may the applicant first receive a Kentucky license?KRS 329A.035(3)(d)
By what date must the Kentucky board receive a renewal application in the renewal year?KRS 329A.045(2)
Criminal charges are placed against a Kentucky licensee. How soon must the licensee notify the board in writing?KRS 329A.075(1)
How many members sit on the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators, and who appoints them?KRS 329A.020(2)
How many sets of classifiable fingerprints does a Kentucky private investigator application include?KRS 329A.035(1)(a)
How old must an applicant be to hold a Kentucky private investigator license in his or her own name?KRS 329A.035(3)(a)
The Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators cannot conduct business without a quorum. How many members is that?KRS 329A.020(11)
KRS 329A.025 sets a floor on how often the private investigator examination is offered. What is it?KRS 329A.025(2)(c)
KRS 329A.035 requires proof of insurance from a private investigator applicant. What coverage?KRS 329A.035(3)(n)
The ownership of a Kentucky investigating company changes and the new owner is not a licensee. How long may the new owner operate without applying?KRS 329A.050(1)
Private investigators hold some seats on the Kentucky licensing board. How many, each with five years in the work before appointment?KRS 329A.020(2)(d)
What does the Kentucky board issue to an individual licensee to be carried while engaged in private investigation?KRS 329A.040(2)(b)
What is the largest civil penalty the Kentucky board may assess in a disciplinary case?KRS 329A.065(2)
Code of ethics, complaints and continuing education 13
A client makes a decision, against the Kentucky licensee's advice, that violates the law. What must the licensee do first?201 KAR 41:090 Section 1(3)
A Kentucky client in good standing asks for a written report. What must it include?201 KAR 41:090 Section 2(7)
A Kentucky investigator has unintended contact with the subject of an investigation. What does the code of ethics require?201 KAR 41:090 Section 2(5)(e)
A Kentucky licensee hires a limited employee under the 240-hour exemption. How soon must the Limited Employee Registration form be filed?201 KAR 41:100 Section 2(1)
A Kentucky licensee knows another licensee has violated KRS Chapter 329A. What does the code require?201 KAR 41:090 Section 1(2)
A Kentucky licensee learns of a criminal offense during an investigation. To whom may the licensee divulge it without the client's direction?201 KAR 41:090 Section 2(6)(b)
A Kentucky licensee receives a copy of a complaint from the board. How long does the licensee have to answer?201 KAR 41:080 Section 2(3)
How does a valid subpoena affect a Kentucky investigator's duty of client confidentiality?201 KAR 41:090 Section 2(6)(d)
How long is one "continuing education hour" under the Kentucky board's regulation?201 KAR 41:070 Section 1(2)
The Kentucky board counts continuing education over the two-year licensure period. What is the minimum for a private investigator?201 KAR 41:070 Section 2(1)
Two parties to the same dispute each offer to pay a Kentucky investigator for work on that matter. When does the code of ethics allow it?201 KAR 41:090 Section 2(5)(a)
What does the Kentucky code of ethics say about an itemized bill?201 KAR 41:090 Section 2(8)
What record must a Kentucky licensee keep for each limited employee?201 KAR 41:100 Section 2(4)
Constitutional principles and search and seizure 6
A witness in a criminal case refuses to give evidence against himself. Which words of the Fifth Amendment protect that refusal?U.S. Constitution, Amendment V
An accused person wants to face, at trial, the people who testify for the prosecution. Which words of the Sixth Amendment secure that?U.S. Constitution, Amendment VI
An investigator learns that police searched a home under a warrant. On what showing does the Fourth Amendment allow a warrant to issue?U.S. Constitution, Amendment IV
The Fourth Amendment requires a warrant to be particular. About which things?U.S. Constitution, Amendment IV
What does the Eighth Amendment say about bail?U.S. Constitution, Amendment VIII
Which amendment says no person shall "be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb"?U.S. Constitution, Amendment V
Eavesdropping, computer access and weapons law 11
A person knowingly accesses a computer without the owner's effective consent, and no loss or damage results. How does Kentucky classify it?KRS 434.853
A person knowingly uses information that was obtained through eavesdropping. What Kentucky offense is that?KRS 526.060
An investigator places a listening device in a room, knowing it will be used for eavesdropping. What Kentucky offense is that?KRS 526.030
How does Kentucky classify possession of an eavesdropping device with intent to use it to eavesdrop?KRS 526.040
How does Kentucky classify the crime of eavesdropping?KRS 526.020
Unauthorized access to a computer in Kentucky results in loss or damage. At what amount does it become second degree?KRS 434.850
Under KRS 526.010, a recording of a conversation is not "eavesdropping" when it is made with whose consent?KRS 526.010
Under KRS 527.020(4), who may carry a concealed firearm at all times within Kentucky?KRS 527.020(4)
What purpose makes unauthorized computer access "unlawful access to a computer in the first degree" in Kentucky?KRS 434.845
Which act is "tampering with private communications" in Kentucky when done without the consent of the sender or receiver?KRS 526.050
Which person is not guilty under Kentucky's eavesdropping chapter?KRS 526.070(1)
How this list was compiled: Kentucky Revised Statutes 329A.010 to 329A.095 (Kentucky Private Investigators Licensing Act), 526.010 to 526.070, 434.845, 434.850, 434.853 and 527.020, and 201 KAR 41:030, 41:070, 41:080, 41:090 and 41:100, each read on October 12, 2026 on the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission site (https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38867 and https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/041/), and Amendments IV, V, VI and VIII to the U.S. Constitution in the National Archives transcription (https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript). The topics follow the examination subject areas of KRS 329A.025(2)(c) and the contents of the Examination Study Guide on the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators examinations page (https://kpi.ky.gov/newstatic_Info.aspx?static_ID=506&menuid=163). Each question names its section and links to it. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the law. Nothing comes from the Kentucky Private Investigator Examination, the examination service, a training class or a prep publisher.
How it works
This unofficial Kentucky private investigator practice test asks the law behind the state examination: 63 of our own questions from KRS Chapter 329A, the board's regulations, the eavesdropping statutes and the Bill of Rights. Not affiliated with the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Private Investigators.
Read the full guide
Kentucky private investigator exam study guide: the subject areas
KRS 329A.025 lists them: constitutional principles, privacy decisions, eavesdropping, assault, search and seizure, unlawful access to a computer, weapons laws and other criminal law. The five topics here cover the parts a statute or regulation states.
KY private investigators examination study guide: newer law
The board's own study guide is dated April 2009. Every answer here was read in the law as it stood on October 12, 2026, including the examination regulation, 201 KAR 41:030, as amended in 2019.
What is left out
Court decisions, assault offenses, the federal privacy and credit reporting acts and investigative technique are not asked.
Recording a conversation of others with no party's consent is eavesdropping, a Class D felony (KRS 526.010, 526.020).
No badge: a licensee shall not use one for identification (KRS 329A.055).
Tell the board in writing within 30 days of a criminal charge or a change in insurance (KRS 329A.075).
Questions and answers
What score do I need to pass the Kentucky private investigator exam?
A scaled score of 260. The board's examinations page says scores are reported on a scale from 150 to 300 and the minimum passing score is set at 260. A score on this page predicts nothing about the real examination.
Is there a Kentucky practice test to purchase for private investigator applicants?
This one costs nothing: all 63 questions are open, and your answers stay in your browser. The board's examinations page also links a free Examination Study Guide.
How many times can I take the Kentucky private investigator exam?
Under 201 KAR 41:030 you sit within 60 days of the board's notice and may sit a second time within six months of it. After a second failed attempt, no further attempt is allowed for twelve months.
How is the Kentucky Private Investigator Examination given?
By computer, at locations in Kentucky chosen by the examination service the board contracts with (201 KAR 41:030). The examination fee is paid to that service, and the board's examinations page gives it as $156.
How old do you have to be to be a private investigator in Kentucky?
At least 21, a United States citizen or resident alien, with a high school education or its equivalent (KRS 329A.035). The same section requires liability coverage of at least $250,000 and a passed examination.