What a private investigator is and who is exempt 18
A client pays a firm under contract to find out who was responsible for a warehouse fire. Under G.S. 74C-3(a)(8) that work is:G.S. 74C-3
A consultant doing an efficiency study sees an employee steal. Under G.S. 74C-3(b)(11), may the consultant tell the employer?G.S. 74C-3
A firm verifies job applicants' backgrounds for employers. What keeps it outside Chapter 74C under G.S. 74C-3(b)(10)?G.S. 74C-3
A laboratory tests evidence that a client sends in and reports its opinion on the cause. Under G.S. 74C-3(b)(12) the laboratory is:G.S. 74C-3
A lawyer's employee interviews witnesses for the firm's cases only. Does the employee need a license (G.S. 74C-3(b)(4))?G.S. 74C-3
A lender's own employees repossess a car that secured the loan. Under G.S. 74C-3(b)(5) they are:G.S. 74C-3
A person investigates one case under contract with a State occupational licensing board, solely for that board. Under G.S. 74C-3(b)(18) the person is:G.S. 74C-3
A store's own loss prevention employee investigates theft inside the business. Does G.S. 74C-3(b)(14) require a license?G.S. 74C-3
An employee of a licensee works exclusively as an undercover agent. What condition does G.S. 74C-3(b)(8) attach to the exclusion?G.S. 74C-3
Show all 96 questions (87 more)
What a private investigator is and who is exempt, continued
Does holding a Chapter 74C license excuse a firm from other licensing laws (G.S. 74C-2(a))?G.S. 74C-2
G.S. 74C-3(a)(8) defines a private investigator as a person who makes inquiries or investigations on what basis?G.S. 74C-3
Tracing stolen jewelry for a paying client falls under which part of the private investigator definition (G.S. 74C-3(a)(8))?G.S. 74C-3
Under G.S. 74C-16(c), what may an unlicensed person not do?G.S. 74C-16
What may the Board issue in place of a private investigator license to someone who will work under a licensee (G.S. 74C-2(c))?G.S. 74C-2
When is a licensed insurance adjuster outside "private protective services" (G.S. 74C-3(b)(1))?G.S. 74C-3
When is a State employee who investigates excluded from Chapter 74C (G.S. 74C-3(b)(2))?G.S. 74C-3
Which business is excluded from "private protective services" by G.S. 74C-3(b)(3)?G.S. 74C-3
Which work is inside the definition of a private investigator in G.S. 74C-3(a)(8)?G.S. 74C-3
Getting the license: application, experience and trainees 27
A Board employee discloses a licensee's home address without consent. Under G.S. 74C-8(g) that violation is:G.S. 74C-8
A reporter asks the Board for the background file it built on an applicant. What does G.S. 74C-8.1(b) say about that file?G.S. 74C-8.1
After notice of pending approval, how long does an applicant have to pay the initial license fee and the Education Fund contribution (G.S. 74C-8(f))?G.S. 74C-8
After the Board sends in an applicant's fingerprints, which two bureaus search them in turn (G.S. 74C-8.1(a))?G.S. 74C-8.1
An applicant claims experience gained while contracting investigations with no license. How does the Board treat it (14B NCAC 16 .0204(c))?14B NCAC 16 .0204
An applicant does not send the requested documents within 60 days. What happens under 14B NCAC 16 .0114?14B NCAC 16 .0114
An applicant pleaded no contest to an assault charge. Is that a "conviction" under G.S. 74C-8(d)(2)?G.S. 74C-8
An applicant with a military occupational specialty in investigations needs how much experience under 14B NCAC 16 .0401(a)(3)?14B NCAC 16 .0401
Before a license is issued, 14B NCAC 16 .0201(e) requires the applicant to do what in person?14B NCAC 16 .0201
By which means may the Board require an applicant to show qualifications under G.S. 74C-8(e)?G.S. 74C-8
G.S. 74C-8(b)(5) has the verified application list people the Board can ask about the applicant's character. How many, at least?G.S. 74C-8
G.S. 74C-8(d)(1) sets how old an applicant must be before the Board may license them. How old?G.S. 74C-8
How many hours of experience credit does a bachelor's degree earn under 14B NCAC 16 .0401(c)?14B NCAC 16 .0401
How many hours of experience credit does an associate's degree earn under 14B NCAC 16 .0401(c)?14B NCAC 16 .0401
How many letters attesting to good character does 14B NCAC 16 .0201 ask an applicant to submit online?14B NCAC 16 .0201
How many trainees may one licensed private investigator supervise at a time (G.S. 74C-9(i))?G.S. 74C-9
How much investigative experience does 14B NCAC 16 .0401(a)(1) require for a private investigator license?14B NCAC 16 .0401
May a trainee permit go to an applicant who already qualifies for a private investigator license (G.S. 74C-9(h))?G.S. 74C-9
The statewide criminal history search filed with a new application covers each state lived in during how long (14B NCAC 16 .0201(a)(3))?14B NCAC 16 .0201
Under the Board's formula in 14B NCAC 16 .0204, three years of experience equals how many hours?14B NCAC 16 .0204
What is the most credit the Board grants for formal classroom training under 14B NCAC 16 .0204(d)?14B NCAC 16 .0204
What may the Director issue once the background investigation is complete, before the Board meets (G.S. 74C-8(f))?G.S. 74C-8
What must come with a request to renew a trainee permit (14B NCAC 16 .0403(d))?14B NCAC 16 .0403
What statement must accompany a trainee permit application under G.S. 74C-8(b)(7)?G.S. 74C-8
Which conviction is prima facie evidence that an applicant lacks good moral character (G.S. 74C-8(d)(2))?G.S. 74C-8
Which proof of schooling must every applicant upload (14B NCAC 16 .0201(d))?14B NCAC 16 .0201
Who signs and dates a private investigator trainee's experience log (14B NCAC 16 .0403(c))?14B NCAC 16 .0403
In practice: reports, the badge, renewal and qualifying agents 27
A company buys a licensed investigation firm. How soon must the buyer notify the Director, and how (G.S. 74C-23(1))?G.S. 74C-23
A criminal charge that could bar licensure is pending when a licensee applies to renew. What does 14B NCAC 16 .0203(c) provide?14B NCAC 16 .0203
A firm opens a branch office. How soon must it file the address with the Board (G.S. 74C-9(d))?G.S. 74C-9
A firm's qualifying agent quits. How soon must the firm notify the Director (G.S. 74C-8(c)(3))?G.S. 74C-8
A licensee does not complete the continuing education. What follows under 14B NCAC 16 .1206?14B NCAC 16 .1206
A licensee held a license for four years and let it expire. Within what time may it be re-issued under 14B NCAC 16 .0203(d)?14B NCAC 16 .0203
A licensee sells the practice. May the license go to the buyer (G.S. 74C-9(b))?G.S. 74C-9
A trainee leaves the profession. How soon must the pocket identification card go back to the Director (G.S. 74C-15)?G.S. 74C-15
For what term is a private investigator license issued (G.S. 74C-9(b))?G.S. 74C-9
G.S. 74C-9(b) requires the license to be on display at all times. At which location?G.S. 74C-9
How far ahead of expiration must the online renewal application be submitted (14B NCAC 16 .0203(b))?14B NCAC 16 .0203
How long does a firm have to obtain a substitute qualifying agent (G.S. 74C-8(c)(3))?G.S. 74C-8
How long must records required by the Board's rules be kept (14B NCAC 16 .0108(c))?14B NCAC 16 .0108
How many continuing education credit hours does a licensee earn for attending one complete regular meeting of the Board (14B NCAC 16 .1202(c))?14B NCAC 16 .1202
How must a private investigator carry the badge under 14B NCAC 16 .0405?14B NCAC 16 .0405
How soon after finishing a paid investigation must a private investigator offer the client a written report (14B NCAC 16 .0404(a))?14B NCAC 16 .0404
In G.S. 74C-8(c), who is a "qualifying agent"?G.S. 74C-8
In normal times, how many continuing education hours may come from online courses in one renewal period (14B NCAC 16 .1202(d))?14B NCAC 16 .1202
May one licensee be the qualifying agent for two business entities (G.S. 74C-8(c)(4))?G.S. 74C-8
Rule 14B NCAC 16 .1202(a) fixes the training a licensee owes before each renewal. How many credit hours?14B NCAC 16 .1202
What colors is the private investigator badge described in 14B NCAC 16 .0405?14B NCAC 16 .0405
What is the latest a license can be renewed after it expires (G.S. 74C-9(f))?G.S. 74C-9
What must a licensee have in possession at all times while on duty (G.S. 74C-15)?G.S. 74C-15
What must every advertisement of private protective services include (14B NCAC 16 .0116)?14B NCAC 16 .0116
What must the file copy of a client report show under 14B NCAC 16 .0404(b)?14B NCAC 16 .0404
What must the investigator keep after a written report is prepared (14B NCAC 16 .0404(a))?14B NCAC 16 .0404
Who must personally sign reports, cover letters and itemized invoices to a client (14B NCAC 16 .0404(b))?14B NCAC 16 .0404
The Board, discipline and penalties 24
A client paid in full and the investigator willfully does not perform the agreed service. Under G.S. 74C-12(a)(7) the Board may:G.S. 74C-12
A client who has paid asks in writing for the report. After how long without it is the licensee open to discipline (G.S. 74C-12(a)(20))?G.S. 74C-12
A licensee carries a badge that suggests he is a law enforcement officer. Under G.S. 74C-12(a)(27) this is:G.S. 74C-12
A licensee does business under a name other than the one on the license. Is that a ground for discipline (G.S. 74C-12(a)(22))?G.S. 74C-12
A licensee is charged with a crime of dishonesty. How soon must the licensee report it to the Board in writing (G.S. 74C-12(d))?G.S. 74C-12
A licensee lets a friend use his license for a week. Under 14B NCAC 16 .0105(a)(2) the license may be:14B NCAC 16 .0105
An investigator hands a debtor a paper made to look like a court summons. Under G.S. 74C-12(a)(13) that is:G.S. 74C-12
An investigator licensed in another state follows one case into North Carolina. For how long may a temporary permit be issued (G.S. 74C-18(b))?G.S. 74C-18
An investigator tells a witness, falsely, "I represent the attorney in this case." Which ground in G.S. 74C-12(a) covers that?G.S. 74C-12
Another state begins a disciplinary case against a North Carolina licensee. When must the Board receive written notice (14B NCAC 16 .0113)?14B NCAC 16 .0113
The Board decides a fine fits better than taking the license. What ceiling does G.S. 74C-17(c) put on it?G.S. 74C-17
The Board may suspend or revoke for a violation only if it occurred within what time of the start of the Board's investigation (14B NCAC 16 .0106(a))?14B NCAC 16 .0106
G.S. 74C-4(b) fixes the length of service for which appointees to the Board are named. How long is one term?G.S. 74C-4
G.S. 74C-12(c) names two kinds of office holder the Board must turn away. Which of these is one?G.S. 74C-12
How many members sit on the Private Protective Services Board (G.S. 74C-4(b))?G.S. 74C-4
In fixing the amount of a civil penalty, what must the Board consider (G.S. 74C-17(c))?G.S. 74C-17
In which department is the Private Protective Services Board established (G.S. 74C-4(a))?G.S. 74C-4
May a serving police officer hold a private detective license (G.S. 74C-21(a))?G.S. 74C-21
To stop a threatened violation of Chapter 74C, where may the Board seek an injunction (G.S. 74C-17(a))?G.S. 74C-17
What may follow if a licensee never reports a reportable arrest (G.S. 74C-12(d))?G.S. 74C-12
When may a licensee divulge case information to a law enforcement officer investigating a crime (G.S. 74C-12(a)(23))?G.S. 74C-12
When may the Board grant a license to a nonresident who is licensed in another state (G.S. 74C-18(a))?G.S. 74C-18
Which fact supports a written reprimand in place of heavier discipline (14B NCAC 16 .0106(b))?14B NCAC 16 .0106
Whose concurrence does the Board need to issue a cease and desist letter for unlicensed activity (G.S. 74C-5(13))?G.S. 74C-5
How this list was compiled: North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 74C, Private Protective Services (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByChapter/Chapter_74C.html); and 14B NCAC 16, the rules of the Private Protective Services Board, in the Office of Administrative Hearings' copy of the chapter (http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2014b%20-%20public%20safety/chapter%2016%20-%20private%20protective%20services%20board/chapter%2016%20rules.pdf), which the Board links from its Laws and Rules page (https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/boards-and-commissions/private-protective-services-board/ppsb-laws-and-rules). Each was read on October 16, 2026. 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 statutes and rules named under "source". Nothing comes from an examination, a sample test, a training course or a prep publisher.
How it works
This unofficial North Carolina private investigator license practice test asks 96 questions on Chapter 74C and the Board's rules, each answer citing its section. Not affiliated with the Private Protective Services Board.
Read the full guide
The personal meeting
Rule .0201(e) has each applicant meet a Board investigator, the Screening Committee, the Director or another representative before a license is issued, discuss Chapter 74C and the rules, and sign a form saying so. These questions cover that reading.
What is left out
Firearms (G.S. 74C-13), security guard registration, the polygraph, electronic countermeasures and digital forensics licenses, and fee amounts.
A written report is offered to the client within 30 days after a paid investigation ends, and a licensee signs it (14B NCAC 16 .0404).
The badge is gold with dark blue lettering and stays in a folding pocket case, never on a belt or lanyard (14B NCAC 16 .0405).
Ten working days: a new branch office address, a qualifying agent who leaves, a pocket card to surrender (G.S. 74C-9, 74C-8 and 74C-15).
Questions and answers
Is there an exam for a North Carolina private investigator license?
No written one. G.S. 74C-8(e) lets the Board require an examination, but its rules set none for private investigators. They do set a written examination for the polygraph license (Rule .0501).
How do I become a private investigator in North Carolina?
Be at least 18, show three years of verifiable investigative experience (3,000 hours by the Board's formula), pass the background investigation and meet a Board representative (G.S. 74C-8; 14B NCAC 16 .0201, .0204 and .0401).
Can I get a North Carolina private investigator license with no experience?
Not a license, but G.S. 74C-2(c) lets the Board issue a trainee permit to someone who works under a licensee's direct supervision. The Board's page calls this a Private Investigator Associate. One investigator may supervise no more than five trainees.
How long is a North Carolina private investigator license good for?
Two years (G.S. 74C-9(b)). Renewal takes 12 credit hours of continuing education, and no renewal is granted more than three months after the license expires (14B NCAC 16 .1202; G.S. 74C-9(f)).
Can a police officer be a private investigator in North Carolina?
No. G.S. 74C-21(a) says no law enforcement officer of the United States, North Carolina, another state or a political subdivision shall be licensed as a private detective.