Arkansas Private Investigator License
Arkansas credentials private investigators through the State Police. You’ll pass the PI exam (or qualify for the law‑enforcement exemption), complete state/FBI background checks with fingerprints, pay the $450 application, work under a Class A manager, and renew every two years for $150.
To get a private investigator license in Arkansas (the Credentialed Private Investigator, or CPI), you must apply to the Arkansas State Police, pass the PI exam (unless law‑enforcement‑exempt), submit state and FBI background checks with fingerprints, pay the current fees, and work under a Class A investigations company manager. Arkansas State Police; 17 CAR § 350-1101; 17 CAR § 350-1103.
Requirements last verified: 2026-08-25
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Division of Arkansas State Police, Regulatory Services Division (Private Investigators / Security / Alarm). Official program page. |
| Initial CPI application fee | $450 (Code 20017), submitted with two classifiable fingerprint cards and background-check fees. CPI application. |
| Exam | 100+ questions; 70% to pass; in‑person; first attempt included with application; re‑exam $50; application canceled after two failures. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑307; 17 CAR § 350‑1103. |
| Experience/supervision | No set hours. CPI must work under the supervision of a qualified manager of a Class A investigations company. Five consecutive years of recent law‑enforcement experience qualifies for exam exemption. 17 CAR § 350‑1101; 17 CAR § 350‑1103(g). |
| Minimum age | 18 years old at time of application. Act 393 (codifying A.C.A. § 17‑40‑306). |
| Background checks & fingerprints | State and FBI checks required for all first‑time and renewal applicants; fingerprints via ASP process. State fee set under A.C.A. § 12‑12‑1510 (up to $20); FBI check currently $13.00. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑307; A.C.A. § 12‑12‑1510; ASP CBC FAQ; ASP fingerprinting. |
| Insurance/bond | No insurance required for an individual CPI. Certain company licenses (Class B, C, G) must carry ≥$500,000 liability insurance. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑308. |
| Renewal | Credential expires 2 years from issuance; CPI renewal fee $150 (include new fingerprints and background‑check fees). A.C.A. § 17‑40‑329(b); CPI renewal form; A.C.A. § 17‑40‑302. |
How to get a private investigator license in Arkansas
- Confirm you qualify. You must be at least 18, meet moral‑character standards, and plan to work under a Class A investigations company manager. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑306; 17 CAR § 350‑1101.
- Schedule your exam with ASP. The PI exam is in person, 100+ questions; 70% is passing. If you have five consecutive years of recent law‑enforcement experience, you’re exam‑exempt. 17 CAR § 350‑1103.
- Get fingerprinted and complete background checks. Follow ASP’s fingerprinting instructions and include state and FBI background‑check fees with your packet. ASP fingerprinting; A.C.A. § 17‑40‑307.
- Submit the CPI application and fees. File the Credentialed Private Investigator application with the $450 fee, two passport photos, fingerprints, and background‑check confirmations. CPI application.
- Receive your CPI credential and keep it available while working. You must be able to produce your credential on request. 17 CAR § 350‑506.
- Renew every two years. Before your two‑year expiration, submit the renewal form, $150 fee, and new fingerprints/background checks. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑329(b); CPI renewal.
Arkansas private investigator license exam details
The Arkansas PI exam covers statutory/regulatory content, field note‑taking, report writing, and the Arkansas Criminal Code. A 70% score passes; failed candidates wait five business days to retest (ASP re‑exam fee $50). After two failed attempts, the pending application is canceled. 17 CAR § 350‑1103.
Fees, timing, and what to budget
Your core costs are the $450 CPI application (includes one exam sitting) and the $150 renewal every two years. Add state and FBI background‑check fees (state fee set under A.C.A. § 12‑12‑1510; FBI currently $13), plus any re‑exam fee ($50). Our breakdown of Arkansas PI licensing costs offers real‑world budgeting tips. See AR Private Investigator License Cost and our deeper walk‑through of Arkansas PI exam and fees. CPI application; ASP CBC FAQ.
Do Arkansas private investigators need insurance?
Individual CPIs are not required to carry insurance. However, certain company licenses (Class B, C, G) must maintain at least $500,000 in public liability coverage. If you plan to open an agency later, factor this into your business planning. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑308.
How reciprocity works for Arkansas PIs
Arkansas may grant reciprocity to private investigators credentialed by other states if conditions in statute are met; ASP notes reciprocal arrangements with Tennessee, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Always confirm current reciprocity before working a case. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑353; ASP reciprocity note.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a private investigator license in Arkansas?
Time varies by exam scheduling and the state/FBI background‑check turnaround. Applications must be on file before (or on) your exam date, and credentials are issued after ASP completes required checks and approves your file. Plan several weeks from exam to issuance. ASP program; A.C.A. § 17‑40‑307.
Can I work independently with a CPI, or must I join a company?
You must work under the supervision of a qualified manager of a Class A investigations company. The CPI is a personal credential; it does not authorize you to operate an agency. To run an agency, pursue the appropriate company license. 17 CAR § 350‑1101.
What happens if I fail the Arkansas PI exam?
You may retake the exam after five business days and must pay a $50 re‑exam fee if ASP administers the test. After two unsuccessful attempts, ASP cancels the pending application and you must reapply (and repay application fees). 17 CAR § 350‑1103(e)–(f).
How often do I renew my Arkansas PI credential?
Every two years from your issuance date. Renewal requires a new set of state and FBI background checks and the $150 renewal fee. Late renewals may trigger statutory late fees. A.C.A. § 17‑40‑329(b); A.C.A. § 17‑40‑302; CPI renewal.
Where can I see a full fee and steps breakdown?
For a line‑item budget and a walkthrough from application to renewal, review our Arkansas PI licensing fee guide and exam explainer with examples and tips: Arkansas PI license costs and Arkansas PI exam and fees. Always defer to ASP’s current forms and statutes linked above.
Ready to move forward? License Navigator can help you sequence tasks, track deadlines, and prep for the Arkansas PI exam—so you get credentialed on the first try.
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