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California Private Investigator Licence (BSIS)Part 2 of 3

California Private Investigator Licence (BSIS) Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

California Private Investigator Licence (BSIS) practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.

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  1. Q11A private investigator must report a change of business address to BSIS:

    • ANever; it is optional
    • BOnly at renewal time
    • CWithin the time required by BSIS regulations
    • DOnly if the client requests it
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    ✓ Correct answer: C. Within the time required by BSIS regulations

    Licensees must keep BSIS informed of their current business address, reporting changes within the timeframe set by regulation so the agency can maintain accurate records.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  2. Q12The legal entity that may hold a California PI license can be:

    • AAn individual, partnership, LLC, or corporation with a qualified manager
    • BOnly a sole individual
    • COnly a corporation
    • DOnly a government agency
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. An individual, partnership, LLC, or corporation with a qualified manager

    A PI license may be held by an individual, partnership, LLC, or corporation, but a qualified manager who passed the exam must be designated to oversee operations.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  3. Q13Carrying or displaying a badge that could cause a person to believe the PI is a peace officer is:

    • AEncouraged for authority
    • BRequired by BSIS
    • CAllowed if gold-colored
    • DProhibited because it implies false official authority
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    ✓ Correct answer: D. Prohibited because it implies false official authority

    PIs may not wear or display any badge, uniform, or insignia that would lead a reasonable person to believe they are connected with a government agency or are a peace officer.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  4. Q14Which statement about a PI's authority is correct?

    • AA PI has the same arrest powers as a police officer
    • BA PI is a private citizen with no special police powers
    • CA PI can issue subpoenas
    • DA PI can conduct warrantless searches of homes
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    ✓ Correct answer: B. A PI is a private citizen with no special police powers

    A private investigator is a private citizen. They have no police powers, cannot detain beyond a lawful citizen's arrest, and cannot compel testimony or search private premises without consent or legal process.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  5. Q15A 'qualified manager' for a PI agency is the person who:

    • APassed the licensing exam and is responsible for the agency's investigative operations
    • BHandles only payroll
    • COwns the building
    • DDesigns the logo
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Passed the licensing exam and is responsible for the agency's investigative operations

    The qualified manager has passed the PI qualifying exam and is legally responsible for supervising the agency's investigative activities and compliance.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  6. Q16Under California BPC 7526, which of the following is a mandatory ground for PI license denial?

    • ABeing convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude
    • BHaving an unpaid parking ticket
    • CFailing the BSIS exam twice
    • DBeing self-employed in a different trade
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Being convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude

    BPC 7526 mandates denial of a PI license for convictions of felonies involving moral turpitude. Unpaid parking tickets, exam failures, or unrelated self-employment are not mandatory denial grounds.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  7. Q17A California PI license applicant who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive credit toward the required experience hours. What is the maximum number of hours of military service credit typically allowed toward the PI experience requirement?

    • A1,000 hours
    • B3,000 hours
    • C2,000 hours
    • D4,500 hours
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: B. 3,000 hours

    BPC 7541 allows up to 3,000 hours of qualifying military experience toward the 6,000-hour requirement for a California PI license.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  8. Q18Which of the following individuals is NOT required to register as a PI employee with BSIS?

    • AAn armed guard working exclusively for a PI agency
    • BA person who performs surveillance under direct supervision of a licensed PI
    • CAn office receptionist who only answers phones and schedules appointments
    • DA person who interviews witnesses on behalf of a licensed PI
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    ✓ Correct answer: C. An office receptionist who only answers phones and schedules appointments

    Office and clerical staff who perform purely administrative functions and do not conduct PI activities (surveillance, interviews, investigations) are not required to register as PI employees with BSIS.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  9. Q19A California-licensed PI wants to place an advertisement. Which item MUST appear in every PI advertisement under BPC 7599?

    • AThe PI's home address
    • BThe PI's photograph
    • CThe PI's hourly rate
    • DThe PI's BSIS license number
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    ✓ Correct answer: D. The PI's BSIS license number

    BPC 7599 requires that a PI's BSIS license number appear in all advertising. This allows the public to verify the PI's licensed status with the Bureau.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

  10. Q20An out-of-state PI who is not licensed in California wishes to conduct an investigation in California. What is required?

    • AThe PI must obtain a California PI license before conducting any PI work in the state
    • BNothing — reciprocity applies to all U.S. states
    • CThe PI may work if supervised by a California-licensed PI for no more than 30 days
    • DThe PI must file a one-time work permit with BSIS
    Show answer

    ✓ Correct answer: A. The PI must obtain a California PI license before conducting any PI work in the state

    California does not have broad reciprocity with other states for PI licensing. Any person conducting PI work within California must hold a valid California PI license issued by BSIS, regardless of licensure in another state.

    Topic: Licensing & BSIS Regulation

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