BC Private Investigator Practice Test – Printable PDF

50 printable B.C. private investigator exam questions with an answer key: licensing, privacy law, recording, arrest, surveillance, statements and evidence.

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The B.C. licensing exam after the Introduction to Private Investigation course is 100 multiple-choice questions in two hours, and you need 70 percent. This printable sheet gives you 50 original questions drawn evenly from our eleven topics: licensing and exemptions, licence rules and conduct, courts and testifying, arrest and force, B.C.'s PIPA, the Privacy Act and recording law, human rights and young persons, surveillance and undercover work, interviews and statements, evidence and sources, and technology and safety.

Set a one-hour timer to match the real pace, work through the sheet in one sitting, then check the answer key on the separate pages at the end. Each answer explains the rule and names its source. Pay close attention to anything you miss on privacy, recording and the PI definition: these rules have exact conditions, and a rewrite of the real exam costs $100 plus tax.

Jump to the answer key

1.To whom does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms directly apply?
1. Only federal police forces
2. Parliament, legislatures and governments
3. Every private business and every person in Canada
4. Only courts and judges
2.A PI uses a wireless camera that transmits to another location. What should they consider?
1. Whether the camera matches the decor
2. Whether the client likes the brand
3. Whether the signal is encrypted
4. Whether the subject could see the camera's battery pack
3.Can a lawful public-interest publication excuse how the information was gathered under the Privacy Act?
1. Yes, if the client is a public company
2. Yes, a public-interest story excuses any method used to gather it
3. No, it does not cover acts that themselves violated privacy
4. Yes, if a newspaper prints it first
4.After making a citizen's arrest, what must a PI do with the person?
1. Release them once the client decides
2. Deliver them to a peace officer forthwith
3. Question them before calling anyone
4. Take them to the client's office
5.Why should a PI not rely only on a digital recorder for notes?
1. Recorders are banned for licensed PIs
2. Recorders are never allowed in court
3. Recorders always break privacy law
4. Batteries can drain and devices can fail
6.In B.C., which body resolves most small claims up to $5,000?
1. The Supreme Court of B.C.
2. The Registrar of Security Services
3. The B.C. Court of Appeal
4. The Civil Resolution Tribunal
7.The subject of a file is known to have a lawyer. What is general practice?
1. Interview the subject without the lawyer
2. Tell the subject they are being watched
3. Ask the lawyer to arrange surveillance
4. Avoid verbal contact with the subject
8.Which person does not need a PI licence for investigative work in their own profession?
1. A paralegal working for a collection agency
2. A security guard asked to follow a shopper
3. A retired police officer working for a client
4. A lawyer in the practice of law
9.Why must the original surveillance recording never be edited?
1. Editing costs the client extra money
2. Its integrity is essential for court
3. Edited files are always too large
4. Courts only accept black-and-white video
10.When is a telephone directory listing a prescribed public source under the PIPA Regulation?
1. Only when a court has approved its use
2. When it is public and the subscriber could opt out
3. Only when it includes a person's date of birth
4. Only when the listing is less than a year old
11.A PI applicant hides a past conviction on the licence application. What is the legal consequence?
1. A requirement to re-take the course and exam
2. Supplying false or misleading information is an offence
3. Nothing, as long as the conviction happened more than five years ago
4. Only a warning letter from the registrar
12.Who may publish that a person was dealt with under the YCJA once they turn 18?
1. Any news outlet that asks the court
2. The PI's client, with a lawyer's letter
3. The person themselves, if not in custody
4. The victim, without any limits
13.Who is exempt from B.C. security licensing for computer-related work?
1. People who recover deleted data from phones for private investigation files
2. People who only advise on protecting electronic data
3. People who track phones for clients
4. People who sweep offices for bugs
14.When may a PI attach a GPS tracker to a vehicle?
1. When the client is the subject's spouse
2. When the vehicle is parked on a street
3. With the vehicle owner's permission
4. Whenever the driver is the subject
15.Who may arrest a person found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to property?
1. The owner, lawful possessor or someone they authorize
2. Only the police, and never any private person, owner or agent
3. Any PI working on any unrelated file
4. Only a lawyer acting for the owner
16.A PI finds an error in their surveillance notes. How should it be corrected?
1. Use correction tape so it looks clean
2. Black it out completely with a marker
3. Draw a single line through it and initial it
4. Tear out the page and rewrite it
17.Can a PI's written report replace their testimony at a criminal trial?
1. Yes, as long as it is sent to the judge before the trial begins
2. Yes, if the client signs it as well
3. Yes, if the report is notarized
4. No, evidence must normally be given orally
18.Which vehicle best suits covert surveillance?
1. A vehicle with a roof light
2. A marked company truck
3. A nondescript vehicle in a muted colour
4. A bright red sports car that is fast enough to keep up
19.Under B.C.'s Security Services Act, who is a private investigator?
1. Any person who looks up public information about a neighbour without being paid
2. A person paid to seek information on misconduct or whereabouts
3. A police officer who investigates crimes while on duty in B.C.
4. A journalist who researches a news story about a company
20.How should a PI decide which searches to run on a file?
1. Every database available, just in case
2. Whatever searches the subject's neighbours suggest might be useful
3. Only those needed for the purpose of the assignment
4. Only searches that cost nothing
21.When may a published source NOT be used under the PIPA Regulation's public-source rule?
1. When the publication charges a subscription
2. When the subject has moved to another city
3. When a court has banned publication of that information
4. When the article was published more than five years before the search
22.A client asks a PI firm to sweep an office for hidden listening devices. Which licence covers this work?
1. A locksmith licence
2. A security alarm installer licence
3. No licence, since it is a technical job
4. A security consultant licence
23.Which is a protected ground for services under B.C.'s Human Rights Code?
1. Credit score
2. Political party membership
3. Place of origin
4. Choice of profession
24.Why must a PI firm carry general liability insurance in B.C.?
1. The regulation requires at least $1,000,000
2. Only if the firm owns a vehicle
3. Only when it works outside B.C.
4. Only to win larger clients who ask for proof of insurance
25.Where may a PI usually film a subject without breaching privacy expectations?
1. Inside a public washroom
2. Through the bedroom window of their home
3. From inside their fenced backyard
4. In a public place, such as a street or park
26.Which right does section 10 (b) of the Charter give a person who is arrested?
1. To demand the arrester's home address
2. To retain and instruct counsel without delay
3. To refuse to be photographed in public
4. To be released if they return the property
27.What is the key to a successful interview?
1. Knowing the purpose of the interview
2. Interviewing only people who agree with the client
3. Arriving without any prepared questions
4. Keeping the interview as short as possible
28.After the lawyer who called a PI as a witness finishes questioning, what happens?
1. The judge declares a verdict
2. The jury questions the witness
3. The other side may cross-examine
4. The witness gives a closing speech
29.Which details should a PI gather before starting surveillance?
1. The subject's medical records from a clinic
2. The subject's private email passwords
3. The subject's bank balance, credit report and income tax returns
4. Name, date of birth, address, work and places frequented
30.Under option 1 for a full B.C. PI licence, how much PI work experience is needed?
1. 1,000 hours within the last 2 years
2. 4,000 hours within the last 10 years
3. 500 hours within the last year
4. 2,000 hours within the last 5 years
31.Which source can help a PI find old notices of bankruptcy or probate?
1. A subject's private tax return
2. A hospital's patient database
3. A police officer's personal notebook
4. Back issues of newspapers at a public library
32.What does a PI need before obtaining a subject's bank or tax records?
1. A signed release and lawful authority
2. A good reason written in the file
3. The client's verbal approval
4. A licence older than two years
33.Which business name would break the Security Services Act?
1. Pacific Investigations Ltd.
2. Pacific Fact-Finding Inc.
3. Pacific Research Services
4. Pacific Detective Agency
34.According to the YCJA's declaration of principle, on what is the youth justice system based?
1. Reduced moral blameworthiness, in a separate system
2. Maximum sentences to deter others
3. The same rules as the adult system
4. Punishment by parents at home instead of any court process
35.An employer client wants a GPS tracker on a company vehicle an employee drives. What is needed?
1. Nothing, since trackers are legal
2. Permission from the employee's spouse or another family member
3. Written permission from the company that owns it
4. A court order in every case
36.What does B.C.'s Privacy Act make actionable without proof of damage?
1. Wilfully violating another's privacy without a claim of right
2. Any photograph of any person taken in a public place, for any purpose
3. Any phone call made to a wrong number
4. Any accidental view of a neighbour's yard
37.Which conduct can amount to criminal harassment under section 264?
1. Taking a single photo of a person in a public park during the day
2. Searching a public court registry for a name
3. Repeatedly following a person or watching their home
4. Reading a person's public social media posts
38.What should appear at the start of each surveillance report?
1. A summary of the client's invoice and the PI's hourly rate
2. Subject's name, file number, date and time
3. The PI's home address and phone
4. The subject's credit score
39.Why are witnesses usually kept out of the courtroom until they testify?
1. Because seating is reserved for lawyers
2. So other testimony does not influence them
3. Because they might distract the judge
4. Because their notes must be checked first
40.Before accepting a locate file, what should a PI establish with the client?
1. Only the fee and the deadline
2. Nothing, since the client is always right about what is needed
3. The client's favourite outcome
4. A justifiable, lawful mandate and its purpose
41.A retired officer with 10 years of police service applies for a full PI licence. What else is needed?
1. A two-year apprenticeship with a licensed firm in B.C.
2. Nothing more, because police work fully replaces all of the training requirements
3. Registration in the PSKN course, with the exam done within a year
4. A new criminal law degree from a B.C. university
42.What should a PI write on an evidence bag they seal?
1. The client's name and phone number only
2. Their initials and the date and time collected
3. The suspected value of the item
4. Nothing, to keep the item anonymous
43.Does B.C.'s PIPA apply to private investigation firms?
1. Only for files involving children
2. Yes, they are private organizations covered by PIPA
3. No, PI firms are fully exempt from B.C. privacy law in all their work
4. Only when they work for government
44.May a B.C. licensee wear a security uniform while doing private investigator work?
1. Yes, during daytime surveillance only
2. Yes, if the client asks for one in writing
3. No, uniforms are banned for PI work
4. Yes, if it shows the word INVESTIGATOR
45.Which is one stated aim of the youth justice system under s. 3 of the YCJA?
1. Publishing young people's names to warn the public about them
2. Promoting rehabilitation and reintegration
3. Holding youth to adult sentences
4. Avoiding any role for families
46.Before sending a PI alone to a risky area, what must the employer do first?
1. Ask the PI to sign a waiver of liability before every risky assignment
2. Do nothing until an incident happens
3. Tell the client the PI may quit
4. Identify the hazards and eliminate or minimize the risk
47.May a PI secretly record a phone call between two other people?
1. No, without a party's consent it is a crime
2. Yes, if the PI holds a full licence
3. Yes, if the PI keeps the recording private
4. Yes, if the call concerns insurance fraud
48.Who does section 35 protect when they prevent a person from taking property?
1. Only a peace officer called to the scene
2. Someone in peaceable possession, or acting for them
3. Anyone at all, wherever the property is
4. Only the registered owner of the property on the land title record
49.How may a PI use notes on the witness stand?
1. Give the notes to the jury instead
2. Read the notes aloud word for word as the evidence
3. With permission, as a memory aid only
4. Not at all, under any circumstances
50.A person sues a PI under B.C.'s Privacy Act. Which court must hear the case?
1. The Civil Resolution Tribunal
2. The Provincial Court
3. Small Claims Court
4. The Supreme Court of B.C.

Answer key with explanations

1. B — Parliament, legislatures and governments
Section 32 says the Charter applies to Parliament and the government of Canada and to the legislatures and governments of the provinces.
Human rights, the Charter and young persons · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Human rights and youth, Charter s. 32 — Application
2. C — Whether the signal is encrypted
The study guide says to consider whether the signal is encrypted and whether it could be intercepted by an unintended source, with attention to privacy law.
Technology, countermeasures and safety · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Technology and safety, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 3 — Wireless cameras
3. C — No, it does not cover acts that themselves violated privacy
Section 2 (3) protects publishing matters of public interest, but subsection (4) says this does not extend to other conduct used to obtain the matter if that conduct was itself a violation of privacy.
Privacy Act, recording and surveillance limits · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Privacy Act and surveillance law, Privacy Act s. 2 (3), (4) — Publication
4. B — Deliver them to a peace officer forthwith
Section 494 (3) requires anyone other than a peace officer who arrests without warrant to deliver the person to a peace officer forthwith.
Arrest, force and criminal harassment · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Arrest and force, Criminal Code s. 494 (3) — Delivery
5. D — Batteries can drain and devices can fail
The study guide says a recorder may help retain information but should not be relied on alone, because batteries drain and malfunctions occur.
Interviews, statements and reports · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Interviews, statements and reports, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Recorders
6. D — The Civil Resolution Tribunal
Since June 1, 2017, the Civil Resolution Tribunal has resolved most small claims up to $5,000 in B.C.
Courts, burden of proof and testifying · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Courts and testifying, gov.bc.ca Small claims — Civil Resolution Tribunal
7. D — Avoid verbal contact with the subject
If the investigator knows the subject is represented by a lawyer, general practice is to avoid any verbal contact or interaction with the subject.
Mandate, surveillance and undercover work · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Surveillance and undercover work, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Represented subjects
8. D — A lawyer in the practice of law
The regulation exempts barristers and solicitors in the practice of their profession, reporters and journalists, licensed insurance adjusters within their licence, and peace officers on duty, among others.
Who needs a B.C. PI licence and how to get one · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Licensing, B.C. Reg. 207/2008 s. 2 (2) (h) — Exemptions
9. B — Its integrity is essential for court
The study guide stresses that the integrity of the recording is paramount for court purposes, so the original should not be altered in any way.
Evidence handling and information sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Evidence and sources, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 3 — Video integrity
10. B — When it is public and the subscriber could opt out
Telephone directory information counts if the directory is available to the public and the subscriber is permitted to refuse to be listed.
B.C. PIPA: consent, investigations and public sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 PIPA, PIPA Regulation s. 6 (1) (a) — Directories
11. B — Supplying false or misleading information is an offence
Section 44 (2) makes it an offence to supply false or misleading information when applying for a licence or when asked by the registrar or an inspector, unless the person could not have known it was false.
Licence rules, conduct and PI businesses · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Licence rules and conduct, Security Services Act s. 44 (2) — False information
12. C — The person themselves, if not in custody
Section 110 (3) lets a young person, after turning 18, publish information identifying themselves as dealt with under the Act, if they are not then in custody.
Human rights, the Charter and young persons · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Human rights and youth, Youth Criminal Justice Act s. 110 (3) — After 18
13. B — People who only advise on protecting electronic data
The regulation exempts persons who provide advice on methods of protecting electronic data or database systems, but who do not carry out any other kind of security work.
Technology, countermeasures and safety · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Technology and safety, B.C. Reg. 207/2008 s. 2 (2) (i) — Data advice
14. C — With the vehicle owner's permission
The study guide says GPS devices should only be placed on a vehicle with the owner's permission; for a company vehicle, the owner company may give written permission.
Privacy Act, recording and surveillance limits · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Privacy Act and surveillance law, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 3 — GPS
15. A — The owner, lawful possessor or someone they authorize
Section 494 (2) gives this power to the owner or person in lawful possession of property, or a person they authorize, at the time or within a reasonable time if police cannot feasibly arrest.
Arrest, force and criminal harassment · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Arrest and force, Criminal Code s. 494 (2) — Owner's agent
16. C — Draw a single line through it and initial it
The study guide says an error in notes is corrected by drawing a line through it and initialling it, and an omission is added when remembered.
Interviews, statements and reports · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Interviews, statements and reports, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Notes
17. D — No, evidence must normally be given orally
B.C. witness guidance says a written statement cannot become evidence unless the witness gives it to the court through oral testimony under oath or affirmation.
Courts, burden of proof and testifying · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Courts and testifying, gov.bc.ca Appearing in court — Testimony
18. C — A nondescript vehicle in a muted colour
The study guide lists a suitable, nondescript vehicle of muted colours, such as an SUV or van, as standard surveillance equipment.
Mandate, surveillance and undercover work · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Surveillance and undercover work, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Equipment
19. B — A person paid to seek information on misconduct or whereabouts
The Act defines a private investigator as a person who, for consideration, seeks or obtains information about crimes or misconduct, a person's activities, character or whereabouts, lost or stolen property, or the cause of a fire or accident.
Who needs a B.C. PI licence and how to get one · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Licensing, Security Services Act s. 1 — Private investigator
20. C — Only those needed for the purpose of the assignment
The study guide says searches should be focused by the investigator's instructions and the purpose of the investigation, so only necessary searches are done.
Evidence handling and information sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Evidence and sources, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Scope of searches
21. C — When a court has banned publication of that information
Section 6 (2) blocks using a publication if a court has prohibited its publication or the commissioner has ordered that it was published contrary to the Act.
B.C. PIPA: consent, investigations and public sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 PIPA, PIPA Regulation s. 6 (2) — Limits
22. D — A security consultant licence
The Act defines a security consultant to include a person who detects electromagnetic, acoustical or other devices that can intercept private communications or records, so technical sweeps need that licence type.
Licence rules, conduct and PI businesses · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Licence rules and conduct, Security Services Act s. 1 — Security consultant
23. C — Place of origin
Section 8 lists Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital and family status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age.
Human rights, the Charter and young persons · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Human rights and youth, Human Rights Code s. 8 — Services
24. A — The regulation requires at least $1,000,000
Section 8 requires every security business licensee, including PI firms, to carry general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.
Technology, countermeasures and safety · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Technology and safety, B.C. Reg. 207/2008 s. 8 — Insurance
25. D — In a public place, such as a street or park
The study guide says a person in a public place has no reasonable expectation of privacy and may be filmed, while a person at home does; observe from the street or other public property.
Privacy Act, recording and surveillance limits · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Privacy Act and surveillance law, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 3 — Public places
26. B — To retain and instruct counsel without delay
Section 10 (b) gives everyone on arrest or detention the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right.
Arrest, force and criminal harassment · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Arrest and force, Charter s. 10 — Arrest
27. A — Knowing the purpose of the interview
The study guide says the key to a successful interview is to know its purpose, then prepare questions and materials.
Interviews, statements and reports · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Interviews, statements and reports, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Interview preparation
28. C — The other side may cross-examine
The side that called the witness questions first in direct examination; the other side may then cross-examine to test the evidence.
Courts, burden of proof and testifying · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Courts and testifying, gov.bc.ca Testifying in court — Examination
29. D — Name, date of birth, address, work and places frequented
The study guide lists name, date of birth, address, phone numbers, employment, places frequented and the purpose of the surveillance; restricted records need a release and lawful authority.
Mandate, surveillance and undercover work · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Surveillance and undercover work, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Preparation
30. D — 2,000 hours within the last 5 years
Option 1 requires 2,000 hours of private investigation work in the last five years, proven by employer or client letters, plus the PSKN course and exam or the listed courses.
Who needs a B.C. PI licence and how to get one · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Licensing, gov.bc.ca Security worker training requirements — Full licence
31. D — Back issues of newspapers at a public library
Libraries keep old newspaper stories and public notices, including bankruptcy, marriage, birth, obituary and probate notices, often on microfiche or digital archives.
Evidence handling and information sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Evidence and sources, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Library sources
32. A — A signed release and lawful authority
The study guide states investigators should not obtain restricted records such as bank, credit or income tax records without a signed release and lawful authority.
B.C. PIPA: consent, investigations and public sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 PIPA, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Restricted records
33. D — Pacific Detective Agency
Section 44 (5) bans using the words detective, law enforcement, peace officer or police to describe a security business or security work. Investigations and research are allowed.
Licence rules, conduct and PI businesses · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Licence rules and conduct, Security Services Act s. 44 (5) — Prohibited words
34. A — Reduced moral blameworthiness, in a separate system
Section 3 says the youth system must be separate from the adult system and based on the principle of diminished moral blameworthiness, with enhanced procedural protection.
Human rights, the Charter and young persons · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Human rights and youth, Youth Criminal Justice Act s. 3 (1) (b) — Separate system
35. C — Written permission from the company that owns it
GPS devices should only be placed with the owner's permission; for a company vehicle, the owner company may give written permission to the investigator.
Technology, countermeasures and safety · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Technology and safety, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 3 — GPS
36. A — Wilfully violating another's privacy without a claim of right
Section 1 makes it a tort, actionable without proof of damage, for a person wilfully and without a claim of right to violate another's privacy.
Privacy Act, recording and surveillance limits · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Privacy Act and surveillance law, Privacy Act s. 1 (1) — Tort
37. C — Repeatedly following a person or watching their home
Section 264 lists repeatedly following someone, monitoring their movements, repeated communication, besetting or watching their home or workplace, and threats, when done without lawful authority and causing reasonable fear.
Arrest, force and criminal harassment · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Arrest and force, Criminal Code s. 264 (2) — Criminal harassment
38. B — Subject's name, file number, date and time
Standard surveillance reports begin with identifying information such as the subject's name, file number, date and time, plus other details by company policy.
Interviews, statements and reports · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Interviews, statements and reports, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Surveillance reports
39. B — So other testimony does not influence them
The province explains that witnesses may not watch the trial until after they testify, to prevent them from being influenced by what other witnesses say.
Courts, burden of proof and testifying · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Courts and testifying, gov.bc.ca Testifying in court — Exclusion
40. D — A justifiable, lawful mandate and its purpose
The study guide says to identify a justifiable mandate first: what is requested, why, whether it is frivolous and whether obtaining it is lawful, and to document the reason.
Mandate, surveillance and undercover work · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Surveillance and undercover work, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Mandate
41. C — Registration in the PSKN course, with the exam done within a year
Option 2 accepts 10 years of police work in a Canadian police service plus proof of registration in the PSKN course; the course and exam must be completed within one year of getting the licence.
Who needs a B.C. PI licence and how to get one · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Licensing, gov.bc.ca Security worker training requirements — Option 2
42. B — Their initials and the date and time collected
The bag is marked with the investigator's initials and the time and date gathered, and the number of handlers is kept as small as possible.
Evidence handling and information sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Evidence and sources, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Marking evidence
43. B — Yes, they are private organizations covered by PIPA
PIPA governs how private organizations in B.C. collect, use and disclose personal information, and PI firms are such organizations; the investigation exceptions show how it applies to them.
B.C. PIPA: consent, investigations and public sources · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 PIPA, PIPA s. 1 — Scope
44. C — No, uniforms are banned for PI work
Section 12 (4) of the Security Services Regulation says a security worker licensee must not wear a uniform while engaged in the work of a private investigator.
Licence rules, conduct and PI businesses · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 Licence rules and conduct, B.C. Reg. 207/2008 s. 12 (4) — Uniforms
45. B — Promoting rehabilitation and reintegration
Section 3 (1) (a) aims to protect the public by holding young persons accountable proportionately, promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, and supporting crime prevention.
Human rights, the Charter and young persons · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Human rights and youth, Youth Criminal Justice Act s. 3 (1) (a) — Purposes
46. D — Identify the hazards and eliminate or minimize the risk
Section 4.20.2 requires hazards of lone work to be identified and eliminated, or the risk minimized with engineering or administrative controls.
Technology, countermeasures and safety · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Technology and safety, WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation s. 4.20.2 — Hazards
47. A — No, without a party's consent it is a crime
Section 184 makes it an offence to knowingly intercept a private communication by any device unless one of the parties to it has consented.
Privacy Act, recording and surveillance limits · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Privacy Act and surveillance law, Criminal Code s. 184 — Interception
48. B — Someone in peaceable possession, or acting for them
Section 35 protects a person who believes on reasonable grounds they are in peaceable possession of property, or who acts for or lawfully assists such a person, if the act is reasonable.
Arrest, force and criminal harassment · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Arrest and force, Criminal Code s. 35 — Defence of property
49. C — With permission, as a memory aid only
With the court's permission a PI may refer to notes, but they serve only as a memory aid; review them carefully before court.
Interviews, statements and reports · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Interviews, statements and reports, Ontario PI Study Guide Section 5 — Reports as evidence
50. D — The Supreme Court of B.C.
Section 4 of the Privacy Act says that, despite any other Act, an action under it must be heard and determined by the Supreme Court.
Courts, burden of proof and testifying · Based on: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Courts and testifying, Privacy Act s. 4 — Court

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