Ch. 2: Business & Professions Code

Question 1

What is generally a key factor in defining someone as a “(private) investigator”?

a) Having a specific license from the state

b) Investigating for the purpose of obtaining information related to crimes, people, or lost property

c) Working exclusively for law enforcement agencies

d) Charging extremely high fees for services

Answer 1

b) Investigating for the purpose of obtaining information related to crimes, people, or lost property

Question 2

What does “consideration” refer to.
a) A charitable donation

b) Something of value given by both parties according to a contract

c) A personal favor done without expectation of payment

d) Emotional support and understanding

Answer 2

b) Something of value given by both parties according to a contract

Question 3

Which of the following categories is explicitly mentioned as being EXCLUDED from the private investigator license requirements?

a) Independent contractors who conduct investigations

b) In-house investigators working for a private employer

c) Private security guards who patrol properties

d) Bounty hunters who track down fugitives

Answer 3

b) In-house investigators working for a private employer

Question 4

What is the potential penalty for engaging in employment as an investigator without the required license?

a) A written warning

b) A fine of $1,000

c) Imprisonment in the county jail for no more than 1 year

d) Revocation of all other professional licenses

Answer 4

c) Imprisonment in the county jail for no more than 1 year

Question 5

What is the potential penalty for falsely representing yourself as a licensed investigator when you are not?

a) A fine of $5,000

b) A fine of $10,000 and imprisonment in the county jail for no more than 1 year

c) Suspension of voting rights

d) Community service

Answer 5

b) A fine of $10,000 and imprisonment in the county jail for no more than 1 year

Question 6

What is required to generally provide contract protection services?

a) A private investigator license

b) A Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license

c) A security guard license

d) A letter of authorization from the local police department

Answer 6

b) A Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license

Question 7

If the client knows an investigator is unlicensed and solicits employment from them, who is guilty of a misdemeanor?

a) Only the unlicensed investigator

b) Only the client

c) Both the unlicensed investigator and the client

d) Neither the investigator nor the client

Answer 7

c) Both the unlicensed investigator and the client

Question 8

When an investigations agency changes ownership, within how many days must the agency notify BSIS?

a) 7 days

b) 14 days

c) 30 days

d) 60 days

Answer 8

c) 30 days

Question 9

What does “L.A.N.” stand for regarding advertisements for private investigations businesses?

a) License, Agent, Name

b) Location, Application, Number

c) License number, Address (or telephone number), Name of business

d) Legal, Agency, Network

Answer 9

License number, Address (or telephone number), Name of business

Question 10

Under what condition can an attorney or their investigator potentially face difficulty obtaining a private investigator license?

a) If they have too much experience

b) If they are not residents of California

c) If their experience does not fall into the “approved” categories for licensure

d) If they have a previous criminal record

Answer 10

c) If their experience does not fall into the “approved” categories for licensure

Question 11

What is the maximum financial penalty for falsely representing yourself as a licensed investigator when you are not?

a) $1,000

b) $5,000

c) $10,000

d) $15,000

Answer 11

c) $10,000

Question 12

In order to generally provide contract protection services, what type of license is required?

a) Private Investigator (PI) license

b) Security Guard license

c) Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license

d) Bounty Hunter license

Answer 12

c) Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license

Question 13

Within how many days must an investigations agency notify BSIS of a change in ownership?

a) 7 days

b) 15 days

c) 30 days

d) 60 days

Answer 13

C) 30 days