A background in police work or law will help you pass the private investigator test. Study Guides Reviewed identify the test areas as report writing, restrictions, supervision, interpreting written materials, license law, investigative techniques and penal and criminal procedure law. Assess your skills in these areas to determine where you need to do the most work.
The best way to pass the private investigator test is to block out study time every day. Mark it on your schedule that on Monday you are going to study license law for an hour and on Tuesday you will focus on supervision. Getting into the habit of studying every day is much more effective than cramming 10 hours of studying into the last couple of days leading up to the test.
Take notes as you study. Review the headings and sub-headings to make flashcards based on the topics. For each sub-heading under penal and criminal procedure law, for instance, write down the sub-titles. Shuffle the cards and then test yourself about how much you know on each topic. Get one of the official study guides from the library and work your way through the multiple-choice questions to get in the habit of being comfortable with this format.
Let family and friends know that you aren't available until after a certain date when you are preparing for the test. If children are aware that you won't be able to go to football practice ahead of time because you are studying license law, they will better understand. Another area of support is to find someone else who is taking the test. Arrange to study together and then test each other on supervision techniques.
Have your government-issued identification -- driver's license, certificate of U.S. citizenship or military ID -- with you. Also remember to take money for the examination fee. Get a good night's sleep before the test so you can go into the exam room knowing that you are prepared.