Private Investigator (Belgium)
Obtain the Dutch Private Investigator diploma via the accelerated four-day course from IACA. Popular among Belgian participants in private investigation.
✓ Accredited Dutch diploma · Accelerated route for Belgium · in person or live online
About the program
The accelerated route to the Dutch diploma
At IACA, we are proud of our many years of experience in offering the Private Investigator course, the Dutch name for the Private Detective course. For years, we have welcomed Belgian participants who take the accelerated training route. Our course consistently shows high pass rates and is increasingly regarded as the essential foundation for both novice and experienced investigators. Our diploma opens doors in various sectors. Whether you aspire to a career in a fraud department, at a municipality, at a housing association, as a claims adjuster, or as an independent private detective, this course offers a solid foundation for your professional growth.
Statutory training and licensing requirements apply to carrying out activities within private investigation in Belgium. Within the current Belgian framework, accredited training can play an important role in this. While Belgian institutes often offer courses of 1 to 2 years with classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, IACA offers you the opportunity to complete this program in approximately 4 months.
The course consists of four interactive theory lessons, enriched with practical case studies. The lessons take place at our Gilze-Rijen location, just across the border from Turnhout, or you can choose interactive online participation for maximum flexibility.
Our exclusive IACA learning platform offers extensive exercises and exam training, as well as the ability to communicate directly with instructors. Our instructors are experienced private investigators with over 30 years of practical experience domestically and internationally. Their expertise in ongoing investigations worldwide ensures you have the most up-to-date knowledge for your future work as a private investigator.
By choosing our training program, you benefit from our years of expertise in training Belgian private detectives. Because of our extensive knowledge and experience, we also contribute to the development of the nationally used training materials. We strive not only to prepare you for the exam but also to support your professional growth, regardless of your current level of experience.
4 class days
Interactive, in Gilze-Rijen (near Turnhout) or online
Dutch exam
At the SVPB, right after the class days
SVPB diploma
Accredited Dutch Private Investigator diploma
Exemption in Belgium
Application for exemption of more than 264 hours of Belgian modules
Certificate & license
Shortened follow-up track towards the Belgian certificate
For Belgian participants
How does this accelerated procedure work?
Based on the current Belgian regulatory framework, the Dutch Private Investigator diploma may qualify for exemptions within the Belgian training program. This means that if you hold the Dutch diploma, you may not need to complete the entire training in Belgium. In that case, you may be exempted from the following modules:
- ✓Socio-psychological training (44 hours)
- ✓Vocational technical training (84 hours)
- ✓Practical exercises (132 hours)
- ✓Final exercise (4 hours)
In summary, within the current Belgian framework, the Dutch diploma can lead to an exemption of more than 264 hours. Under the current pathway, in many cases only the Legal Training module needs to be completed in Belgium. As a result, you do not have to attend classes in Belgium for several evenings a week. Depending on the applicable regulations and approval by the competent authorities, the Belgian private investigation certificate can subsequently be obtained.
To enable our students to obtain the Dutch diploma as quickly as possible, we have developed a special four-day training course. You attend classroom lessons on four days, after which you can immediately take the Dutch exam. Upon passing the Dutch exam, an application for exemption from certain Belgian modules can be submitted. This provides you with a recognized Dutch diploma, and depending on applicable Belgian regulations, a shortened follow-up track towards the Belgian certificate can be pursued. With this certificate, a licensing process can be initiated to perform duties as a private detective.
Important update
Belgian regulations regarding private investigation are currently being revised. As a result, future procedures and exemptions may change.
Obtaining the Dutch Private Investigator diploma remains fully possible. With this recognized diploma, you can already carry out investigative work in the Netherlands within the applicable legal frameworks.
In addition, European professional qualifications, including the Dutch diploma, are expected to continue playing a role within future Belgian regulations. The exact details of this have not yet been definitively determined by the Belgian authorities.
We are closely monitoring developments and official reports regarding this and will inform you immediately via our website as soon as new information is available.
SVPB
The Dutch exam: two parts
Examination institute SVPB has thoroughly revised the exam requirements. Since January 2026 the exam consists of two parts; our course material and learning platform are fully aligned with these current exam components.
Law & Regulations PO
20 multiple-choice questions and 10 open questions.
Conducting Investigations PO
Open exam, approximately four weeks after the first exam.
You take both exams in the Netherlands at the SVPB. There is usually a period of about four weeks between the first and the second exam. You can use that interval to prepare for the second exam with written cases, which you can complete and review at home in Belgium. Your instructor remains available for support throughout this period.
Once you have passed both exams you receive the accredited SVPB diploma Private Investigator. On that basis you can apply for exemptions within the Belgian program; the competent Belgian authority assesses each application individually.
Program
Overview of components
Across twelve interrelated components, the program covers the legal frameworks and the tactical, technical and digital investigative skills you need as a private investigator.
Legal frameworks
Civil Code
Judicial Organizations Act
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Criminal law
Civil law
Administrative law
Criminal Procedure
Basic knowledge of private investigators
Tactical and technical research
Digital Investigation
Observation techniques / use of technical resources
The program
One file, all knowledge areas
Together, the twelve components form the complete knowledge file you need: from the legal frameworks and criminal, civil and administrative law to tactical, technical and digital investigation and observation technique.
Our instructors are experienced private investigators with over 30 years of practical experience domestically and internationally. Their expertise in ongoing investigations worldwide ensures you have the most up-to-date knowledge for your future work as a private detective.
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Target group
Who is this program developed for?
Our private detective training provides you with the necessary expertise to work in various roles as an investigator or claims adjuster.
With the diploma obtained, you have a strong foundation for work in various investigative positions.
You can also choose to work for various organizations that need your investigative skills. Consider:
Detective agencies
For national and international investigations.
Banks
For investigation of financial fraud.
Insurance companies
For the detection of insurance fraud.
Damage assessment agencies
For fraud investigation and claim assessment.
Housing associations
For screening, investigation into rental fraud and undermining.
Government agencies
For investigation into various forms of fraud.
Telecom companies
For investigation of identity fraud and abuse.
Retail companies
For investigation of internal crime.
Various organizations
For conducting integrity investigations and internal investigations.
By obtaining this recognized and highly regarded diploma, a range of exciting career opportunities opens up where your skills can make a difference.
Certification & accreditation
A recognized, registered diploma
Our training institute has been assessed and registered with the CRKBO, the Central Register for Short Vocational Education. After successfully completing the national exams at the SVPB, you receive the accredited SVPB diploma:
- ✓SVPB diploma Private Investigator
Under the current Belgian framework, this Dutch diploma can lead to exemptions of more than 264 hours within the Belgian training track towards the private investigation certificate.
Additional programs
After completing the program you can deepen your knowledge further with one of the following courses:
- Practical Diploma Private Investigator (Post-MBO)
- Interrogation, Interview Techniques and Body Language
- Observation Technique
- Digital investigation (OSINT Module 1)
- Hypothesis formation and scenario thinking
Our programs and diplomas are widely recognized and highly regarded by various government agencies and a wide range of international organizations. Whether you already work for such an organization or are pursuing a position with one of these employers, our programs are a valuable addition to your CV.
Course formats
Open, private or customized
While this program is usually offered as an open program, we understand that you may need a private setting given the nature of your work. With at least twelve participants, we can provide a private training session at our location. We also offer tailored programs based on parts of this program. We are happy to put together a suitable proposal.
All private programs can be offered in Dutch or English.
All our instructors are screened and have signed non-disclosure agreements with various government agencies. A specific non-disclosure agreement for your organization or service is also possible.
Enrollment
Start dates & availability
The mentioned start dates refer to the Dutch Private Investigator training program. You have the choice to attend the program in person or live online. Open courses are taught in Dutch by default, unless the program is explicitly listed as being taught in English.
Reviews
What participants say
Reviews from participants in the Private Detective program. These reviews were originally written in Dutch and translated into English.
Frequently asked questions
Private Investigator (Belgium) — your questions answered
Ready to start?
Start your accelerated route
Enroll in the Private Investigator (Belgium) program or request information without obligation. We are happy to discuss open, private or customized tracks.