At IACA we are proud of our many years of experience in offering the Private Investigator training, the Dutch name for the Private Detective training. For years we have been welcoming Belgian customers who benefit from the unique study time reduction. Our course consistently shows high pass rates and is increasingly regarded as the essential foundation for both novice and experienced researchers. 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 training provides a solid foundation for your professional growth.
To be recognized as a private detective in Belgium by the Ministry of the Flemish Community and the Flemish Institute for Self-Employment, training at a recognized institute is necessary. While Belgian institutes often offer courses of 1 to 2 years with classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, IACA allows you to complete this course in just 4 months!
The training consists of four interactive theory lessons, enriched with practice-oriented cases. The lessons take place at our location in Gilze-Rijen, just across the border at Turnhout, or you can opt for interactive online participation for maximum flexibility.
Our exclusive IACA-LMS platform offers extensive exercises and exam training, and the ability to communicate directly with teachers. You will retain access to this platform for at least one year to support your professional development. Our teachers are experienced private detectives with more than 20 years of practical experience at home and abroad. 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, 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 nationally used teaching materials. We aim to not only prepare you for the exam, but also support you in your professional growth, regardless of your current level of experience.
Overview of parts:
Part 1: Legal frameworks
Part 2: Civil Code
Part 3: Judicial Organizations Act
Part 4: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Part 5: Criminal law
Part 6: Civil law
Part 7: Administrative law
Part 8: Criminal proceedings
Unit 9: Basic knowledge of private investigator
Part 10: Tactical and technical research
Part 11: Digital Investigation
Unit 12: Observation technique / use of technical resources
How does this shortened procedure work?
Belgian authorities have recognized the Dutch Private Investigator diploma through a Royal Decree. This means that if you have a Dutch diploma, you do not have to follow the entire training in Belgium. In such a case you will be exempt from the following modules:
- Socio-psychological training (44 hours)
- Vocational technical training (84 hours)
- Practical exercises (132 hours)
- Final exercise (4 hours)
In summary, with the Dutch diploma you will receive an exemption for more than 264 hours. In Belgium you only need to follow the Legal Education module. You do not have to go to school in Belgium two evenings a week, but you will receive the fully recognized Private Detective certificate, just like any other Belgian student who has completed the full course.
In order for our Belgian students to obtain the Dutch diploma as quickly as possible, we have developed a special four-day recognized training course. You will follow classroom lessons on four Saturdays, after which you can immediately participate in the Dutch exam. After passing the Dutch exam, we immediately request an exemption for the Belgian modules. This way you not only save a lot of time and money, but you also obtain a Dutch and Belgian recognized certificate. With this certificate you can then apply for a permit to carry out work as a private detective.
IMPORTANT: Exemptions from new legislation from December 16, 2024
The exemptions for the private investigator (previously called private detective) based on the Dutch ECABO private investigator diploma remain applicable for the time being as laid down in the current Royal Decree. This means you can still obtain an exemption for various modules and obtain your Belgian certificate in an accelerated manner.
The FPS Home Affairs has indicated that the current Royal Decree will continue to apply in an initial stage. In the event of future changes, as a result of a new Royal Decree, the European rules for professional qualifications will be followed. However, there is currently no assurance that the current exemptions will continue under the new legislation.
We therefore recommend that you make use of the current scheme and the associated exemptions as soon as possible. This prevents any complications or adjustments in the future. Contact us for more information and guidance in this process.
Who is this training developed for?
Our training as a private detective gives you the necessary expertise to work in various positions as an investigator or damage expert.
With the diploma in hand, you have the opportunity to work from your own office as an independent private detective.
You can also choose to be employed by various organizations that need your research skills. Think of:
- Detective agencies, for national and international investigations
- Banks, for investigation into financial fraud
- Insurance companies, for the detection of insurance fraud
- Damage assessment agencies, for fraud investigation and claim assessment
- Housing company, for screening, investigation into rental fraud and undermining
- Government institutions, for investigation into various forms of fraud
- Telecom companies, for research into identity fraud and abuse
- Retail companies, for investigation into internal crime
- Various organizations, for carrying out integrity investigations and internal investigations
By obtaining the recognized and well-regarded diploma, a range of exciting career opportunities opens up where your skills can make a difference.
Teaching methods: open, closed or customized
Although this training is mainly offered in a classroom setting, we understand that you may want to ask questions in a private setting due to the nature of your work. We can provide a private training at our location for a minimum of eight participants. We also offer fully customized training courses, based on (parts of) this training course. We are happy to provide you with a tailor-made proposal.
All our instructors have been screened and have concluded confidentiality agreements with various government services. A specific confidentiality agreement for your organization or service is also possible.
Certification & Recognition
Our training institute has been tested by and registered with the CRKBO (Central Register for Short Vocational Education).
After successfully completing the national exams at the SVPB, you will obtain the recognized ECABO diploma:
Private Researcher
Additional training
As additional training you can choose one of the practical courses:
Practical Diploma Private Researcher (Post-MBO)
Experiences of IACA Private Detective training:

Fred
Private
Very professional teacher!
Education: PO / Private Detective
Review: “Very professional teacher and very friendly and helpful staff.”

Michael
Damage expert
Motivated teachers!
Education: PO / Private Detective
Review: “I need this training to be able to perform my job as a damage adjuster. This way I can quickly obtain the Private Detective certificate. My other colleagues have also followed the training here and they are also very satisfied.”

Anton
Law firm
Absolutely great!
Education: PO / Private Detective
Review: “The training is very well put together. I passed all the exams in one go. The preparation was great, as were the exercises in the LMS system.”

Mary
Damage expert
Everything is taken care of!
Education: PO / Private Detective
Review: “This training saves me a lot of time compared to the full Belgian training at Syntra. I'm glad this option exists. Now I have finished in 7 months and I have my certificate.”

Kees
Local authority
I can recommend this course to everyone.
Education: PO / Private Detective
Review: “I participated in this training online, which I really enjoyed. The systems worked well and I could really actively participate in the lesson. The information in the LMS system is very pleasant, and this also applies to the exam preparations. The teacher was also very accessible, even late at night. I can recommend this course to everyone.”
€1295,-