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300+ Free ND Private Investigator Practice Questions

Pass your North Dakota Private Investigator Licensing Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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ArticleFree Private Investigator Practice Test by State 2026: 2,800+ Questions25 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ND Private Investigator Exam

150

Exam Questions

ND PISB

70%

Passing Score (general)

ND PISB

100%

ND-Law Section (armed PIs)

NDCC 43-30

2,000 hrs

Required Experience

NDCC 43-30

$230

Total Fees (study + background + license)

ND PISB

100

Free Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

As of 2026-05-13, ND PISB administers the Private Investigator licensing exam under NDCC Chapter 43-30. The 150-question multiple-choice exam requires 70% to pass on the general section and 100% on the ND-law section for armed PIs. Fees total roughly $40 study-guide + $40 background + $150 license. Applicants must document 2,000 hours of investigative experience as a registered employee of a licensed agency and pass fingerprint-based background checks.

Sample ND Private Investigator Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ND Private Investigator exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 300+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which chapter of the North Dakota Century Code governs private investigators?
A.NDCC Chapter 12-60
B.NDCC Chapter 43-30
C.NDCC Chapter 17-40
D.NDCC Chapter 29-06
Explanation: NDCC Chapter 43-30 (Investigative and Security Services) governs private investigators in North Dakota. It defines license classes, establishes the Private Investigation and Security Board, and sets exam, experience, and discipline rules.
2Which state body administers private investigator licensing in North Dakota?
A.ND Attorney General's Office
B.ND Department of Public Safety
C.ND Private Investigation and Security Board (PISB)
D.ND Highway Patrol
Explanation: The Private Investigation and Security Board (PISB) administers PI licensing under NDCC 43-30. PISB issues licenses, conducts background checks, administers the 150-question written exam, and handles discipline.
3How many questions are on the ND PISB written private investigator exam?
A.75
B.100
C.125
D.150
Explanation: The PISB administers a 150-question multiple-choice written exam for private investigator licensure. There are multiple rotating versions of the exam, all keyed to the PISB study guide and NDCC 43-30.
4What is the general passing score on the ND PI written exam?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.75%
Explanation: PISB requires at least 70% on the 150-question general exam to pass. Armed PI applicants must additionally score 100% on the ND-law section and pass a separate weapons examination.
5An armed PI applicant in North Dakota must score what percentage on the ND-law section of the exam?
A.70%
B.80%
C.90%
D.100%
Explanation: PISB requires an armed PI applicant to score 100% on the ND-law section of the licensing exam. This standard reflects the additional risk associated with carrying a firearm in the course of investigative work.
6How many hours of investigative experience does NDCC 43-30 require before licensure as a private investigator?
A.1,000 hours
B.1,500 hours
C.2,000 hours
D.4,000 hours
Explanation: NDCC 43-30 requires 2,000 hours of private investigative services performed as a registered employee of a licensed detective agency. The hours must be documented and verified through the agency.
7Approximately what is the total cost of becoming a licensed PI in North Dakota (study guide, background check, and license fee)?
A.$100
B.$150
C.$230
D.$500
Explanation: The published fees total approximately $230: $40 for the PISB study guide, $40 for the fingerprint-based background check, and $150 for the license fee. Armed PIs pay additional firearms training and weapons-exam fees.
8Within how many months before applying for a license must a PI applicant pass the PISB written examination?
A.6 months
B.12 months
C.18 months
D.24 months
Explanation: NDCC 43-30 requires the applicant to have passed an examination conducted by or under the supervision of the board within the twelve months preceding the date of the application. Older exam results require retesting.
9Under NDCC 43-30, an unlicensed individual may provide investigative services in North Dakota only if they are:
A.A college student studying criminal justice
B.A registered employee of an agency licensed under Chapter 43-30 acting within the scope of employment
C.A relative of the subject under investigation
D.A volunteer for a nonprofit organization
Explanation: NDCC 43-30 allows an unlicensed individual to provide investigative services only when registered as an employee of an agency licensed under Chapter 43-30 and working within the scope of that employment. Other arrangements require an individual PI license.
10Which of the following is the section of NDCC 43-30 that lists individuals exempt from PISB jurisdiction?
A.NDCC 43-30-01
B.NDCC 43-30-02
C.NDCC 43-30-04
D.NDCC 43-30-10
Explanation: NDCC 43-30-02 enumerates persons and activities exempt from PISB jurisdiction, including certain government officers, attorneys, and adjusters acting within their professional scope. 43-30-01 covers definitions.

About the ND Private Investigator Exam

The North Dakota Private Investigator licensing exam is administered by the Private Investigation and Security Board (PISB) under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-30. The 150-question multiple-choice exam tests knowledge of NDCC 43-30, scope of practice, investigation techniques, ethics, federal privacy law, court procedure, and reporting. Armed PIs must additionally score 100% on the ND-law section and pass a separate weapons exam.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

Not publicly posted

Passing Score

70% general; 100% on ND-law section for armed PIs

Exam Fee

$40 study-guide + $40 background + $150 license (ND Private Investigation and Security Board)

ND Private Investigator Exam Content Outline

24%

NDCC Chapter 43-30 (Investigative & Security Services)

Definitions, license classes, exemptions, PISB authority, application process, registered-employee rules, bond/insurance, discipline, and renewal under NDCC 43-30

16%

ND Firearms & Citizen-Arrest Rules

Armed PI weapons certification, peace-officer-equivalent training, ND-law 100% rule, NDCC concealed-carry interaction, citizen arrest under NDCC 29-06-20, use-of-force limits

16%

Investigation Techniques

Surveillance, evidence handling, chain of custody, interview vs. interrogation, civilian PI limits compared to peace officers

14%

Ethics & Professional Conduct

Client confidentiality, conflict of interest, fee agreements, disclosure obligations, PISB code of conduct

12%

Federal Civil Law for PIs

Fourth Amendment limits on private actors, FCRA, GLBA pretexting ban, Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), HIPAA boundaries

10%

Court Procedure & Evidence

Frye/Daubert standards, depositions, subpoenas, hearsay and exceptions, expert witness rules, ND Rules of Evidence basics

8%

Reporting & Documentation

Factual investigative reports, photo/video logs, GPS tracking limits, ND two-party recording considerations (federal one-party + ND statute)

How to Pass the ND Private Investigator Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% general; 100% on ND-law section for armed PIs
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: Not publicly posted
  • Exam fee: $40 study-guide + $40 background + $150 license

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ND Private Investigator Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read NDCC Chapter 43-30 cover to cover — the majority of exam questions come directly from the statute's definitions, licensing classes, and exemption rules
2Order the PISB $40 study guide early; questions on the written exam track this guide closely and the multiple test versions all draw from the same source material
3Master ND firearms rules for armed PIs: peace-officer-equivalent training, separate weapons exam, and 100% on the ND-law section — these are common single-fact questions
4Memorize the 2,000-hour experience requirement and the registered-employee model — PIs in ND must work under a licensed agency before licensure
5Study federal privacy statutes that limit PIs: Fourth Amendment (state-actor doctrine), FCRA for background reports, GLBA pretexting ban, and DPPA on motor-vehicle records
6Practice chain-of-custody, surveillance ethics, and the distinction between interview and interrogation — PIs are civilians and cannot use Miranda or custodial techniques
7Memorize ND citizen-arrest authority under NDCC 29-06-20 and Frye/Daubert standards for expert testimony in North Dakota courts

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the North Dakota Private Investigator license?

The North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board (PISB) administers PI licensing under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-30. The Board issues licenses, conducts background checks, administers the 150-question written exam, and handles discipline.

How much does the North Dakota PI exam and license cost?

Approximate total is $230: $40 for the PISB study guide, $40 for the fingerprint-based background check, and $150 for the license fee. Armed PIs pay additional firearms training and weapons-exam fees. All fees are payable to PISB.

What is the passing score for the ND PI exam?

Candidates must score 70% or higher on the 150-question general exam. Armed PI applicants must also score 100% on the North Dakota law section of the exam and pass a separate weapons examination with a written component plus a live-fire demonstration.

How much experience is required to be a PI in North Dakota?

NDCC 43-30 requires 2,000 hours of private investigative services performed as a registered employee of a licensed detective agency. The exam must be passed within the twelve months preceding the application date.

Are armed private investigators allowed in North Dakota?

Yes. An armed PI must complete a firearms course equivalent to North Dakota peace officer training, pass an additional weapons exam (written plus live fire), and score 100% on the ND-law section of the licensing exam. Armed PIs must keep their weapons certification current with PISB.

Is the ND PI exam open book?

No. The PISB written exam is a closed-book, proctored 150-question multiple-choice test. The Board publishes a $40 study guide that covers NDCC 43-30, the administrative rules, and the topic areas tested on the exam.