Now enrolling for the updated 2026 SFJ Awards course — no final exam required when you train with UKPITA. We’re the only UK provider offering the latest syllabus.
Now enrolling for the updated 2026 SFJ Awards course — no final exam required when you train with UKPITA. We’re the only UK provider offering the latest syllabus.
From course content to payment plans, here are the answers to our most common questions. If you still need help, just get in touch.
The UKPITA course runs over four consecutive days — Monday to Thursday — and takes place at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway, near Bristol.
The course includes:
36 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), in line with SFJ Awards accreditation requirements
A copy of So You Want to Be a Private Investigator
A Surveillance Care Pack (items within the care pack may vary according to availability)
Buffet lunch each day of the course
Free on-site parking
Access to the UKPITA alumni WhatsApp group for networking and peer support
Delivery based on the newly revised 2026 curriculum (final syllabus publication expected December 2025)
Training takes place at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, which offers a comfortable learning environment, free on-site parking, and convenient local amenities.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee. However, UKPITA students can access discounted rates at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway – applies to flexible bookings only, and there are several alternative options nearby.
You’ll receive the SFJ Awards Level 3 Certificate for Professional Investigators: a nationally recognised qualification aligned with the expected licensing requirements of the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The course is delivered by retired UK police officers and trainers who meet the high standards required by our accrediting body.
Yes — this is the newly revised 2026 course, replacing older content. Please note that the final syllabus is expected to be formally published in December 2025, so minor adjustments may be made.
The course is focused on delivering the accredited SFJ Awards Level 3 content through structured, tutor-led sessions. While there are no hands-on exercises, you’ll gain a solid theoretical understanding of the core principles required to work as a professional investigator.
Our WhatsApp group is an active support network for course graduates — a space for mentoring, sharing tasks, getting advice, and staying connected to other trained professionals across the UK and beyond.
All additional course dates will be listed on the courses page.
Please contact us if you cannot see a date that is suitable for you.
Each UKPITA workshop runs for one full day, from 09:00 to 17:00, and takes place in person at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway, Bristol.
Each workshop includes:
Workshop attendees can also access discounted accommodation rates at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway – applies to flexible bookings only.
Yes. All UKPITA workshops are accredited by The CPD Group and independently listed on The CPD Register. CPD credit values vary depending on the workshop.
Most workshops provide 6 CPD credits. The OSINT (Awareness) workshop provides 8 CPD credits.
All workshops are delivered by experienced former UK police officers and professional investigators with operational and instructional experience.
Workshops take place at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, which offers a comfortable learning environment, free parking, and convenient local amenities.
Accommodation is not included in the workshop fee. However, attendees can access discounted rates at Premier Inn Cribbs Causeway – applies to flexible bookings only, and there are several nearby alternatives.
Workshops are CPD-accredited and include a certificate of completion. Unlike the SFJ Awards Level 3 course, the workshops do not result in a regulated qualification.
Current UKPITA workshops include:
Additional workshops may be added in the future.
No. Workshops are suitable for both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to refresh or develop specific investigative skills.
Yes. Workshops are designed around practical, real-world investigative skills and include scenario-based learning, discussion, and guided exercises relevant to each subject area.
Workshop attendees do not receive access to the UKPITA alumni WhatsApp group, Surveillance Care Pack, or companion book, as these are exclusive to the full SFJ Awards course.
All current workshop dates are listed on the Workshops page. If you cannot find a suitable date, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us, we’ll be happy to help.
We’re happy to answer your questions or talk through your next steps. Just send us a quick message and we’ll get back to you.
