PCI® Examination Structure and Content

The PCI® examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering tasks, knowledge and skills in subjects identified, by professional investigators, as the major areas involved in this field. All exam questions come from the official reference books. No questions on the exam are taken from any other source.

The subjects are:

Case Management [Approximately 40% of test questions]

A. Evaluating cases on continuing basis for potential ethical conflicts

  • Elements of conflict resolution
  • Nature/types/categories of ethical issues related to cases, (fiduciary, conflict of interest, attorney-client)
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations

B. Determining needs and developing strategies by reviewing options

  • Negotiation process
  • Investigative methods
  • Cost benefit analysis
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations

C. Implementing strategies by utilizing the investigative resources necessary to address case objectives

  • Investigative resources (e.g., staffing, scheduling)
  • Time management
  • Quality assurance process
  • Chain of custody procedures
  • Change analysis/management

Evidence Collection [Approximately 40% of test questions]

A. Conducting surveillance by physical and electronic means in order to obtain relevant information

  • Methods of surveillance
  • Types of surveillance
  • Types of surveillance equipment
  • Pre-surveillance routines
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations

B. Conducting interviews/interrogations of subjects to obtain relevant information

  • Interview techniques (electronic, face-to-face, telephonic)
  • Techniques for detecting deception (e.g., non-verbal communication)
  • Methods and techniques of eliciting admission and/or confession
  • Composition and content of witness/subject statement
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations (e.g., individual rights, privacy, interrogation)

C. Collecting and preserving objects and data for future assessment and analysis

  • Requirements of chain of custody
  • Methods/procedures for preserving various types of evidence
  • Forensic opportunities and resources
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations (e.g., rules of evidence and discovery)

D. Conducting research by physical and electronic means and analyzing data to obtain relevant information

  • Physical resources
  • Electronic resources
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations

Case Presentation [Approximately 20% of test questions]

A. Preparing reports to substantiate investigative findings

  • Critical elements and format of an investigative report
  • Investigative terminology
  • Logical sequencing of information
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations

B. Preparing and presenting testimony by reviewing case files, meeting with counsel and presenting relevant facts

  • Witness preparation
  • Types of testimony
  • Applicable aspects of laws, codes, and regulations (e.g., applicable privileges, hearsay, rules of procedure)