The National Association of Investigative Specialists

The Naitonal Association of Investigative Specialists (NAIS) is a trade organization devoted to mostly private investigators. Those who routinely perform investigations as a part of their job, such as bounty hunters and process servers, are also eligible for membership.

The NAIS is specifically dedicated to the marketing of services, the creation of marketing techniques, the creation of investigative techniques, cultivating positive media relationships, training, and buying power for members, as many investigation related service providers cooperate with NAIS to offer discounts to members.

NAIS members are allowed access to memerber's only portions of the NAIS website which provides access to free industry related e-books, forms for office use, networking activities, promotional items, etc. NAIS membership is $85 for two years, which averages to about $3.55 a month. Not bad considering the amount of good information available in the member's area. This fee also allows the investigator to display the official NAIS Seal of Membership on promotional items. This seal shows prospective clients that the investigator is a member of a professional investigations trade agency that values training and private investigator enhancement.

The NAIS offers various investigative certification courses in jobs like:

Process Server

Surveillance Investigator

Accident Investigator

Insurance Claims Investigator

Fugitive Recovery Agent

Missing Persons Investigator

Pre-Employment Screening and Background Investigation

Auto Repossessor

Online Searching and Investigations

These certification programs are home study courses which allow the investigator to learn at his or her own pace.  NAIS members receive a discount on courses but anybody can take a course.  This is a great option for those who may not be able to learn private investigations from an established investigator.  These courses supply basic knowledge that is meant to supplement other avenues of trade education.