Sundahl & Associates, Inc.
California BSIS Private Investigators (PI) Practice Exam/Test
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New and FREE service we offer! If you taken the PI exam recently and failed, you can email us up to 10 questions with answer choices. The more specific you are, the more specific we will answer them. Turn around period varies but usually 5-10 business days. Please send your list to ssundahl@crimebullet.com
2020 California Private Investigator Examination Study Services
"Hi there! My name is Shaun E. Sundahl. I'm the owner-operator of a small training business called Sundahl & Associates. Our firm is in the unique business of training our California private investigation colleagues and fellow, brother and sister law enforcement officers, to pass the PI Exam."
Enjoy!
Shaun E. Sundahl
Licensed Department of Insurance Agent, #0I56195,
Licensed Private Investigator, #PI 26810
Off-Duty Police Officer, Undisclosed Law Enforcement Agency
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. After I submit my application to BSIS, will I be given study materials?
We have nothing to hide. The answer is yes, but the study materials offered and suggested by California will not, based on our experience, help you pass the state private investigator exam.
The State will give you the following for free and/or suggest the following:
A. Candidate Information Bulletin (2019 ed.). Click here
B. Examination Outline (2004 ed.) Click here.
C. A book called California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services Laws and Regulations. Click here. If you want the online version, click here (concentrate on
the Private Investigator Act section).
D. PSI Exams is the state vendor and they suggest the following book for $46.95; however, this book is NOT California-specific (read below). Click here.
Based on our review on the book offered by PSI exams, we conclude the following: The book is great if you are studying for a criminal investigator exam, perhaps with the Department of Homeland Security, the District Attorney's Office, or a local or county sheriff or police agency. However, the book offers too many questions on criminal investigations, reading comprehension, grammar, and the Private Investigator, Watch, Guard and Patrol License Law of New York--Yes, New York! Reading through the book, there is a lot of reference to police officers even though you will be taking a private investigator exam. Click here for the New York laws that are cited towards the end of this book. It is a great wonder why the state vendor offers study material for a California exam that is based on New York laws.
1a. Are you affiliated with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)?
No and I would never consider working for them. My product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any government agency and my products or service is not being made by an agency of the government (BPC Section 17533.6).
2. I'm going to take the California Private Investigator Exam. What type of study materials do you have?
Your best option is to purchase our book, The California Legal Investigator. The book is offered in soft cover.
Unfortunately we do not, however we have plans in the next five years to begin offering live and online courses.
4. Why are your products so expensive?
Just like any other business, we operate under the rules of supply and demand -- our demand is high and product is invaluable. Just read our 70 + testimonials.
5. Why should I trust you?
We are the only company that has a current (off-duty) full-time police officer as the owner-operator. Any accusation of fraud/misconduct, puts Shaun's 15-year law enforcement career at stake. Shaun is also a licensed private investigator and any untruthful act can be reported to the authorities.
If you ever feel you were "ripped off" by us, you can always contact us and we will work with you to remedy the situation. If you are still not satisfied, they're are plenty of links on our webpage to Facebook, Linkedin, Yelp!, and TrustLink (BBB affiliate). On those webpages, feel free to post something negative. In four years of business, no one has felt the need to post something negative about us (not even on Amazon.com). Also, we had roughly 500 clients (PPO/PI) over the past 6 years, and only 5 have requested refunds (all refunds were honored).
6. Do you have any testimonials?
Since we opened in 2010 and considering all the services we offer (PPO, PI practice exams and PI work), we have accumulated a total of 78 testimonials. This number consists of 12 testimonials on Amazon.com, 46 informal testimonials through text messaging and emails (PPO and PI), and 20 testimonials through Trust Link, 1 recommended Yelp! Review, 3 unpublished Yelp! Reviews, and 1 review on Facebook.
Let's be realistic. No one can guarantee you'll pass the state exam. Not everyone passes this difficult exam, but having the right material is one step closer to passing.
Here's some other reasons why you should purchase our book:
1. Your purchase may be tax deductible.
2. Our material isn't designed to just help you pass the state exam. Our material is designed to help you possess "book knowledge" of PI work, so you have the possibility of learning how to avoid costly mistakes.
3. Do you want to take the state exam again? Imagine the time and resources it would take from you to travel to the PSI exam site and take the exam again (and stress if your future career or contract depends on you getting licensed!).
4. If we had to calculate the amount of time it took us to find the information in our study materials, we would have spent at least 120 hours. Our friends in the PI business bill on average: $50 to $100 an hour. On the low end, we put in $6,000 of potential billable hours. We spent countless hours "Googling" information, flipping through "dry" text books such as the Evidence Code, Code of Civil Procedures, Civil Code, Business & Professions, books and articles with case laws, and much, much more. We've talked to dozens of PI exam takers and accepted their recommendations. And most of our clients are ready to take the exam within 2-3 days of full-time studying. They don't have to spend 120+ hours (3 weeks) looking for information and talking to people. We did that for you!!
**Conclusion: Unless you have a lot of free time, a few hundred dollars in study materials might be worth getting our book.
6. Do you offer insurance policies for private investigators (PI) or private patrol operators?
Some insurance companies are suspected of taking advantage of the new BSIS insurance laws. For these reasons, we get a lot of requests for legitimate insurance providers. Unfortunately, we do not endorse any particular vendor.
Recent E-Mails/Text Messages Correspondence
**Please excuse any curse words, improper grammar, or spelling. These are unedited comments emailed or text messaged to us by our successful clients**
Fri, May 31, 2019 11:09 am
Just a note to say thank you. I passed my PI exam today. I'm a 25 year veteran of law enforcement and an FBINA grad. I've worked in four different CA departments and overseas as a law enforcement contractor.
I actually read your book twice in preparation for the exam. The exam was extremely difficult even though I felt confident going into it. I thought for sure I had failed, but somehow passed. It would not have possible if not for your book.
Wed, Apr 19, 2017 10:47 pm
Hi Shaun
Did I tell you about my test? I passed!!!!!!
Wed, Jun 15, 2016 6:29 pm
I am writing to thank you for the PI Simulator and the California PI book I purchased. By using both of these items I was able to pass my PI test this morning on my first try. The material in the simulator was pretty darn ******* and the book has tons of great information for the test and for future reference. I spent about three weeks prepping buy taking the quizzes, then reviewing the book and the correct answers, then taking the quizzes again. Like you said, don't cheat yourself and just submit the quiz to get the correct answers. Take the quiz and see where you need to focus your efforts. I worked 15 year with the *** and though the PI test would be a breeze. I can honestly say that had I not purchased the products there is no doubt I would have failed the state test. I have a friend who is a retired *** and I have already recommended the book and simulator to him. Thanks again and keep up the good work!
Thu, March 15, 2016 11:54 pm
"Thank you for the excellent e-book and quiz program that you put together for the PI exam. I passed today. I'm sure I couldn't have done it without the study materials you offer. I Ike the personalized feeling of your website and your products. I would have enjoyed working for you in LE. After 15 years of police work...I'm looking forward to this new profession. I will definitely be recommending this program to friends. Thanks again. "
Thu, Jan 14, 2016 6:31 pm
"Dear Mr. Sundahl,
As you know I failed the P.I. Exam by 2 points with a score of 105 back in October. I appreciate you leaving the program on my computer. After failing the last time, (My second try), I was extremely disappointed and had to take a break from the whole idea of trying to become a P.I/ Licensure/Qualified Manager. After some time had passed I realized that my one year eligibility will run out on January 22, 2016 and that is when I contacted you to re-purchase your program. Well you didn't charge me again and left the info at my disposal at which time I buckled down and focused.
Thanks to you and your program I re-took the examination on January 13th, this past Wednesday and PASSED! As you probably know, when you pass they don't tell you your score, they just tell you that you have passed. I have no idea what my score actually was but I had a strong feeling when I finished the exam this time that I had scored very high. In studying your on-line program the second time I realized that I wasn't necessarily learning more than before, but your program started to take the "Cop" mentality away and reprogram my brain to think differently, thus answering the same questions differently.
Once again, Thank You very much, I could not have passed without you." --T.B.
Monday, September 7, 2015 4:10 pm
"Mr. Sundahl,
Saturday, August 29, 2015 7:49 am
"Good morning,
Just getting to my email, so I apologize for the delay. The test was certainly challenging, but I successfully passed it! I owe my success to your practice simulator, your book, and following your recommendations on studying for the PI exam. I wouldn’t have been successful had it not been for the time I spent studying your book and the items referenced in it, as well as taking the simulator practice tests multiple times. You were spot on about taking time to learn the information and apply it rather than memorizing the simulator questions and answers. Thanks for putting these study materials together and sharing your expertise so others like myself can be successful when taking the PI exam. Also, I’ll be recommending your website and materials to a buddy of mine who will be pursuing a PI license within the next year. I’d be happy to give you a brief testimonial for your website if you should desire."
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 8:03 pm
"Shaun,
Sun, January 25, 2015 11:31 am
"Hi Sundahl,
Just wanted to thank you because I passed the CA PI exam yesterday, 1-24-15. Your PI Simulator 800 gave me the extra confidence and skills to pass the test. It was not an easy test contrary to what many believe. You definitely have to know your material to pass the test. I'm glad I went with the full package and got the 800 because I truly believe the practice quizzes helped me pass the test. "
December 8, 2014 2:00 p.m.
"Hi Shaun, well miracles do happen, I took my PI Test and passed it. With that I want to thank you very much for you and your program. It was very helpful and I will definitely be forwarding your information to my other colleagues who may want to get their PI License. Thank You again for your patience and I wish you and your entire family a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy happy and prosperous New Year! Stay Safe"
August 18, 2014 2:51 p.m.
Shit! I passed the PI Exam! I NEVER would have made it without your study material!!!!!I literally just walked out.
May 12, 2014 9:43 p.m.
Not to be a kiss-ass, but my current profession as an awesome,
profitable PI is directly attributed to your prep course. Seriously dude, I
wasn't a 30 year cop, I was in LE for 8 1/2 years before I opted for change -
but I've always been a legal nerd. Quote a code, I'll tell you what it is.
Question on search and seizure? I'll cite the case. 80% of the questions on the
PI exam? No clue whatsoever. Ran through your prep (thank God) and ran across
questions that I never would have guessed were on the test.
Passed
it first time around. So, thank you again!
Wed, Feb 12, 2014 8:07 pm
Hey Shaun, I wanted to inform you I passed my test. Thank you so much!! With your P.I Simulator 800 I was able to finish the test with 30mins left on the clock. Thank you once again and I found your program is money well spent.
Friday, July 26, 2013 4:41 p.m
Hi Shaun – I passed the exam. Harder than I thought it would be. Thanks for the program – it was very helpful.
We were debriefed by a gentleman who passed. As always, we update our material based on our debriefs.
Sat, Apr 27, 2013 12:30 pm
Hi Shaun,
This morning I passed my PI exam on the first attempt with time to spare. All I used to study was ------- book and your practice tests.
The practice tests helped me understand topics that weren't covered in -------'s book, and they put me in the right test taking mindset that is so important with these standardized multiple choice exams. Thanks!
Wens, April 23, 2013 11:28 am
Passed!!! Very helpful.
Thu, Mar 14, 2013 5:49 pm
Hello Shaun,
Thought I would share another success story for your
records! I passed my state exam on 02/27/13! I want to thank you for
creating the PI Simulator 800 and providing me access to it. I believe it made
all the difference!
Wed, January 30, 2013 2:42 pm
THANKS. I passed the exam this afternoon. Your study aids were directly responsible.
Fri, February 15, 2013 6:25 pm
Hey Shaun,
I took the PI test today and passed with 46 min to spare. Thanks again for all your info. It helped so immensely!
Thu, Oct 11, 2012 9:03 pm
FYI - Touchdown, I passed!... Thanks for all your help and I hope to meet you some day.
Thu, Oct 11, 2012 3:53 pm
Passed it!!!I am hugging you on the inside of my brain. Thank you, Sir
Tuesday, Sep 25, 2012, 5:48 PM
Passed pi test with 30 min to spare on timer thanks for ur book fuckin huge help!
Tue, Sep 18, 2012 3:41 pm
Hi Shaun,
Just wanted to pass on that on Monday 9-17-12 I took the PI test and thanks to your program was able to pass. This was the first PI test that I took. I know that without using your program I would not of passed. Thanks again
Fri, Aug 31, 2012 4:42 pm
Shaun,
Just passed my test! Your product was right on as a study guide. It really helped me get back in the mindset for a civil service type exam. My test was heavy on ehtics issues and process serving. You were right about the "unusual" way the questions were written. I marked about 10 questions for review and still finished with almost 25 minutes to spare.
Thanks for the Help
July 31, 2012 4:55 PM
Hi
Shaun,
I passed! Thank you so much for creating the PI Simulator. I really think your
test was critical in helping me pass. Before, I had simply memorized
information, but your test allowed me to try out applying this knowledge in
specific scenarios.
Thank you
This applicant purchased the PI Simulator 17 hours earlier (not recommended!)…
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 12:23 pm
Hi Shaun,
Just wanted to let you know that I passed the
PI exam this morning. Quite literally couldn't have done it without you. I'm so
grateful for your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012 1:24 PM
“Thanks for all your help.
I passed the PI test today on the second try.
My first attempt was made with ‘an un focused study guide.’ I will stay
incontact with your company as I find your information relevant and to the
point.”
Here is someone who used the PI Simulator to supplement his investigations experience…
Monday, April 23, 2012, 2:50 pm
Hi Shaun,
I took the PI state exam this morning for the first time and passed. Your test questions were very helpful.
This applicant passed two days after purchasing our CA PI Simulator. We do not recommend his technique, however it worked for this particular applicant:
“Shaun, hi...Sorry I did not get back to you sooner, but have been busy.....So yes I passed my test....Really waited to the last minute and do not beleive I would have passed without you practive tests. Much of what you provided was on the test and very related to the test. I had been reading a text book on PI and found it to be of little help. So other thenyour practice tests I studied nothing else....So again thanks…”
Our client who valued our advice sent us the following text:
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 1:32 pm
“Thanks for all your assistance Shaun. Your quizzes, tips etc. were invaluable! Your program, along with the book I bought by david queen were a good combination. Boy...I really was surprised at how tough some of those questions were! All the best, Thanks again”
Sent from my iPhone
This gentleman used our PI Simulator and within 24 hours, mentioned the following:
Fri, Mar 2, 2012 10:12 am
“I passed! Your program definitely prepared me in my last minute studying! Thanks Shaun!!!”
Sent from my iPhone
I did take the exam and passed. Thank you very much for all your help. Your simulators and information were closely aligned with the test material.
Sent from my iPhone"
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 4:44 pm
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The Ultimate Study Material for the 2020 California Private Investigator Exam
Purchase our Kindle or softcover book, The California Legal Investigator, on Amazon. Our book is commonly used by others to pass the California Private Investigator Exam. The book features a 150-question final exam with many answer explanations, and it's usually ranked in the Top 100 Best Sellers in the Legal Services Section.
Shaun Sundahl ("Sundahl"), as an individual, operates www.CrimeBullet.com website. Sundahl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sundahl earns commissions for purchases made through links in this website.
Are you prepared to take the CA PI exam at one of these desks?
Studying a multi-state PI Exam Practice test is like studying the Rhode Island DMV booklet for the California DMV exam!
About our study material...
Our book is based on extensive review of hundreds of pages of civil codes, criminal codes, procedural codes, evidence codes, business and professions codes, discussions with other professionals, and the study outline provided to all exam takers. Best of all, the author is a licensed private investigator and he passed the state exam on the first try. Our product is based on the techniques and knowledge he used to pass!
We emphasize that no practice exam (including the one we have in our book) will cover the state exam completely (unless it was obtained illegally). Our company is based on integrity so none of our questions should be on the state exam. If you are looking for something exactly like the state exam, go find another vendor. We have plenty of clients who are willing to pass the exam through hard work and good study efforts.
However, if you want to become one of our many clients (150 +) who have passed the state exam, you must be able to know the law and techniques used in our industry and apply this knowledge to any fact pattern presented on the exam. Roughly 95% of our clients have passed using our advice and our study material.
HERE IS WHAT OUR BOOK COVERS:
Traffic Collision Investigation
The traffic collision investigation portion of our exam covers how to investigate (privately) traffic collisions and evidence collection (for example: what do you do if you find a piece of evidence at the scene?).
Evidence Code and Recording Issues
We cover the general rules and theories of evidence such as probative value, admissibility of evidence, witnesses, and privileges), interviews declarations, affidavits, and audio recording issues.
Private and Public Records
We cover the collection of public and private records: UCC financing statements and records held by the Secretary of State, City Clerk, County Clerk, County Recorder, and County Registrar.
We also cover the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), Fair Credit Reporting Act, California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act, and background checks.
When you qualify to sit for the PI exam, the state will send you their 200+ page book on the Business and Professions Code. How well did you read the book? How will you gauge your knowledge on the material? Let us test you (on the relevant sections)!
Evidence Collection
Do you know how to properly collect soil evidence? Paint chips from a traffic collision? How about the filament in a headlamp? Do you know how to properly take photos of a scene? If you’re not 100% sure, try the Evidence Collection portion of our exam.
Polygraphs and Lie Detectors
The Polygraphs and Lie Detectors part of our exam covers questions involving California and Federal law on the permissible use of these types of machines. When can you polygraph someone? Do you know if polygraphs or lie detector machines can be used in a criminal trial? How about a civil trial? Is a voice stress analyzer a lie detector machine? What does California law say about this? Don’t wait until the state exam to answer these questions!
Process Serving
Do you know how to serve a summons on a corporation? How do you serve process on a minor? Can you sub-serve a subpoena? How do you serve a person who is evasive?
Surveillance Techniques
Here, we will cover questions pertaining to pre-surveillance activities, surveillance methods, and legal considerations.
Miscellaneous
The miscellaneous section of our exam is one of the most important sections and the most revised. This section covers narrow issues that do not fall into our broad categories (i.e. information disclosure, court room procedures, and legal definitions).
Final Exam
In the Private Investigator Final Practice Exam at the end of our book, we gathered 150 questions from our question base. On most of the questions, we've changed a fact, changed the sequence of answer choices, deleted some answer choices, or some questions we've left as-is. The changes are very subtle, but significant!
At least 95% of those who are able to pass the Final Practice Exam under test-like conditions on the first attempt, go on to pass the state exam.
No warranties or representations are implied or directed by Shaun Sundahl, Sundahl & Associates, the PI Test Simulator, and its components.Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
