I may want to be an EEO Investigator
TL;DR
Thinking about becoming an EEO Investigator? This guide will help you:
✔ Understand what EEO investigation work involves in practice — not just in theory
✔ Learn the difference between federal employment and subcontracting paths
✔ Evaluate certification and training programs with federal standards in mind
✔ Identify transferable skills and how to position your background
✔ Think strategically about gaining experience in a field that values proven competence
If you’re thinking being an investigator may be a good fit for you, more likely than not, you’re trying to decide what to do next. You may be drawn to the work because it aligns with your values, your skills, or your desire for meaningful professional impact – but you may also be unsure what the path forward actually looks like.
That uncertainty is normal. EEO investigation is a specialized field, and there is no single “right” way to enter it. What matters most at this stage is gaining clarity – about the work itself, your options, and what preparation will best position you for success.
Knowledge is power, so we have developed this list of information to consider in your exploration:
Table of Contents
Want A Certification Course That Sets Future Investigators Apart?
Our EEO Investigator Certification Course is designed to help you build practical skills in case handling, report writing, federal compliance, and theory.
Start by Understanding the Reality of EEO Investigations
Before making any decisions about training or career moves, it’s essential to understand what an EEO investigation actually involves – not just in theory, but in practice.
A strong starting point is EEOC Management Directive 110 (MD-110), Chapter 6, which outlines the federal EEO investigation process. Reviewing this guidance helps prospective investigators understand:
- The scope and structure of investigations
- Timelines and procedural requirements
- Expectations around neutrality, documentation, and analysis
Reading MD-110 often helps people determine whether they are genuinely interested in investigative work – or whether their interests lie elsewhere within the EEO field.
Decide Which Path You’re Exploring: Federal Employment or Subcontracting
One of the most important early decisions is whether you are interested in:
- A full-time federal investigator position, or
- Subcontracting as an independent investigator
These paths differ significantly in structure, expectations, and career trajectory.
If You’re Interested in Subcontracting
Subcontracting offers flexibility and variety, but it also requires self-direction and readiness to meet firm-specific standards. If this path appeals to you:
- Research firms that provide EEO investigative services
- Review their qualification and experience requirements
- Learn how they support new investigators, if at all
Not all firms operate the same way, and fit matters – professionally and philosophically.
If You’re Considering Federal Employment
Explore current opportunities at www.usajobs.gov, paying close attention to:
- Grade levels and required experience
- Writing and analytical expectations
- Specialized knowledge or clearance requirements
Understand Certification and Choose Training Thoughtfully
Certification is not optional in this field. There are many training options available – both classroom-based and online – and the quality and depth of these programs can vary significantly.
When evaluating training options, consider:
- Whether the program meets federal certification requirements
- The balance between theory and practical application
- Opportunities to practice writing, interviewing, and analysis
- Instructor experience and real-world credibility
We offer an online EEO Investigator Certification Course that meets certification requirements and is designed to prepare participants for the practical realities of investigative work. The course is structured to provide a strong foundation in:
- The EEO investigative process
- The role and responsibilities of the EEO investigator
- Evidence gathering, theories, and analysis
- Professional, defensible report writing
Online training can be especially valuable for professionals who need flexibility while still seeking rigorous, high-quality instruction. Many of our former students have gone on to build successful careers conducting EEO investigations.
If you’d like more details on our training, you can find the course information here.
Reframe Your Resume to Highlight Transferable Skills
Many aspiring investigators worry that they don’t have the “right” background. In reality, EEO investigators come from a wide range of professional experiences.
The key is learning how to translate your background into relevant investigative competencies, such as:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Professional writing and documentation
- Interviewing or fact-gathering experience
- Time management and deadline-driven work
- Exercising discretion and sound judgment
Updating your resume thoughtfully can help others see how your experience aligns with investigative work.
Be Honest About the Experience Question – and Strategic About Gaining It
There is no avoiding the reality that experience matters in EEO investigations. This creates a challenge familiar to many career changers: most opportunities require experience, yet experience is difficult to obtain without opportunity.
At this stage, research is critical:
- What level of experience do firms or agencies require?
- Do training providers offer mentoring, coaching, or subcontracting pathways?
- Are there related roles that can build investigative competence?
At times, Art of Resolution considers tentative subcontracting relationships for individuals with experience in related fields and who excel in our training. We only engage relationships with those top performers in the class and when we have the available time needed to commit to a trainee.
A Thoughtful Path Leads to Long-Term Success
Becoming an EEO investigator is not about rushing into the next credential or job title. It’s about making informed, strategic choices that align with your skills, values, and professional goals.
In our experience, individuals who:
- Take time to understand the work
- Choose high-quality training
- Seek continuous skill development
- Remain open to feedback and growth
position themselves to build credible, rewarding careers in this field.
We hope you find these pointers helpful. We know from our extensive experience in this field that individuals who thoughtfully research their options; choose a quality investigator certification training course; and continue to enhance their investigative skills can quickly achieve the rewards of being a certified EEO investigator.
📅 Updated: January 17th, 2026
Want A Certification Course That Sets Future Investigators Apart?
Our EEO Investigator Certification Course is designed to help you build practical skills in case handling, report writing, federal compliance, and theory.
Hello. Does the EEOC or relevant government entity recognize your certification. Thanks-Simon Silva
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) doesn’t certify individual vendors who offer training certification. However, our 32-hour online training certification meets EEOC’s training requirements as outline in its Management Directive-110, Chapter 6. Many of the participants, who successfully completed the course, are now conducting EEO investigations for Federal agencies. We have received positive feedback from several vendors who have engaged our former students as subcontractors.
Is there a maximum age limit on hiring EEO counselor or investigators? I am a retired federal law enforcement officer, currently 58yoa. I formerly held the collateral position of EEO counselor with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but that was 25 years ago. I understand age requirements in law enforcement, but was wondering if those same standards are in place for EEO counselors and investigators?
There is no age requirement in place for EEO counselors or investigators.
Can someone with a felony conviction take and pass the course and work as a subcontractor as an EEO Investigator?
There is nothing to stop a person with a felony conviction from taking the course, but obtaining work would depend upon the vendor’s contract with the agency and whether the person could optain a security clearance.