Which condition could disqualify a private detective from sitting for the private detective exam?

A misdemeanor conviction for a dishonest act can indeed disqualify an individual from sitting for the private detective exam. This is based on the principle that the integrity and honesty of a private detective are essential to the job. The profession requires a high degree of trust, not only from clients but also within the legal system. A history of dishonest conduct can raise serious concerns about a candidate's reliability and ethical judgment in carrying out investigations and handling sensitive information.

In contrast, a felony conviction where the sentence has been discharged more than ten years ago typically does not impact eligibility, as it reflects a period where the individual has had the opportunity to rehabilitate. Similarly, failure to provide proof of a certain amount of insurance may be a concern operationally but does not put the individual’s character into question directly. Finally, a returned check written to the Department due to insufficient funds, while problematic, does not have the same implications regarding a candidate's honesty as a misdemeanor for a dishonest act.