Private investigation is a unique and evolving field which has seen consistently high demand for new talent over the last decade. Investigators work as individuals or as contractors to investigation firms, servicing insurers, lawyers and other clients to gather information so these clients can make informed decisions about the application of their policies and processes. Investigators need excellent people and (written and verbal) communication skills, very good self organisation and time management, and an analytical mindset. The Certificate III Investigative Services teaches a methodology and practice standards to help channel these skills into compliant, top quality investigations.

About the course

This is a qualification for investigators, responsible for factual investigation and inquiry work or covert surveillance operations. The aim of this course is to develop your practical skills and processes for effectively conducting investigations in the private sector in Australia. Investigators operate under limited supervision and use discretion and judgement to search for information about a person’s character, actions or work and gather evidence that may be used in court.

Occupational titles may include:

  • inquiry agent
  • private investigator

This qualification provides occupational specialisations in factual investigation and surveillance, and a pathway to further learning and work in investigations management.

Investigators undertaking surveillance operations are required to operate a surveillance vehicle in compliance with road and traffic laws.

This course is suitable for:

  • Investigators in insurance, assessment, fraud, safety or compliance
  • Those wishing to adapt their existing people and information-handling skills to a new field
  • School-leavers looking for a career which offers flexibility, high demand for your skills, and something new every day
  • Anyone else who may be interested! Call us to discuss how investigation skills may be useful for you.

Investigation licences

This qualification is required to obtain an investigation licence from your state’s issuing body (usually the police), often requiring specific units. Prospective investigators also need to complete other checks to receive a licence which are determined by each state body, and separate fees will apply.

View your state’s licence training requirements (the following links take you to external websites):

Tasmania

South Australia

Victoria – note: your Cert III must be no more than 12 months old to obtain a licence in Victoria, and it must be issued by an approved provider like Wise Workplace Training. 

Western Australia 

Northern Territory

Queensland

New South Walesnote that these requirements have recently changed. 

Australian Capital Territory – currently no requirement for training to obtain an ACT licence, but a NSW licence is often preferred by clients.

Learning modes

We offer two modes to complete the course:

  • Self-paced online: enrol anytime and study at your own pace using our online resources and assessments. This works best for learners who have a workplace where they can carry out investigations to support their study.
  • Facilitator-led online classes: enrol anytime to attend up to 8 online classes covering the entire course. Online classes are delivered twice a month between July-October and February-May, and you can complete the modules in any order. Please find our live session schedule here.

Each program is the same price, and learners can move between the options to suit their needs during the study period. Contact us to view the upcoming schedule of classes.

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Units of Competency

To attain a Certificate III Investigative Services, you will need to complete 5 Core Units & 11 Elective Units. Our chosen units have been selected to meet police licencing requirements in as many states and territories as possible, but other units can be swapped as needed.

Core Units

CPPINV3026 Work effectively in investigative services

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in investigative services. It includes interpreting and applying legal and procedural requirements governing investigative services, understanding regulatory powers provided under the legislation and acts and omissions that comprise non-compliance or offences. It also includes contributing to positive workplace relationships with colleagues and clients, modelling high standards of performance and developing and maintaining competence in investigative services.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3027 Develop investigation plans

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to develop and document an investigation plan. It includes scoping investigation parameters, selecting investigation methodologies based on factual and surveillance techniques, and ensuring legal compliance for investigative and evidence collection processes.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3028 Investigate and locate subjects

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to locate subjects using investigative search techniques. It includes researching the subject’s background information and possible whereabouts, searching open source intelligence, databases, public records and documentation, and identifying and following leads to trace and locate the subject.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3029 Provide quality investigative services to clients

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to provide quality investigative services to clients. It includes identifying client needs and preferences and negotiating to offer factual or surveillance investigation options to meet client requirements. It includes delivering and monitoring investigative services, gathering and organising investigative evidence, and implementing contingency measures to respond to problems and changing circumstances. The unit requires reviewing client satisfaction, handling complaints and using feedback as the basis for improved service delivery.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPSEC3124 Prepare and present evidence in court

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to prepare and present evidence in court.

It requires

  • sourcing, organising and checking security information to be used as evidence in court proceedings, and checking compliance against rules of evidence and evidence management principles to ensure admissibility
  • participating in oral briefing sessions, submitting evidence briefs and preparing documentation and exhibits
  • adhering to court procedures and protocols such as those relating to personal presentation, manner and language
  • presenting evidence in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner and providing specialist opinion on request.

It applies to people working independently or under limited supervision as members of a security team.

Elective Units (main stream suitable for most learners)

HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and work practices as part of a small work team.

This unit applies to workers who have a key role in maintaining WHS in an organisation, including duty of care for other workers.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

BSBESB305 Address compliance requirements for new business ventures

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to source advice and specialist services to assist in addressing business compliance relating to regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements.

The unit applies to those establishing a business providing self-employment, as well as those establishing a new venture as part of a larger organisation.

PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information

This unit describes the skills required to receive, deal with, maintain and dispose of sensitive information.

This unit applies to those working in a security role where they would receive, deal with and maintain sensitive information.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would generally work independently, as part of a team and with occasional supervisory responsibilities. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes

This unit describes the skills required to keep notes and use them to give evidence in court, prepare statements and compile reports, including incident reports. It includes applying knowledge of the essential elements of note taking, statement and report preparation; and legislative and organisational requirements for the structure and content of official reports.

This unit applies to those working within the court system operating under procedures set by the court.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those set by the court.

Those undertaking this unit would generally work independently with occasional supervisory responsibilities. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

PSPREG006 Produce formal record of interview

This unit describes the skills required to produce formal records of interview. It includes preparing for, conducting and record interviews.

This unit applies to those working in public sector roles conducting regulatory activities.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to WHS and environment in the context of conducting interviews.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently, performing routine tasks, in a range of contexts including some that are unfamiliar or unpredictable.

CPPINV3030 Conduct factual investigations

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct factual investigations. It includes conducting desk-based research and using communication skills to conduct interviews and meetings and take statements to record factual information. The unit requires evidence collection and compliance with evidence management principles.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3031 Conduct interviews and take statements to support investigations

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to acquire information by interview and take statements to support an investigation. It includes following plans, protocols and procedures to conduct interviews, questioning interviewees to obtain and record facts and details of physical evidence presented, and taking statements in the required legal format.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3032 Develop factual investigation reports

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to document and present comprehensive information gathered through factual investigation. It includes compiling and presenting information and evidence in the required format and verifying its accuracy and reliability according to chain of custody and rules of evidence requirements.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3033 Conduct covert surveillance operations

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct covert surveillance operations using mobile or static surveillance techniques on foot and while operating a vehicle. It includes selecting surveillance methods, equipment, sites and routes, and applying contingency options where surveillance integrity is compromised. The unit requires evidence collection and compliance with evidence management principles.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3034 Organise and operate surveillance vehicles

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to conduct covert surveillance operations using mobile or static surveillance techniques that may include operating a surveillance vehicle. It includes selecting surveillance methods, equipment, sites and routes, and applying contingency options where surveillance integrity is compromised. The unit requires collection of evidence and compliance with admissibility rules.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

CPPINV3035 Develop surveillance investigation reports

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to document and present comprehensive information gathered through covert surveillance. It includes compiling and presenting information and evidence in the required format and verifying its accuracy and reliability according to continuity of evidence and rules of evidence requirements.

A person working at this level would be expected to take responsibility for organising and completing tasks assigned to them without close supervision.

Alternative Units (to suit specific licencing requirements)

BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and develop business plans for achieving business goals and objectives.

The unit applies to those establishing or operating a business providing self-employment, as well as those establishing a new venture as part of a larger organisation.

BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and comply with legal and risk management requirements of the business or new business venture, including negotiating, creating and planning for legal contracts used within the business, where required.

The unit applies to those establishing a business providing self-employment, as well as those establishing a new venture as part of a larger organisation.

CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation

This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to manage conflict and security risks using negotiation techniques.

It includes:

  • reviewing and applying workplace procedures and policies including workplace health and safety (WHS) to comply with legal rights and responsibilities
  • maintaining situational awareness to identify and assess sources of conflict and risk, and selecting and implementing response options within the scope of own authority
  • using negotiation and communication techniques to resolve conflict, minimise risk and encourage a shared approach to conflict resolution
  • working with others to report, evaluate and improve response procedures.

It applies to people working independently or under limited supervision as members of a security team.

FNSMCA303 Serve legal process

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to investigate and analyse client requirements for preparing legal documentation and serving legal processes.

It applies to individuals who are required to serve legal process as part of their role as a mercantile agent within financial services organisations of any size or location.

Course details

Duration: 6 – 12 Months 

It is expected that candidates will complete this course with all the required learning and assessment within six (6) months, however every enrolment is for a 12 month (1 year) period.

Extensions can be granted for exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis up to a maximum of two (2) years.

This course can be completed entirely online at your own pace, supported by virtual workshops and interactions. All learners can access our live sessions for assessment support in regards to conducting interviews, and service and surveillance tasks. Wise Workplace Training can provide this support via our partner organisations, along with employment pathways, where required. These assessments can also take place under the supervision of a workplace supervisor.

A range of assessment methods including (but not limited to) written tasks, case studies, roleplays and simulations, research, presentation/observation, projects and practical tasks.

If you choose to study online, presentation / observation and practical assessments can be completed using a range of methods:

  • report and sign off from a suitable supervisor at your workplace
  • scheduled appointments with our assessors
  • upload of video or audio recording of your activities

The specific practical tasks you will undertake may include:

  • carrying out activities, including emergency response, relating to workplace health and safety
  • conducting three complete factual investigations, including observing client and compliance requirements
  • interviewing at least three parties
  • locating at least three subjects
  • conducting three complete surveillance sessions with reporting
  • conducting three conflict resolutions
  • presenting an oral briefing of evidence
  • presenting and reporting on evidence
  • carrying out service three times

Contact us to find out more.

Full fee: $1,800

Deposit: $900

All enrolments start with a deposit of $900, with the remaining fees to be charged in a second instalment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT): are available, starting at $900. Fees vary depending on the number of units you can achieve.

Extension to the course duration beyond the maximum period of two years will accrue additional charges per unit.

On successful completion of this course, students may choose to undertake Certificate IV Government Investigations or any other relevant diploma level qualification that supports their career pathways.

Learners who demonstrate competency in investigations may be invited to discuss employment options within Wise Workplace Training’s corporate Group. All learner information will be handled according to the utmost standards of professionalism, integrity and our privacy policy.

Course Entry Requirements

  • Must be 18 or more years old
  • Must have attained year 12/equivalent schooling or be able to demonstrate relevant professional experience
  • Must meet the prerequisites and any other requirements for the specific course.

Learners are also required to review and sign off on all information on our Resources, Policies and Procedures page. If your employer is paying for your study, they will need to sign off.

Learners who have not previously completed tertiary studies may be asked to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Skills assessment to make sure we provide you with the right supports to complete the course.