PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations

No prerequisite units are required for this qualification; however, previous experience or lower-level qualifications in compliance roles or employment in the public sector may be beneficial.

All learners must be at least 18 years of age or above.

Students must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirement outlined in the KPS course brochure available for download from our website.

Have access to a computer (with Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word and a web browser installed), a scanner and relevant IT hardware to complete an online course.

Have access to the internet.

Have access to a video and audio recording device, such as a smartphone or webcam.

A high level of language, literacy and numeracy levels; sufficient to interpret and analyse documents, prepare written reports and conduct mock interviews with witnesses and suspects.

An intermediate level of technology skills – sufficient to use computer programs and software.

A total of 15 units are required to achieve the award of Certificate IV in Government Investigations, 6 of which are mandatory core units and 9 electives units.

The units listed here are for the self-paced distance education options and have been selected based on industry consultation. The skills and knowledge learnt in this program is what employers and government agencies are looking for in their investigators.

For instructor led programs (face to face or virtual), other electives may be selected in accordance with the packaging rules of this qualification. For information with regards to the selection of different elective units, please contact your trainer or our office.

This nationally recognised qualification is available via face to face training courses, self-paced distance education or blended methods.

Option 1 – Self-paced distance education

Self-paced distance education students can complete the qualification at their own pace and in their own time. Learning resources are accessible and available via our student management portal. This means you can study when and where you want, to fit your study in with your lifestyle.

As you progress through each unit of the self-paced distance education program, you will obtain knowledge and skills focusing on individual aspects of the investigation process. Your assessments will be presented in various formats, including short-answer questions, case studies, and observations of practical activities. You will conduct a simulated investigation, commencing with the receipt of a complaint and planning your investigation, interviewing witnesses, sourcing and handling evidence, interviewing a subject person, and finalising the investigation by preparing an investigation report and compiling a brief of evidence. At the end of your investigation, you will give testimony about your investigation. By the end of the program, you will possess the core skills required of a government investigator.

All assessments are completed at your own pace with no set assessment due dates. There is no need to wait for feedback or assessments to be marked before moving to the next unit. Each unit of study provides clear assessment instructions to help you complete each assessment task successfully. Because everyone learns at different rates, the duration of the course will vary depending upon the hours that you dedicate to your studies and completion of assessments. Most KPS students complete the qualification within 6 to 9 months.

While the self-paced distance education program is self-paced, KPS will provide you with a dedicated 57-week training plan with a suggested study order and time frames to complete each unit of competency. This helps keep students motivated and on track. If you complete the qualification in a shorter or longer period than the scheduled 57 weeks, there is no need to be concerned,, as your enrolment will not be affected.

Option 2 – Face to face training

Face to face instructor led training programs (in class or virtual) are delivered in house at your workplace or one of our public courses. The face to face component of the Certificate IV in Government Investigations is delivered across five days using a simulated investigation to support course lessons. Similar to the self-paced distance education program, your assessments will be in various formats, including short-answer questions, case studies, and observation of practical activities.

The training and assessment conducted in the face to face program are the same as the self-paced distance education program however instead of progressing bit by bit through the investigation process, during the face to face training course, you will conduct an investigation in real-time across the five days of the course.

You will receive tuition on the investigation process from receipt of the initial complaint through to finalising your investigation, covering each of the investigation phases. On the face to face course, you will conduct practical assessment activities such as planning your investigation, interviewing witnesses, exercising regulatory powers, evidence seizure and handling, interviewing a subject person and giving evidence.

Post-course, participants complete the remainder of the qualification assessments, including knowledge questions and finalising their on course simulated investigation activities such as preparing statements, developing an investigation report and a brief of evidence. Participants complete post-course assessments using investigations they conduct in the workplace as evidence. Participants who lack access to workplace investigations use online assessment booklets. These flexible options are designed to suit all training participants, whether you are currently working as an investigator or not. There are no due dates for assessments and no exams.

Option 3 – Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Participants with prior experience in government investigations may be eligible for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. This alternative assessment method may reduce the time required to complete this qualification and lower the associated costs. Refer to RPL for more information.

Suggested pathways for further study after completion of this qualification include:

• PSP50416 Diploma of Government Investigations or
• Other relevant Diploma qualifications

Each qualification or training course offered by KPS has a specific maximum course fee that will be charged to the student. This fee is inclusive of all tuition and assessment, student support, electronic copies of reference materials and learner guides, and access to mandatory resources and equipment.

The total cost of this qualification is:

• $1950 (face to face/blended)
• $1800 (self paced distance learning)
• $975 (RPL)

All course fees must be paid in accordance with our terms and conditions. Fees for new students are subject to change without notice.