This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This is a qualification for investigators, responsible for factual investigation and inquiry work or covert surveillance operations. 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.
Legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to investigative services in some states and territories. For further information, check with the relevant regulatory authority.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Develop investigation plans | Core |
| Investigate and locate subjects | Core |
| Prepare and present evidence in court | Core |
| Provide quality investigative services to clients | Core |
| Work effectively in investigative services | Core |
| Address compliance requirements for new business ventures | Elective |
| Compile and use official notes | Elective |
| Conduct covert surveillance operations | Elective |
| Conduct factual investigations | Elective |
| Conduct interviews and take statements to support investigations | Elective |
| Control remote pilot aircraft systems in normal flight | Elective |
| Develop factual investigation reports | Elective |
| Develop surveillance investigation reports | Elective |
| Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | Elective |
| Handle sensitive information | Elective |
| Investigate micro business opportunities | Elective |
| Maintain work health and safety | Elective |
| Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation | Elective |
| Organise and operate surveillance vehicles | Elective |
| Produce formal record of interview | Elective |
| Research and develop business plans | Elective |
| Serve legal process | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Investigative Services sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Detective
ANZSCO 441311
Detectives investigate serious crimes, such as terrorism, homicide, armed robbery, vice and arson, and gather evidence to arrest and prosecute suspected offenders.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Private Investigator
ANZSCO 442214
Private Investigators conduct investigations for clients and prepare evidence for court proceedings.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Investigative Services
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Asset Training Australia (RTO code 31718)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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BODYGUARD SECURITY (RTO code 1709)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Regal Security and Industry Training (RTO code 32331)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ALLEGIANCE INVESTIGATIONS AND SECURITY SERVICES (RTO code 5579)
Contact this provider
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Asset Training (RTO code 60083)
Contact this provider
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ASSI International Pty Ltd as Trustee for the ASSI International Trust (RTO code 40477)
Contact this provider
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ATTN PTY LTD (RTO code 22604)
Contact this provider
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Australian Security Academy Pty Ltd (RTO code 30547)
Contact this provider
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Australian Training Institute (RTO code 30200)
Contact this provider
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COLLEGE FOR LAW, EDUCATION AND TRAINING (RTO code 31254)
Contact this provider
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Diverse Training Concepts (RTO code 88182)
Contact this provider
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Guardrite Security and Industry Training Pty Limited (RTO code 0678)
Contact this provider
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NSTA Pty Ltd (RTO code 32292)
Contact this provider
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PLS PERFORMANCE GROUP (RTO code 5797)
Contact this provider
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Professional Investigators College of Australasia Pty Ltd (RTO code 40789)
Contact this provider
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Rose Training Australia (RTO code 31939)
Contact this provider
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safeNsecure training (RTO code 45229)
Contact this provider
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Strike Training and Consulting (RTO code 41500)
Contact this provider
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Tactical Training (Australia) Pty Ltd (RTO code 2292)
Contact this provider
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The Procare Group Pty Ltd (RTO code 91314)
Contact this provider
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Westbourne College Pty Ltd (RTO code 41084)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.