Private investigators do more than just probe into things. Apart from conducting investigations for clients, they’re also responsible for preparing evidence for court proceedings. The cases they handle are often involved with character enquiries, missing persons, infidelity, and matters of insurance.
Private investigators hold licences and perform the duties of a private bailiff or process server. They are required in both criminal and civil investigation processes. They are employed by both private and government organisations either on a contract or in-house basis. If you’re looking to pursue a career as a private investigator, you will need to complete a private investigator course (Certificate III in Investigative Services). The official title for this course is CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services.
Course Information
This nationally accredited course is the requirement in Queensland for licensing, so if you’re looking at becoming a licensed private investigator, then this course is for you. The course will prepare you for real-life experiences. It is a qualification for individuals who are responsible for covert surveillance operations or inquiry work and factual investigation.
It is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework or AQF. The course offered at the Australian Training Institute is comprehensive and straightforward. The course has been designed to ensure that participants are equipped with industry knowledge in the quickest time possible.
What will the participants learn?
Throughout the course, the participants will have to take several units that cover the following topics:
- Locating subjects;
- Conducting interviews and taking statements;
- Developing investigative plans;
- Conducting surveillance;
- Organising and operating a surveillance vehicle;
- Operating information-gathering equipment;
- Gathering information by factual investigation;
- Storing and protecting information;
- Compiling investigative report;
- Providing quality investigative services to clients;
- Organising personal work priorities and development;
- Working effectively in the investigative services industry;
- Maintaining workplace safety in the security industry;
- Contributing to effective workplace relationships; and
- Preparing and presenting evidence in court.
How is the course delivered?
In today’s busy world, a lot of people lead a high stress and fast-paced life regardless of the industry they are currently in, and those who are interested in completing a course are often hesitant as they are caught up with other responsibilities.
Fortunately, this investigator course is delivered and completed almost completely online. It’s self-paced, so participants have the choice of whether they want to speed through the course or take their time. Participants can complete this much-needed qualification regardless of current circumstance or time restraints.
Participants will have access to industry experienced and highly qualified trainers who can provide them with guidance and assist them for each unit to suit their study goals. They will have access to these trainers throughout their course via email to help them overcome any stumbling blocks they may encounter. These trainers will be available to answer any questions that the participants have.
How long does it take to finish this investigator course?
As mentioned above, the nationally accredited investigator course is self-paced, which means that participants can fit this study with their lifestyle. There are no due dates on activities and assessments (however, students will have 12 months from enrolment to complete the qualification). The more time is allocated to study the program, the quicker participants can achieve their qualifications.
On average, online training is approximately 15-20 hours per unit (for a total of 16 units) however this greatly depends on the individual and their experience.
What are the entry requirements for this course?
Participants must have basic computer skills and access to a reliable computer with internet and email access. As some assessments require an audio/visual submission, participants must also be able to record themselves using a method where they can be seen and heard clearly.
Some assessments in this course will require students to interact with other participants, where they will perform a specific role during the assessment. These participants can be co-workers, family or friends. Please contact us if you require clarification.
What are the course fees?
On average, this nationally accredited private investigator course (Certificate III in Investigative Services) costs $1995.00 AUD. Some RTOs have made available payment plans to enable a swift start for anyone interested in taking this course.
What are the career opportunities upon completion of this course?
As with other participants, you will be responsible for conducting investigations on behalf of corporations, government bodies, insurers, and individuals. Racial discrimination, sexual harassment, theft, fraud, employee fidelity, background checks and surveillance all fall under corporate investigations.
Insurance investigations cover motor vehicle accident CTP (compulsory third party), workers’ compensation, public liability, stolen motor vehicles and boats, home burglary, and arson. Investigations for family and business-related searches are often requested by individuals and family members.
Upon completing this investigator course, participants can seek employment in these areas:
- Criminal Defence Investigation
- General Insurance Investigation
- Local, State, and Federal Government Investigation
- Loss Adjusting support services
- Motor vehicle accident CTP investigation
- Plaintiff Investigation
- Public Liability Investigation
- Transport and Marine Accident
- Workers’ Compensation Investigation
After obtaining their licence, participants are expected to handle inquiry work or covert surveillance operations and take on occupational titles like inquiry agent private investigator. They will be responsible for factual investigation, operating under limited supervision and using discretion and judgment to search for information about a subject’s character, actions, or work. Participants can also work in investigations management or proceed with further learning.
What are the licensing requirements?
In Queensland, applications made for security providers licenses are handled by the Office of Fair Trading. This course qualification covers all necessary content requirements to allow participants to apply for a Class 1 Security Providers Licence (with the endorsement of Private Investigator).
The cost of the license is not included in the cost of the private investigator course as it is handled separately of the RTO issues in the course. However, they will be providing support to complete the licence application throughout the course.
Participants will not be able to submit their license application until they have successfully completed this course and received their certificate. To apply for this licence, an individual must:
- Be 18 years old and above;
- Be an Australian citizen or hold an appropriate visa to work; and
- Have had no criminal convictions in the past 10 years (Driving offences such as speeding and drunk driving are not normally disqualifying offences),
Be Part of the Investigative Services Industry
Work for the security industry and become a private investigator by enrolling in the CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services. By participating in this private investigator course (Certificate III in Investigative Services), you allow yourself to grow professionally. Whether you want to work for government or corporate bodies, many career opportunities await you. The Australian Training Institute is here to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a licenced investigator.
