PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting)

About this Qualification

Personnel vetting decides who can be trusted with access to sensitive information, people and places. It takes careful judgement and a consistent, well-documented process.

PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting) develops the skills to work without supervision in a personnel security area. You’ll learn to conduct personnel security assessments, gather information through structured interviews, handle sensitive information, and write and communicate clearly, in line with the ethical and legislative requirements of the public service.

This qualification is a mandatory requirement for employment as a Vetting Analyst in the public or private sector.

This course is delivered by experienced trainers through scenario-based activities and assessments designed to reflect workplace practice. AFSI is an ADF veteran-owned registered training organisation that has specialised in security, investigations and risk training since 1994.

Who this course suits

This course suits you if you:

• work in a personnel security or vetting team and want the qualification that recognises it
• are moving into vetting from the ADF, police or emergency services
• manage vetting staff and want a consistent standard across your team

How your course runs

Stage 1: Face-to-face classes (5 days)
Five days of practical, scenario-based classes with your trainer. Choose a virtual classroom through Microsoft Teams, or an in-person classroom at our Fyshwick training facility.

Stage 2: Finish online (your pace)
Complete your remaining self-paced online learning and assessments to finalise your qualification. You have up to 12 months from enrolment to complete everything.

The face-to-face classes are where you practise vetting interviews and assessments with your trainer, so this qualification isn’t offered fully self-paced.

Units of Competency

To complete the qualification, you’ll complete the 14 units below.

Core Units (3)

• PSPETH002 Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
• PSPLEG002 Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information

Personnel Vetting Specialisation Units (6)

• PSPSEC008 Conduct personnel security assessments
• PSPGEN033 Use advanced workplace communication strategies
• PSPGEN038 Identify and treat risks
• PSPGEN043 Apply government processes
• PSPREG012 Gather information through interviews
• PSPGEN034 Compose complex workplace documents

Elective Units (5)

• BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
• PSPREG015 Receive and validate data
• PSPGEN027 Gather and analyse information
• PSPGEN023 Deliver and monitor service to clients
• PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes

Already experienced?

We can recognise skills you already hold through partial recognition of prior learning (RPL), assessed as part of your course assessments based on evidence you provide. This qualification is built around practical skills practised in face-to-face classes, so we don’t offer it through full RPL.

If you’ve completed any of these units before, in another qualification, you may be eligible for credit transfer. Send your transcript to reception@afsi.com.au.

Serving or served in the ADF or AFP?

AFSI is ADF veteran-owned, and we know how much your service experience is worth. Current and former ADF and AFP members receive a $500 discount. Send your Service Record to reception after you apply, and ask us about RPL.

Who can apply

Open to Australian citizens and permanent residents living in Australia. Please send proof of citizenship or residency when you apply. AFSI is not a CRICOS provider, so we can’t enrol international students.

What you will achieve

When you successfully complete all 14 units, you’ll receive the nationally recognised PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting). If you only complete some units, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment for the units you complete.

How to apply

• Apply online. Choose a course date below and select ‘Enrol Myself’ to submit your enrolment application.
• Complete a short language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) quiz. It helps us plan any support you need.
• Receive your acceptance and invoice. We confirm your place and send details of your training, fees and obligations.
• Pay your invoice in full. Your enrolment is then confirmed, and you’ll receive access to the learning portal (aXcelerate).

2027 course dates

Each course starts with 5 days of face-to-face classes, followed by self-paced online learning. Choose a date that suits you and select ‘Enrol Myself’ to apply.

The end date shown for each course is the last date to complete your qualification. Can’t see a date that suits you? Call 02 6106 9332.