PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations

About this Qualification

Government investigators need sound judgement, a clear process and a solid understanding of the law they work within.

PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations is designed for officers in operational roles who carry out government investigations. You’ll learn to plan, start, conduct and finalise an investigation, gather information through interviews, apply regulatory powers, and prepare and give evidence, in line with the ethical and legislative requirements of the public service.

AFSI is an ADF veteran-owned registered training organisation that has specialised in security, investigations and risk training since 1994. You’ll learn from practitioners, using realistic scenarios drawn from the environments you’ll work in.

Who this course suits

This course suits you if you:

• already work in an investigation or compliance role in government and want a nationally recognised qualification
• are moving into investigations from the ADF, police or emergency services
• manage investigators and want a consistent standard across your team

How your course runs

Stage 1: Prepare online (6 weeks)
Complete your knowledge assessments in the learning portal (aXcelerate), at your own pace. If you are applying for RPL, this is also when you submit your evidence.

Stage 2: 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 3: 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 the skills investigators use every day, so this qualification isn’t offered fully self-paced.

Units of Competency

To complete the qualification, you’ll complete the 15 units below.

Core Units (6)

• PSPETH002 Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
• PSPINV001 Plan and initiate an investigation
• PSPINV002 Conduct an investigation
• PSPINV003 Finalise an investigation
• PSPREG003 Apply regulatory powers
• PSPREG012 Gather information through interviews

Elective Units (9)

• BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
• PSPLEG002 Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPREG004 Promote client compliance
• PSPREG010 Prepare a brief of evidence
• PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes
• PSPPCY004 Support policy implementation
• PSPREG005 Assess compliance
• PSPREG006 Produce formal record of interview
• PSPREG011 Give evidence

Already experienced?

If you already have the skills this course covers, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Partial RPL recognises skills you already hold, based on evidence you provide during your course. For full RPL, email your duty statement, current CV and any relevant qualifications (with transcripts) to reception@afsi.com.au, and we’ll contact you to talk through your options.

Full RPL candidates receive 50% off the course fee.

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 15 units, you’ll receive the nationally recognised PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations. If you only complete some units, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment for the units you complete.

Your next step: build on this qualification with PSP50416 Diploma of Government Investigations, for people who coordinate and manage investigations.

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 6 weeks of self-paced online learning, followed by 5 days of face-to-face classes. 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.

Add a specialisation

Once you complete PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations, you can add one or both of these specialisations for an additional fee. Both are completed through self-paced online learning.

PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Fraud control)

PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations (Regulatory compliance)

Fraud control

PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Fraud control)

Build the skills to prevent and detect fraud. You complete these extra units through self-paced online learning:

• PSPFRU001 Monitor data for indicators of fraud
• PSPFRU002 Conduct fraud control awareness sessions
• PSPGEN034 Compose complex workplace documents
• PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information

Credit transfer applies to the units you’ve already completed in PSP40416, and you’ll receive PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Fraud control) as a second qualification.

Additional fee: $1,800 (no GST)

Regulatory compliance

PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations (Regulatory compliance)

Focus on ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations and organisational policy. You complete these extra units through self-paced online learning, and can start at any time once you’re enrolled in PSP40416:

• PSPREG008 Act on non-compliance
• PSPREG015 Receive and validate data

Credit transfer applies to the units you’ve already completed, and you’ll receive PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations (Regulatory compliance).

Additional fee: $650 (no GST)