- Couse Code: CPP30619
Certificate III in Investigative Services
Nationally-Recognised Private Investigator Training
Launch your investigations career with a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for real-world investigative work across insurance, legal, corporate and regulatory environments.
Whether you’re entering the industry for the first time, transitioning from another profession, or looking to add investigative functions to your existing licence, this course provides the skills and knowledge needed to work as a professional private investigator. Study with support from experienced trainers who know the sector inside out.
Course Overview
The CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services offers a strong foundation for anyone looking to build a career in professional investigations. Whether you’re entering the industry for the first time, moving across from another field, or aiming to expand the functions on your licence, this qualification equips you with practical, real-world skills used every day by investigators across Australia.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore the methods, tools and professional standards that support modern investigative work. You’ll learn how to gather and analyse information, conduct surveillance, interview witnesses and subjects, take statements, manage records and prepare clear, accurate reports for clients or legal processes. These capabilities reflect the realities of investigative practice in insurance, workplace relations, misconduct inquiries, legal and factual investigations, background checks, missing persons searches and commercial or regulatory environments.
Delivered online with structured trainer support, the program allows you to build your skills progressively while maintaining flexibility around work and other commitments. By the end of the course, you will understand how investigations are planned, executed and documented, and how to apply ethical, compliant practices in a variety of operational contexts.
Course Outcomes
On successful completion of this qualification, you will be awarded the CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services, a nationally recognised credential that prepares you to work as a professional private investigator in Australia.
This qualification develops the capability to:
- Plan and conduct factual and surveillance investigations
- Gather, analyse and manage information and evidence
- Conduct interviews and take structured statements
- Prepare accurate, legally informed investigative reports
- Apply ethical, compliant and professional investigative practices
- Maintain accurate records and meet evidentiary standards
- Operate independently or as part of a coordinated investigative team
Graduates use these skills across a broad range of roles, including:
- Insurance and claims investigations
- Workplace and misconduct investigations
- Factual and legal investigations
- Surveillance operations
- Background checks and due diligence
- Missing persons inquiries
- Corporate, regulatory or community-based investigative work
This qualification provides the training component for individuals seeking to become private investigators; however, licensing requirements vary by state and territory.
To understand how this qualification is used in your location, please refer to the state-specific course page for detailed licensing information and local regulatory requirements.
Units of Competency
To achieve the CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services, students must complete 16 units of competency, consisting of 5 core units and 11 elective units.
These units reflect the skills required for both factual and surveillance investigations within Australia’s investigative services sector.
Core Units
- CPPINV3026 Work effectively in investigative services
- CPPINV3027 Develop investigation plans
- CPPINV3028 Investigate and locate subjects
- CPPINV3029 Provide quality investigative services to clients
- CPPSEC3124 Prepare and present evidence in court
Elective Units
- BSBESB305 Address compliance requirements for new business ventures
- CPPINV3030 Conduct factual investigations
- CPPINV3031 Conduct interviews and take statements to support investigations
- CPPINV3032 Develop factual investigation reports
- HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
- PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes
- PSPREG006 Produce formal record of interview
- PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information
- CPPINV3033 Conduct covert surveillance operations
- CPPINV3034 Organise and operate surveillance vehicles
- CPPINV3035 Develop surveillance investigation reports
These units have been selected to ensure graduates develop well-rounded skills applicable to insurance investigations, workplace inquiries, legal and factual investigations, commercial assignments and other investigative environments.
Pathways
The CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services prepares graduates for a wide range of investigative roles across insurance, workplace relations, legal services, compliance, risk management and commercial environments.
› Employment Pathways
Graduates may pursue opportunities such as:
- Private Investigator (Factual or Surveillance)
- Insurance or claims investigator
- Workplace or misconduct investigator
- Corporate or compliance investigator
- Legal and factual investigations support
- Background screening or due diligence researcher
- Missing persons or field inquiries operative
Employment outcomes depend on individual experience, employer requirements and – where applicable – meeting the licensing criteria of the relevant state or territory regulator.
Students should view the state-specific course page for accurate licensing information and application requirements.
› Study Pathways
Students wishing to expand their skills or progress into supervisory, regulatory or specialised roles may consider further training such as:
- Certificate IV in Government Investigations
- Certificate IV in Security Management
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
- Other security and investigative skill sets, depending on career goals
These qualifications can help broaden your capability, improve employability and support progression into more advanced investigative, compliance, or operational roles.
Licensing Requirements
The CPP30619 Certificate III in Investigative Services is the nationally recognised qualification that supports individuals seeking to work as private investigators in Australia. However, licensing requirements differ across all states and territories, and each regulator sets its own rules for eligibility, probity, and approved training.
Typical licensing considerations may include:
- Minimum age requirements
- Criminal history and probity checks
- Right-to-work documentation
- Specific unit requirements
- Application fees and processing timelines
Completing this qualification alone does not guarantee a licence. Only the relevant state or territory regulator can determine eligibility.
To ensure accurate and up-to-date information, students should view the state-specific Certificate III in Investigative Services course page for:
- Local licensing requirements
- Training components relevant to that jurisdiction
- Links to the appropriate regulatory authority
- Any additional conditions that may apply
› QLD Private Investigator
› NSW Class 2E Investigator
› WA Investigator
› TAS Inquiry Agent
Course Pathways
Start Your Course Training with Asset College
- View all Private Investigations
Asset College offers flexible fee options to support different learning needs and circumstances. Fees vary depending on your chosen study pathway.
› Online Study – $1,795
This fee includes access to the online learning platform, learning resources, trainer support and up to 12 months to complete the qualification.
› Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – $900
RPL is suitable for individuals who already have relevant skills and experience and can provide evidence aligned to all unit requirements.
Assessment timeframes vary depending on how quickly candidates provide their evidence.
A Free Skills Assessment is available to help determine whether RPL, online study or a combination of both is best for you.
› Career Start Program (Queensland Only)
Eligible Queensland residents may access subsidised training under the Career Start Program.
Co-contribution fees for eligible students are:
- $160 – Concession
- $320 – Non-concession
Concession eligibility requirements are available on request.
› Payment Options
To make study more accessible, students can choose from a range of flexible payment arrangements, including:
- Interest-free instalment plans
- Pay-as-you-go options
- zipMoney
Payment plans can be established during the enrolment process.
There are no formal academic prerequisites for enrolment; however, students must meet requirements that support safe and successful participation in the course and the investigative profession.
› LLND Review
All students must complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) review prior to enrolment. This ensures students have the foundational skills needed for online learning, written assessments and safe participation in practical activities.
A detailed guide to the LLND process is available here:
› Age, Identification & Licensing-Related Considerations
Private investigation is a regulated occupation in Australia. Students should be aware that:
- You must be at least 18 years old to undertake licensable investigative work.
- State and territory licensing bodies may require criminal history checks, right-to-work verification, and other suitability assessments.
Students can review common eligibility considerations at:
› Technology Requirements
To participate effectively in this online program, students need:
- A computer or laptop
- Reliable internet access
- Basic digital literacy
Free Wi-Fi and computer access are available at Asset College campuses for students who may require them.
› Support for Disability, Learning Differences or Individual Needs
Asset College welcomes students with diverse learning needs. Anyone requiring adjustments, additional support or clarification on participation requirements is encouraged to discuss this during enrolment.
Support information and resources are available here:
› International Students
This qualification is not available to international students on a Student Visa (subclass 500).
› Online – Self Paced (Up to 12 Months)
This qualification is delivered through a flexible online model, allowing you to study at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments.
Students receive:
- Access to our online learning platform
- Structured learning resources and assessment activities
- Guidance from experienced trainers with investigative industry backgrounds
- Up to 12 months to complete all course requirements
This option is suitable for new entrants, career changers and those looking to build investigative capability in a structured, supportive environment.
› Blended (Online plus Face-to-Face)
Practical workshop options may be available in future. Any updates will be published on this page once confirmed.
If you are interested in this option, please register your interest.
› Group and Corporate Training
Asset College offers group training options for organisations seeking to develop investigative capability within their workforce.
Training can be:
- Scheduled for workplace teams
- Contextualised to organisational procedures where appropriate
- Supported by dedicated trainers throughout the program
This option is ideal for insurers, legal practices, compliance teams, workplace relations units, regulatory services and organisations requiring investigative skills.
› Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is available for individuals who already have experience in investigative work or related fields and can demonstrate competence through documented evidence.
Examples of suitable evidence may include:
- Investigative reports
- Interview records
- Surveillance logs
- Case file documentation
- Previous qualifications or industry training
- Statements of service or references
RPL candidates must provide evidence that aligns with all unit requirements.
A Free Skills Assessment is available to help determine whether RPL, online study or a blended approach is most appropriate.
Why Choose Asset Collge For Your Certificate III in Investigative Services Course
When you choose Asset College, you’re not just choosing an RTO — you’re choosing a partner in your career journey.
For more than 20 years, we’ve trained and guided thousands of Australians into security careers. We’re nationally recognised, connected to employers, and trusted across QLD, NSW, and VIC.
Our graduates don’t just get trained — they get employed. That’s the difference.
Free Career Information Session
For anyone considering the sector – covering roles, employers, licensing, wages and more.
Employer Connections®
Our unique Employer Connections® speed dating events provide real-time interaction with the industry’s leading employers.
High Quality Training
High quality training across every aspect of the Security Sector.
I am absolutely invested in this course! Anthony is an outstanding trainer and delivers new units and responses very rapidly.
As I could not complete my degree in criminology and counter terrorism operations, I am excited to delve into the investigations industry upon certificate completion.
Asset College so far is definitely a place I would recommend for those looking to study into similar industries and fields!
Angus Hudson
Seamless assessment of my RPL for Investigative services. Carried out and evaluated in an efficient professional format. Very pleased with the process and the RPL assessor and the time frame. Good communication through out the process.
Luke Quinton
Would recommend Asset College to everyone! Recently completed my Certificate III in Investigative Services and my Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business through asset college already looking at bookings for my ABH Firearms training. Best trainers around! 💥🙌
Ryan Protheroe
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL Fee
$900
RPL allows your existing skills and experience to be assessed towards a nationally recognised qualification, often enabling you to complete the course faster and at a lower cost than traditional study.
RPL may not be suitable for everyone, as outcomes depend on the evidence you provide and the assessment conducted by a qualified assessor.
Students applying for RPL must submit a FREE Skills Assessment form before enrolling in the course.
Government Funding Available
Career Start Program – QLD Only
Funded Concession
$160
Funded Non-concession
$320
You may be eligible for funding. Find out in just a few clicks, or begin your full funding application if you’re ready to proceed.
Certificate III in Investigative Services Dates & Availability
> Students applying for RPL must submit a FREE Skills Assessment form prior to enrolling in the course.
| Cost | Enrol Myself |
| $1,795.00 |
Discover Our Asset College Campuses
North Lakes, QLD (Head Office)
18 Flinders Parade, North Lakes QLD 4509
Logan Central, QLD
17 Station Road Logan Central QLD 4114
Gold Coast, NSW
Unit 39, Level 3 207 Currumburra Road Ashmore QLD 4214
Parramatta, NSW
Suite 105 Level 1, 30 Cowper St Parramatta
NSW 2150
QLD Onsite and Regional Locations
Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Cairns
NSW Onsite and Regional Locations
Orange, Wagga Wagga, Coff Harbour, Ballina, Woollahra, Albury, Griffith, Moree, Nowra, Sydney
VIC Onsite and Regional Locations
Melbourne, Dandenong, Bendigo, Bairnsdale, Deer Park, Geelong
Adelaide, SA
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the course designed for?
What career outcomes does the course support?
What career outcomes does the course support?
On completion, you may become eligible for roles such as unarmed security officer, crowd controller, monitoring centre operator, access control or guard duties. It also provides a pathway into higher security qualifications and specialist functions.
What happens after I complete the course?
What happens after I complete the course?
Upon successful completion you receive the Certificate II in Security Operations and become eligible to apply for a security licence in your state. From there you may choose specialist pathways or further study such as Certificate III in Security Operations, close protection or investigations.
Does the course cover bodyguard or armed guarding functions?
Does the course cover bodyguard or armed guarding functions?
No — the Certificate II focuses on general security functions (unarmed, crowd control, monitoring). Specialist functions such as bodyguard, armed guard or investigations are covered by higher-level qualifications or specific skill sets.
Are there employment support services included?
Are there employment support services included?
Yes — the college provides employment support including Employer Connections® events, pre-employment sessions, assistance with resumes and access to industry job networks.
How do I apply for a security licence?
How do I apply for a security licence?
After completing your Certificate II in Security Operations, you can apply for a security licence through your state or territory’s licensing authority. The process generally includes:
Submitting your qualification certificate
Providing identification and proof of eligibility
Completing a criminal history check
Paying the applicable licensing fees
Each state has slightly different requirements. For example:
QLD: Apply through the Office of Fair Trading
NSW: Apply through Service NSW / NSW Police
NT, SA, VIC, TAS, WA: Apply through your state’s regulatory body
Your Asset College trainers and admin team can guide you through the application process and provide the documents you need.