Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting)

This course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to carry out personnel vetting assessments with professionalism, discretion, and a strong understanding of ethical and legal standards.

Course cost

Online Study

$2495

RPL

$1250

Duration

up to 14 months

State

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Study Method

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Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting)

This qualification gives you the practical skills and specialist knowledge needed to work in operational government security roles. You’ll learn how to apply ethical decision-making, follow legislative requirements, and operate confidently in high-trust environments.

PSP40316 Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting)

 

Are you interested in protecting national interests and making a real difference behind the scenes? Personnel Security Vetting is a critical function that ensures only the most trustworthy individuals gain access to sensitive government information and assets.

This qualification gives you the practical skills and specialist knowledge needed to work in operational government security roles. You’ll learn how to apply ethical decision-making, follow legislative requirements, and operate confidently in high-trust environments.

Choose the Personnel Vetting Specialisation to develop the expertise needed to assess individuals for security clearance—working independently and professionally within sensitive and high-stakes settings. If you’re detail-oriented, value integrity, and want to play a key role in national security, this pathway is for you.

One course offers many courses of action and pathways for you.

On successful completion of this course, you will be awarded a Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting) (PSP40316).

Job roles relevant to this qualification include:

  • Government Security Officer
  • Government Personnel Security Officer
  • Vetting Analyst
  • Security Clearance Advisor
  • Protective Security Officer

Potential employers could include:

  • Federal and state government departments
  • Intelligence and law enforcement agencies
  • Public service commissions
  • Private firms
  • Defence contractors

There are no formal prerequisite units required for entry into this course.

You will however require intermediate English language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills.

Before commencing this course, you will be required to undertake an Online LLN ASSESSMENT. You can complete this higher level LLN test here now!

If you are completing the course via an online or RPL delivery mode, you will need access to a computer with word processing, PDF reader capabilities and an internet connection.

This course is not open to international students (student visa 500).

To complete this course you must demonstrate competency in a total of 14 units. These units have been selected to give you the most comprehensive overview of personnel vetting at a supervisory level.

Core Units

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

Elective Units

  • BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
  • PSPGEN023 Deliver and monitor service to clients
  • PSPGEN032 Deal with conflict
  • PSPGEN033 Use advanced workplace communication strategies
  • PSPGEN034 Compose complex workplace documents
  • PSPGEN038 Identify and treat risks
  • PSPGEN043 Apply government processes
  • PSPSEC008 Conduct personnel security assessments
  • PSPSEC015 Communicate security awareness
  • CPPSEC4003 Assess and advise on client security needs
  • CPPSEC4005 Facilitate security operations briefing and debriefing processes

You can view the full list of units available to study within this qualification on training.gov.au.

*If you wish to change one or more of your elective units please contact us. While we endeavour to be able to provide all options, changes to elective units cannot be guaranteed. The cost for custom unit packaging is $500 per qualification for full study or $250 for RPL.

After completing this course you may wish to further your studies with:

Start Your Course Training with Asset College

Ready to take the first step toward Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting) ? Browse our upcoming course dates and secure your spot today.

This qualification is available through online study or RPL. You can also opt to complete some units by RPL and some units through online study.

Online Study – $2495

RPL – $1250

Online Study

1. Pay as you go

Pay in 4 simple instalments. Please view our Course Fees brochure to see instalment amounts.

2. zipMoney – From $104 a week

Up to 6 months interest free on zipMoney. Best for people with an existing zipMoney account.

RPL

Individualised quotes will be discussed with our RPL Manager after submission of a free skills assessment. Please read the full outline on our RPL process here.

1. 2 split payments

Pay 50% of the course fees to begin your RPL, with 50% due on completion before your certificate is issued.

2. zipMoney payment plans

Other Information

Please read our Course Fees and Refund policy here.

Extension Request Fees

Should you require an extension on your study, the following applies:

Full Qualification
One Month $150
Six Months $300
Single Unit
One Month $50
Six Months $150

Assessment Re-Submission Fees

Should you be deemed not competent after 2 attempts at a unit of competency, an assessment re-submission fee of $50 will apply per assessment.

Re-Enrolment

Should you wish to cancel your course or your enrolment is cancelled by us due to no progress and you then wish to re-enrol, a re-enrolment fee of 25% of the standard course fee will apply if requested within 3 months of initial cancellation. If re-enrolment is requested within 4 – 12 months of initial cancellation, 50% of the standard course fee will apply.

Standard Online Delivery

1 unit per month for 14 months. Includes regular contact with a trainer. Should allow 20 – 25 hours per week to study.

Accelerated Learning

For people with prior knowledge, skills or qualifications. 2 units per month for 7 months. Should allow 30 – 40 hours per week to study.

Assessment Only / RPL

For people with evidence of their extensive experience.

We aim to have all RPL assessments finalised within 12 weeks but it is usually much quicker. The actual timeframe depends on the course you are seeking RPL for, how long it takes you to supply the evidence and how long it takes us to verify your evidence.

You can complete our Free Skills Assessment right now to determine if this is the right option for you.

Custom Enrolment

If you wish to customise your course, change your elective units or study load please contact us to request an individual learning plan.

The number of hours outlined is a guide only and each individual will learn at a different pace. Students may request an extension or submit their assessments early as required to suit their individual learning needs.

Online Resources

Asset College delivers this qualification completely online. For some courses, learning material is not able to be printed or downloaded by students into PDF or Word format for offline purposes. If you would like to discuss printed materials, please contact us prior to enrolment.

Other Information

On enrolment, you will receive a customised training plan. This training plan will list all units of competency you will complete within this qualification along with their due dates for submission. Students must be submitting units by the due dates outlined on your training plan or an extension application will be required.

Why Choose Asset College For Your Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting) 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 have been a student of Asset College a number of times and have found them to be outstanding. My latest training with James Hickey was exceptional. The content was delivered well and relatable with easy to understand reasoning behind each outcome. James is an absolute asset for your organisation.

Paul Byers

You guys are the highest! Very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. Overall Asset College #1 on everything. I am now saving up to do my next course and of course it will be with you  guys!

Kerisiano Kirisome

I have used Asset three times over the past 10 years, and they are great! They teach you all you need to know with great instructors..

Benjamin Kelly

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL Fee

$1250

If you already have relevant experience or prior training, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting).

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.

Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting) Dates & Availability

> Students applying for RPL must submit a FREE Skills Assessment form prior to enrolling in the course.
> The online study can enrol and start at any time!

Cost Enrol Myself
$2,495.00

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