Certificate IV in Government Investigations

This qualification is designed for individuals working in operational roles within government investigations. It empowers you with job-ready, specialised skills to confidently carry out investigative functions—all while meeting the ethical standards and legal responsibilities expected in the public service.

Course cost

Online Study

$2495

Government Funding Available

NSW

Duration

up to 15 months

State

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Study Method

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Certificate IV in Government Investigations

This general stream focuses on skills needed to excel in operational roles focused on government investigations – preparing you to carry out critical, real-world functions with confidence and integrity.

PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations

 

This qualification is designed for individuals working in operational roles within government investigations. It empowers you with job-ready, specialised skills to confidently carry out investigative functions—all while meeting the ethical standards and legal responsibilities expected in the public service.

Whether you’re entering the field or stepping into more complex responsibilities, this course equips you with a deep understanding of investigative practices, public accountability, and compliance requirements.

Choose the Generalist Stream to gain a versatile skill set that prepares you to independently manage every stage of an investigation. From planning and initiating through to conducting and finalising your casework, you’ll be ready to handle real-world scenarios in a range of public service and compliance environments.

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 Investigations (PSP40416).

Job roles relevant to this qualification include:

  • Government Investigation Officer
  • Compliance Officer
  • Authorised Officer
  • Case Officer
  • Policy Enforcement Officer
  • Licensing and Compliance Coordinator

Typical employers include:

  • Federal and state government departments
  • Local councils and municipalities
  • Regulatory agencies
  • Ombudsman or watchdog offices
  • Financial institutions and insurance companies
  • Large corporates with internal audit or compliance units

To complete this course you must demonstrate competency in a total of 15 units. These units have been selected to give you the most comprehensive overview of government investigations at a supervisory level.

Core Units

  • 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

  • BSBWHS301 Maintain workplace safety
  • PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes
  • PSPGEN023 Deliver and monitor service to clients
  • PSPGEN032 Deal with conflict
  • PSPGEN038 Identify and treat risks
  • PSPPCY004 Support policy implementation
  • PSPREG004 Promote client compliance
  • PSPREG010 Prepare a brief of evidence
  • PSPREG006 Produce formal record of interview

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:

There are no licensing requirements or outcomes from this course.

Start Your Course Training with Asset College

Ready to take the first step toward Certificate IV in Government Investigations ? 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

Payment Options

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 plan

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.

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).

Standard Online Delivery

1 unit per month for 15 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 Collge For Your Certificate IV in Government Investigations 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.

Thank you Henry! Both for the confirmation of final outcome, but also for your swift responses to all my questions and submissions, and for your patience while I took a lot longer than expected to complete this.

Really appreciate the method and your responsiveness and would be very happy to recommend Asset College to others as opportunities arise.

Michelle Schultz

I know I earned my certificate and not just got a tick and flick like other RTOs by studying with Asset College!

Raymond Robinson

Fantastic RTO, prompt reliable service, knowledgeable trainers and friendly student support. I highly recommend Asset College!

Nick Wyborn

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL Fee

$1250

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

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

NSW Smart and Skilled – NSW Only

Limited Places and Eligibility Criteria Applies.

Please complete this quiz to determine your subsidy amount.

Certificate IV in Government Investigations 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the course designed for?
Who is the course designed for?

This course is ideal for people seeking to start a career in security, change careers into security, or transition from roles such as defence, policing or corrections.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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