- Course Code: CPP30619
- Certificate III
Certificate III in Investigative Services
Nationally-Recognised Private Investigator Training
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.
- View all Private Investigations
Available Location and Date
> 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 |
| $1,795.00 |
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.
Entry Requirements
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).
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.
Delivery Options
› 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.
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.
Course Fees
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.
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
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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
Asset College is a great learning environment full of well trained employees who care about your learning!
Cameron Verwer
Duration
Flexible
Times
Flexible
Available Location and Date
> 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 |
| $1,795.00 |
Course cost
Online Study
$1795
RPL
$900
