The PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations is designed for personnel working in operational roles undertaking government investigation related functions, with a particular focus on meeting the ethical and legislative requirements of the public service.

It is suitable for individuals who need to apply a broad range of specialised knowledge and skills in specific contexts within the investigations and regulatory compliance environment.

This qualification may provide a pathway to higher education such as the Diploma in Government Investigation, and work roles such as Authorised Officers for government organisations.

This program is designed to be completed over a 12-month period, with the aim for students to complete one to two units of competency each month, to a total of 15 units. Enrolment is open for 18 months, which allows for time off and operational needs. The time to complete the qualification will vary depending on the individual or group learning plan.

This qualification can be completed by individual students through the development of an individual learning plan. The course of study will be self-paced supported by online resources and a virtual 1-1 tutorial for each unit of study.

A group option for completion of this qualification is also available to organisations. The qualification can be run using a combination of face-to-face or virtual workshops and self-paced study before and after the workshops.

We combine a range of assessment methods including:

• Workplace based tasks
• Work products and projects
• Demonstrations through virtual or face to face scenarios and video submission of skills or tasks such as role plays
• Completion of written questions, case studies and reports

The types of questions and tasks will reflect the level of skills expected from AQF level 4 courses, meaning students will be expected to demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills relating to investigations, and will show the ability to complete routine and non-routine activities, and share solutions to predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.

The time required to review training resources and complete assessment tasks will vary between units and will also be influenced by your previous experience levels.

As an example, a smaller unit may be completed by one student in 8 hours of work, while another student may take 16 hours to complete the same unit.

A larger unit may be completed by one student in 20 hours, while another student requires 35 hours to complete the same unit.

There are no set pre-requisites or entry requirements for this qualification.

Current relevant role: ACIMS encourages students to share their background and current involvement in investigation roles as relevant to this qualification. While not essential for completion of this qualification, having access to a suitable organisation’s policies and procedures will assist students in completion of tasks and projects and contextualising their learning to different areas of investigation.

Core skills expected: It is expected students have a level of digital literacy to access information, communicate and complete training and assessment activities using a computer/tablet and our online learning platform.

Students will be required to complete a number of tasks independently, and to have the skills to manage their own time and study.

At the certificate IV level students are expected to be able to access and review information provided, and to apply knowledge to real world situations. Students will be required to independently read and understand a range of different documents including plans and policies. Students are also required to develop written documentation, including investigation plans, interview records and reports.

A key skill for this program is the ability to effectively communicate with others in English.

All students are asked to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment as part of their enrolment process with ACIMS.

Technology requirements: Students will require access to a computer/tablet device with word processing software, internet browser and email account. An internet connection is also required. A webcam/microphone and speakers (or headset) will be needed for any virtual meetings. ACIM Solutions may be able to assist you with access to a computer device if you do not have options for meeting this requirement.

This qualification incorporates 6 core units and 9 elective units. Note: Pre-requisite units attached to any of the elective units must be undertaken and are additional to the number of elective units required for this qualification.

Electives: 1 unit must come from the WHS Group A list. For a generalist Certificate IV, at least 5 units must come from the Group B and C electives listed below. The remaining 4 electives may come from the any elective group or another training package. For a specialisation in regulatory compliance Certificate IV, at least 5 units must come from the Group B electives listed below. The remaining 4 electives may come from the any elective group or another training package.

Please note not every unit listed below may be available for all students.

Recognition of prior learning is available for all or parts of this qualification. If you have employment experience in this area, you may apply for recognition or prior learning. The ACIM team will work with you to determine which units are suitable for RPL and provide you with an RPL assessment tool to summarise your available evidence. You will be required to provide supporting evidence for review by the assessor. The assessor can also ask for completion of third party reports, referee checks and to hold competency conversations with you via phone or videoconference.

Credit transfer of current or equivalent units within this qualification is available. ACIM is required to verify your certificate/transcript for these units.

Students who hold non-equivalent units to a current unit, such as from a preceding training package release, can apply for RPL of these units, with the requirement of any gaps in unit requirements and currency requirements being met.

Upon meeting all requirements for this qualification, you will be issued with a PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations qualification testamur from ACIMS RTO #41002, as well as a record of results, listing the units you completed. The qualification will be added to your USI transcript. This is issued electronically, with a hard-copy available on request.

Students who exit this qualification early will be provided with a statement of attainments for units that have been successfully completed.

Please note that under qualification rules, a statement of attainment is generally only issued upon early exit from the program. We do not issue individual unit certificates as interim progress statement when you are continuing the same qualification. If you require evidence of a unit, please speak to the ACIM team.

Costs will be finalised with individual students or organisations once the details of the training have been determined.

As a guide, a self-paced individual student will need to pay $725 to complete each unit via training and assessment. To complete a unit via RPL will cost $625. A reduced full qualification per student rate is provided for groups.

There is a special price of $995 for students that complete the entire qualification via RPL.

For individual students, payment is to be made by direct bank or credit card.  For organisations, purchase order and invoicing is available.

ACIMS does not offer fee assistance and is not currently a part of VET student loans or commonwealth supported VET courses.