PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations

Government investigations must be conducted lawfully, fairly and with a clear evidentiary basis. Investigators and regulatory practitioners need the judgement and practical skills to exercise powers appropriately, manage evidence carefully and make defensible decisions.

You will develop the ability to:

• Plan, conduct and finalise government investigations

• Apply regulatory powers within legislative and organisational requirements

• Gather, assess and manage information and evidence

• Conduct investigative interviews and maintain accurate records

• Identify and respond appropriately to non-compliance

• Prepare investigation reports and briefs of evidence, and present evidence in legal proceedings

To enrol in this qualification, you must be currently working in a role that involves conducting or directly supporting government investigations. This may include investigations undertaken as part of regulatory, compliance, enforcement or inspection functions.

Your role does not need to have the formal title of investigator, and there is no fixed minimum number of years’ experience required. However, your current responsibilities must provide access to relevant investigation activities such as, planning or supporting investigations, assessing information or evidence, conducting interviews, gathering or documenting evidence or preparing investigation records or reports.

You must also be either:

• Employed within the Australian Government, a state or territory government, local government, including councils, a statutory authority, public agency or another recognised public sector organisation; or

• Engaged as an external consultant or contractor currently conducting or directly supporting investigations for a government or public sector organisation.

General requirements

You must also:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital assessment before enrolment

• Hold a Unique Student Identifier before commencement

  • If you do not have a USI, you can create one at www.usi.gov.au

• Provide evidence of your current role and relevant responsibilities

• Complete a pre-training review to confirm suitability for this qualification.

To achieve this qualification, you must successfully complete 15 units of competency, comprising six core units and nine elective units.

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

• BSBWHS201 – Contribute to the health and safety of self and others

• PSPREG006 – Produce formal record of interview

• PSPREG008 – Act on non-compliance

• PSPREG013 – Undertake inspections and monitoring

• PSPCRT007 – Compile and use official notes

• PSPGEN033 – Use advanced workplace communication strategies

• PSPLEG002 – Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

• PSPREG010 – Prepare a brief of evidence

• PSPREG011 – Give evidence

Assessment is designed to demonstrate your ability to apply government investigation skills in workplace-relevant or simulated contexts.

Assessment may include:

• Practical tasks and projects aligned to government investigation activities

• Scenarios, role plays and observation of applied skills

• Short-answer questions and written responses

• Reflective tasks linked to workplace practice

• Use of organisational or provided documentation where appropriate

Assessment tasks are to be completed within three weeks following the final scheduled training session. You will also be required to complete self-directed study outside scheduled training sessions.

Full assessment requirements and submission timelines are provided upon enrolment.

On successful completion of all required units, you will receive the PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

A Statement of Attainment will be issued for any units successfully completed where the full qualification is not achieved.

This qualification supports capability development in operational government investigation, regulatory compliance and enforcement roles.

It also provides a pathway to further study, including:

• PSP50416 - Diploma of Government Investigations

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer are available for eligible participants in accordance with ACFEC's policies and procedures.

Participants who believe they have already achieved the outcomes of this unit through previous study or relevant workplace experience are encouraged to contact ACFEC to discuss their eligibility.

MELBOURNE – FACE-TO-FACE

Workshop 1: 8–11 September 2026
Venue: Mantra on Russell

Workshop 2: 14–17 September 2026
Venue: Mantra Southbank

Time: 9 am–4.30 pm

Registrations close: 1 September 2026

• Apply Now

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

Workshop 1: 20–23 October 2026
Workshop 2: 27–30 October 2026

Time: 9 am–4 pm

Registrations close: 6 October 2026

• Apply Now

For key student information, see the Student Handbook and policies and procedures section on the ACFEC website.