PSP50416 Diploma of 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 proceedingstem description

To enrol in this qualification, you must currently work in a role involving government investigations. These investigations may form part of regulatory, compliance or enforcement functions.

You must be either:

• Employed by the Australian Government, state or territory government, local government, a statutory authority, public agency or other recognised public sector organisation; or

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

You must also meet one of the following requirements:

• Have completed the PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations or a comparable investigation qualification accepted by ACFEC as comparable; or

• Have at least one year of experience in government investigations.

If you are using a qualification to meet the entry requirements, you must provide evidence of its completion.

General government or administrative experience alone is not sufficient.

General Requirements

You must also:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Provide a current resume

• Complete a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment

• Complete a pre-training review

• Have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If you do not already have a USI, you can create one at www.usi.gov.au

• For virtual delivery, have access to a computer or laptop with reliable internet, a camera and a microphone.

To achieve this qualification, you must successfully complete 11 units of competency, comprising five core units and six elective units.

Core units:

• PSPETH003 – Promote the values and ethos of public service

• PSPLEG003 – Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

• PSPINV002 – Conduct an investigation

• PSPREG021 – Coordinate investigation processes

• PSPREG026 – Review and evaluate investigations

Elective units:

• BSBWHS501 – Ensure a safe workplace

• PSPGEN045 – Coordinate resource allocation and usage

• PSPGEN054 – Use complex workplace communication strategies

• PSPREG045 – Supervise and carry out complex inspections and monitoring

• PUACOM007 – Liaise with other organisations

• PUAOPE015 – Conduct briefings and debriefings

Assessment is designed to demonstrate your ability to coordinate, conduct and review government investigations 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 involving analysis and decision-making

• Short-answer questions and written responses

• Reflective tasks linked to investigation practice

• Use of organisational or provided documentation where appropriate

Assessment tasks are to be completed within three weeks following the final scheduled training session.

Participants are also required to complete self-directed study outside scheduled training sessions.

Detailed assessment requirements, submission arrangements and learner responsibilities are provided during the enrolment and induction process.

On successful completion of all required units, participants will be awarded the PSP50416 Diploma of Government Investigations.

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

This qualification supports progression in government investigation, regulatory compliance and enforcement roles involving responsibility for coordinating, supervising, conducting or reviewing investigation activities.

It is suited to experienced practitioners developing advanced capability in investigation coordination, oversight, evaluation and complex communication within organisational frameworks.

It also provides a pathway to further study, including:

• PSP60122 – Advanced 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.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM

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

Time: 9 am–4.30 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.