Police with three years or more service have the perfect training and experience to be awarded this qualification which is a requirement in all States of Australia if you wish to obtain a licence to enter Private Investigation - Inquiry Agent.

Currently, to obtain a licence in the Northern Territory you do not need this qualification however check with potential employers who may prefer their investigators to have this qualification.

Current (April 2011) investigations by CLJA cannot find any licence requirement in the ACT, however we believe employers prefer potential investigators to hold a NSW licence so they can conduct investigations in NSW when required..

Click the name of the State or Territory to find out more information.

Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, Northern Territory, ACT - see NSW

Private investigators provide investigative and legal support services to government agencies, corporate entities and the public in areas that include:

You can work in a very diverse and growing investigation industry that includes:

• detection
• fraud prevention
• insurance fraud and claims investigation
• assessment and resolution
• corporate fraud and risk management
• aviation accident and loss investigation
• marine loss investigation
• OHS incident investigations
• witness location and skip tracing
• criminal investigations
• missing persons and child protection investigations
• family law
• intellectual property protection services
• investigative journalism
• background checking
• consumer investigations

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather information and maintain effective working relationships and networks, with particular regard to communication and representation.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to organise own work schedules, to monitor and obtain feedback on work performance, and to maintain required levels of competence.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to maintain Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures to ensure the safety of self and others in a security work environment.

It requires the ability to monitor risk controls and support OHS awareness and training processes.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to develop and document an investigative plan.

It requires an ability to assess the scope of the investigation, select a preferred investigative method based on client requirements and time, resource and legal parameters, and plan for contingencies in the conduct of the investigation.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to organise and present information gathered by surveillance or factual investigation.

It requires the ability to organise and evaluate gathered information and data and prepare and present reports and attachments in a format suitable for review and dissemination.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to provide quality investigative services to clients.

It requires the ability to identify the investigation needs of clients and identify and resolve client service problems.

It also requires an ability to review the investigative services to identify required improvements.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to gather information through surveillance operations.

It requires the ability to select appropriate surveillance methods, plan and organise the sequence of activities, and use specialist equipment appropriate to the task.

It also requires compliance with legislation applicable to surveillance processes.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to select a suitable surveillance vehicle to perform required investigative duties.

It requires the ability to operate a vehicle to perform both static and mobile surveillance functions while following road and traffic laws and assignment instructions.

It also requires the ability to use surveillance equipment to gather information and evidence.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to gather oral, written and electronic information for the carriage of investigation tasks.

It requires the ability to plan and carry out factual information gathering activities, analyse and verify information, and present clear and accurate recommendations.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to acquire information by interview and take statements to assist or initiate an investigation.

It requires the ability to plan and carry out effective information gathering activities through interview and postinterview processes, use recording equipment, take accurate statements and manage all investigative information in a secure and confidential manner.

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to operate equipment to gather information about persons, items or assets.

It requires the ability to determine surveillance methods, operate surveillance equipment and document information.

It also requires compliance with legislation applicable to investigation processes.

This unit describes the functions associated with locating subjects.

This unit requires the application of research, analytical and investigative skills to determine the location of subjects, and written and oral communication and reporting skills.

Demonstration of perception and intuition in determining and assessing lines of approach should be assessed.

This unit covers the exercise of powers under the organisation’s enabling legislation, and other relevant legislation for regulation, monitoring, inspection and investigation.

It includes establishing regulatory powers, applying enabling legislation, utilising other legislation and standards, and working with other organisations.

In practice, exercising regulatory powers occurs in the context of other specialist and generalist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, promoting client compliance, assessing compliance, conducting investigations, making arrests, conducting search and seizure, interviewing, gathering evidence, etc.