Training required to be a private investigator
Before you can apply to be a licensed private investigator, you need to complete approved training through a registered training organisation.
The training units required in Queensland come from the Certificate III in Investigative Services (course code CPP30619)—you don't need to complete the full Certificate III.
Units from the previous course—code CPP30607—are no longer accepted.
You must complete:
- all 5 core units shown in the table below
and
- 11 electives from Group A (factual investigation) and Group B (surveillance).
Use the training.gov.au website to find a training provider.
| Core units | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Work effectively in investigative services (Find a provider) | CPPINV3026 |
| Develop investigation plans (Find a provider) | CPPINV3027 |
| Investigate and locate subjects (Find a provider) | CPPINV3028 |
| Provide quality investigative services to clients (Find a provider) | CPPINV3029 |
| Prepare and present evidence in court (Find a provider) | CPPSEC3124 |
| Electives | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Address compliance requirements for new business ventures—Group A and B (Find a provider) | BSBESB305 |
| Maintain work health and safety—Group A and B (Find a provider) | HLTWHS003 |
| Compile and use official notes—Group A and B (Find a provider) | PSPCRT007 |
| Handle sensitive information—Group A and B (Find a provider) | PSPSEC009 |
| Conduct factual investigations—Group A (Find a provider) | CPPINV3030 |
| Conduct interviews and take statements to support investigations—Group A (Find a provider) | CPPINV3031 |
| Develop factual investigation reports—Group A (Find a provider) | CPPINV3032 |
| Produce formal record of interview—Group A (Find a provider) | PSPREG006 |
| Conduct covert surveillance operations—Group B (Find a provider) | CPPINV3033 |
| Organise and operate surveillance vehicles—Group B (Find a provider) | CPPINV3034 |
| Develop surveillance investigation reports—Group B (Find a provider) | CPPINV3035 |
International students
If you're travelling on a student visa, make sure the training organisation you use is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions for Overseas Students. We don't accept training certificates based on credit transfers for international students.
Working while training
A restricted licence allows you to complete your training as you work, as long as a fully licensed security provider supervises you.
A restricted licence only lasts for 6 months—you can't apply for an extension. During this time, you must:
- complete the training requirements
- apply for a full, unrestricted licence.
Your supervisor needs to:
- be in the same location as you—preferably able to see you unless this isn't practical
- be able to immediately assist you
- give you detailed written instructions about your work
- write down the tasks you perform
- regularly check your progress and include written notes.
More information
- Read about what private investigators do.
- Find out more about security industry regulation.
- Subscribe to the Security Buzz newsletter for industry updates.