How do I get a private investigators licence in Victoria?   

Private Investigators in the Sate of Victoria are called Private Agents. Activities licenced and governed by Private Agents Registry which is administered by Victorian Police under the Private Agency Act (1966).

Victoria Police's Licensing Services Division (LSD) regulates the private security industry and is responsible for:

• Issuing private security licences and registration,

• Renewal of private security licences and registration,

• Monitoring private security licence and registration holders,

• Approval of training, and

• Accreditation of training organisations.

An investigator is a person who on behalf of another person is employed or retained to obtain and furnish information as to the personal character or actions of any person or as to the character or nature of the business or occupation of any person or alternatively be employed to search for missing persons.  

Licences

The licence required for an investigator is called a dual Private Security Licence and allows for investigation work but also allows the holder to work as a Security Guard, Crowd Controller or Body Guarding. An applicant can apply for multiple activities under one licence but providing relevant training has been met. Restrictions may be placed on a licence and they relate to the training or supervision or each particular applicant.  

Training requirements and restrictions  

Before you can become a Investigator in Victoria you are required to complete the training and submit evidence of certification with your licence application form. Certificate III in Investigative Services is the entry-level training requirement for licensing of investigators in Victoria. (Unlike for example NSW you must have Certificate III in Investigative Services before you apply for your licence). 

Certificate III in Investigative Services is the training and educational requirement. 

Certificate III in Investigative Services is the training requirement for the private investigations industry throughout Australia. This course will teach you and develope your skills in planning and conducting an investigation. You will also learn how to coordinate work teams in an investigation industry context. It can generally be completed in 12 weeks on a part time study basis. It can also be undertaken on a full time capacity.

Training of Certificate III in Investigative Services and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

There are a number of training organisations in Australia that deliver this training and prices vary. You may also be eligible to obtain this certificate through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as recognition of your previous employment and learning. e.g. Policing, security or enforcement.

Speak to us at Investigator Recruitment for more information about Registered Training Organisations and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Click   to visits Victoria Police's Licensing Services Division (LSD) for more information and application forms.

Or, speak to us at Investigator Recruitment to get a market perspective. We are not legal experts in licencing legislation and we will ultimately direct you to the Victorian Police website. However, we can provide you with information about licencing and training from an employment perspective. We will try to guide you in the right direction regarding the Australian Commercial and Private Investigation employment sector.