Which course should you choose – Certificate IV or Diploma?

Many people come to us uncertain about which course they should be choosing, a Certificate IV or Diploma. Here’s some guidance on choosing the best qualification for you:

What is the role you are doing on a daily basis?

  • Certificate IV – are you conducting routine investigations?
  • Diploma – are you charged with oversight of more complex investigations?

How long have you been in that role?

  • Certificate IV – are you still in the early stages of your investigative career with this organisation, and becoming familiar with the unique requirements of this role and organisation?
  • Diploma – have you been with your organisation for several years, and have you been promoted in your role to supervise others?

What is the depth of your experience?

  • Certificate IV – have you been working in government for some time but only for two years (or fewer) in your investigation role?
  • Diploma – have you come to this role with many years of prior experience?

To what extent does your capacity permit you to share your knowledge?

  • Certificate IV – are you guiding activities and giving technical advice?
  • Diploma – Are you passing on your knowledge and specialist skills to others?

What is your substantive role?

  • Certificate IV – are you working with a partner, such as a corroborator?
  • Diploma – Are you mentoring, such as a Field Training role?

What are your skills gaps?

  • Certificate IV – do you want to develop more consistent investigation skills that you’ll use every day in working with witnesses and evidence?
  • Diploma – do you want to develop oversight skills to supervise an investigation at a more strategic level, in line with organisational targets and objectives?

Where does the majority of your time get spent?

  • Certificate IV – Are you a hands-on investigator who runs an investigation on the ground from start to finish?
  • Diploma – are you back in the office coordinating staff and resources across several investigations or directing multiple staff?

What do you report on?

  • Certificate IV – do you report on compliance or investigation outcomes of the work you personally do?
  • Diploma – are you responsible for the team’s work for internal and/or external reporting purposes?

Spotlight on: Diploma of WHS

Demand for WHS professionals continues to rise, making this one of our most popular qualifications.

Turn your career experience into qualifications with Recognition of Prior Learning.  Apply for a free assessment today!

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