NVQ - Higher Education in Investigation

Please note that enrolment for the NVQ has been suspended due to the course being updated

An NVQ is the National Vocational Qualification in Investigation, as a vocational qualification it cannot be commenced before you are working within the investigation profession, or have started your own business. As the Edexcel BTEC Advanced Private Investigation Level 3 Distance Learning Course contains the underpinning knowledge for NVQ in investigation level 3 & 4, it is the first step toward achieving this nationally recognised qualification.

No other Distance Learning Course can provide this seamless transition to higher achievement in investigative education.

The NVQ is now the standard qualification used to measure competence in investigation by many National Police Forces and the Military.

The Academy of Professional Investigation is a City & Guilds Approved Assessment Centre in National Vocational Qualification in Investigation Level 3 and 4.

Established under the Government's Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the NVQ is nationally recognised.

National Vocational Qualifications consist of Units of competence that are defined as the ability to perform prescribed tasks to a defined standard on a consistent basis with proven underpinning knowledge.

The ingredients for achieving the Award are commitment, dedication, underpinning knowledge and a sufficient range of work activity to cover all the elements included in the Units that you take contained within the syllabus. At the Induction Day your Assessor will carry out a Skill Check with all applicants which will determine which Units a candidate should take as far as the optional Units are concerned. To assist in the decision as to which level a candidate should enrol for, we suggest that any candidate who is in a management, supervisory position or operates an Investigation business should consider Level 4, for those involved in investigation as field operatives should consider Level 3.

What does it involve?
1) Enrolling on the Scheme
2) Attending an Induction/Portfolio Building Day (date to be arranged)
3) Two Assessment Days (dates to be arranged)

The Induction/Portfolio Building day will inform you how to collect and present the necessary evidence which will build your portfolio and how to fulfill the Performance Criteria.

What does it cost?
1) The Academy’s fees are £1500 per candidate, which includes City & Guilds Registration fees of £95 (Level 3) or £110 (Level 4)
2) Award request Fee £27.50.

The above Academy fees are based on two Assessments, if further Assessments are required the cost is £300 for each additional one, usually the two included Assessments are sufficient subject to the Candidate providing the correct and sufficient evidence.

How do I achieve my Award?

In Level 3 a candidate must take any 3 of the Mandatory Units and any 4 of the Optional Units to achieve the Award, further credits can be awarded for additional Optional Units if the candidate decides to do them.

In Level 4 a candidate must take the 5 Mandatory Units and any 6 of the Optional Units to achieve the Award, further credits can be awarded for additional Optional Units if the candidate decides to do them.

What do I get at the end?

Professional credibility of your achievement through a nationally recognised qualification placing you in an elite category of investigators.

If you would like to enrol for an NVQ in Investigation please complete the enclosed Application Form (please photocopy if more than one candidate) and enclose your fee payments.
Payments method can be by cheque or Credit Card, if paying by Credit Card please advise by telephone or include when returning the application.

WHAT THE NVQ GIVES YOU

The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) gives you a work based qualification that provides EVIDENCE that PROVES you have the skills and knowledge to perform as an effective investigator.

It gives you the support of qualified assessors who have provided evidence of their sector competence.

The standards are compiled considering the things you:

• Do on a daily basis
• How you do them
• Should know to perform your role

The NVQ is divided into a number of Units and elements. The level of competence needed depends on the award you undertake. The awards managed by the centre are:

• - Level 3-Competence in a broad range of work activities (for agents working as field investigators)
• - Level 4-Competence in a broad range of complex technical and professional work activities (for those managing investigations)

The evidence you produce will be:

• Products of your daily work (nearly everything contained in a case file)
• Witness testimony from people such as colleagues or clients
• Personal testimony compiled by you to ‘fill in’ gaps in the evidence
• Accreditation of prior learning (APL), this being learning you have undertaken that provides evidence for the NVQ.

ROLE OF THE ASSESSOR

• Agree assessment plans with candidate
• Drive process through supporting and advising candidates
• Judge evidence ensuring consistency and competence
• Treat each candidate as an individual
• Ensure all decisions on competence meet standards

ASSESSOR COMPETENCE

• Occupational Expertise
• Qualified to National Standards
• Appropriate Managerial Skills