Overview
This course provides you with the skills and knowledge to receive, analyse, plan and undertake comparison work relating to known and questioned documents and report on the examinations using established legal and workplace frameworks.
You must be currently working in a public or private sector agency that undertakes document examination work to enrol in this course.
Qualification: |
Diploma of Forensic Identification (Document Examination) 11217NAT |
Next Intake: |
Semester 1 2025
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Course No: |
DP-HS57 |
Campus: |
ɬÀï·¬Bruce
This course is delivered fully on-line with application of skills and knowledge demonstrated in the workplace. |
Duration: |
This qualification can be completed part time over 2 - 2.5 years or full-time (4 -5 semesters).
Each enrolment period has duration of 16 weeks (1 Semester) and demonstration of your skills and knowledge will be ongoing throughout this time. You will regularly discuss your progress with the online teacher via email or phone and through the online classroom.
All units are delivered fully online, and you should aim to complete 2 units each semester.
You should plan to allocate 5-7 hours per unit each week for studying learning materials, completing practical tasks in the workplace, and engaging in assessments using workplace equipment. In addition, you will need to dedicate 3-8 hours per unit each week for independent learning on projects, assignments, practical skills development and assessment preparation (some independent learning will need to be undertaken in the workplace). |
Cost Info: |
Enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. Subject costs identified as Full Fee receive no government subsidy. Concessions are not available. The fees below apply unless training as an apprentice or trainee.
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Indicative Cost: |
Standard $1,586
Full fee $5,408 |
Likely Job Outcome: |
Document Examiner in public or private laboratory.
This course provides a pathway for graduates to advance their technical skills in forensic identification sciences and to represent their organisation as specialist. |
Application Type: |
Full Fee |
Share: |
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Course information sessions
Unscheduled sessions
Full fee applications
Contact ɬÀï·¬Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au or call (02) 6207 3188 for course information or help enrolling.
Timetable Information
To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.
Additional Information
In this course your skills and knowledge must be demonstrated in a document examination environment; this must be an industry workplace with access to the equipment including microscope (with image capturing and enhancement facilities), stereo-microscope, multispectral imaging device, electrostatic detection apparatus, various light sources and Adobe Photoshop.
As this course is delivered fully online, you will require the following equipment:
• Computer with the capacity to download and run image editing, video editing and specialised comparison software
• Webcam and sound capabilities
• Stable internet connection
• Camera
• Scanner
• Printer
• Computer software including word processing, presentation and spreadsheeting
Prior to enrolment, you will be sent an information pack which will provide information on enrolment, course details, online support and instructions for CITs online platform e-Learn.
The order of unit sequencing is as follows:
• NAT11217009 Perform general document examinations and comparisons and NAT11217012 Conduct multi instrumentation analysis in complex document examinations should be completed before other document examination electives.
• PSPGEN105 Gather and analyse information and PSPGEN106 Conduct research analysis are capstone units and undertaken together during your final semester of study.
Entry Requirements
Essential entry requirements
You must have completed the Certificate IV in Biometric Technologies (10837NAT) OR an equivalent qualification OR be able to demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge.
AND
be currently working in a public or private sector agency that undertakes document examination work
AND
have access to the following document examination equipment: scanner, microscope (with image capturing and enhancement facilities), stereo-microscope, multispectral imaging device, electrostatic detection apparatus, camera, various light sources, Adobe Photoshop.
Skills Recognition
To study any course at ɬÀï·¬(excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Literacy Skills Information
We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 4 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.
Transition Information
Qualifications at ɬÀï·¬are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. ɬÀï·¬will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.
Subject Cancellations/Changes
To ensure positive outcomes for all students, ɬÀï·¬may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. ɬÀï·¬will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via ɬÀï·¬Self Service or by contacting ɬÀï·¬Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.
Subject Information
Complete 9 subjects
Core: Complete all 5
- NAT11217001 Apply specialist digital image processing techniques
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC440
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Cost: | Standard $160.00 Full fee $650.00
|
Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge
required to assess, examine, enhance, and evaluate digital images for
forensic analysis. This includes examining digital images from sources,
including biometric systems, cameras, and scanners to determine
originality, inconsistencies, manipulations and significant artefacts of
interest.
It requires the abilities to apply specialist digital image processing methods
to enhance and discriminate digital images for forensic evaluation and
provide referral recommendations to other specialist examination areas
when the examination of those images is integral to the progression of an
investigation.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- NAT11217002 Apply professional practices in specialist examination roles
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC441
|
Cost: | Standard $160.00 Full fee $650.00
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Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills, and knowledge to
ensure that examiners apply current standards of quality practice and
ethical behaviour in a forensic examination setting. This includes the
analysis of quality, risk, accreditation, and codes of ethics that govern
forensic workplaces and to determine corrective and preventative
measures as well as their application to personal practice.
It requires the abilities to understand the responsibilities of specialist
service providers in investigative and legal industries, knowledge of
national and international peak professional bodies within the biometrics,
forensics, facial comparison, and document examination communities, and
to further develop knowledge on quality assurance, ethical practices,
professional practices, validation, regulations, codes of conduct, cognitive
bias, industry accreditation and standards.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- NAT11217003 Present evidence in a judicial system
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC442
|
Cost: | Standard $160.00 Full fee $650.00
|
Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge
required to present evidence in a judicial setting. It includes the
preparation of evidence and presenting evidence in accordance with
established legal and workplace protocols as well as reflecting on own
practice.
It requires the abilities to compose reports, statements, photographs, and
charts for presenting technical evidence before courts, commissions, and
tribunals. Also, an understanding of the rules of evidence and giving
evidence during examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination with emphasis placed on appreciating and complying with
courtroom protocols and procedures.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- PSPGEN105 Gather and analyse information
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | PSAD460
|
Cost: | Standard $75.00 Full fee $213.00
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Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to collect and analyse information to achieve work unit objectives and meet client needs. This unit applies to those working in public sector roles and may be applied to anyone working in a similar organisational context. Those undertaking this unit work independently, performing complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- PSPGEN106 Conduct research and analysis
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | PSAD461
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Cost: | Standard $155.00 Full fee $665.00
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Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to undertake research and analysis.This unit applies to those working in generalist and specialist roles within the public sector. Those undertaking this unit performing complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
Electives: Complete minimum 4
- NAT11217009 Perform general document examinations and comparisons
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC451
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Cost: | Standard $219.00 Full fee $640.00
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Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge
required to conduct general document examinations and comparisons of
paper, writing inks and pencil marks. This includes analysing the types and
properties of pens, pencils and writing implements, performing non-destructive examinations, and reporting outcomes, opinions, and limitations.
It requires the abilities to assess and advise on the authenticity of
documents within the workplace, and when the authenticity of a document is
integral to the further progression of an investigation.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies, security
organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies, investigation units
and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- NAT11217010 Conduct examinations and comparisons of printed documents and stamp impressions
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC452
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Cost: | Standard $231.00 Full fee $680.00
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Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge
required to conduct examinations and comparisons of printed documents
and stamp impressions using specialist document examination techniques.
This includes working with printing plates and without printing plates, types
of stamps and impressions, collecting print and stamp specimens,
performing examinations on questioned and specimen documents,
performing non-destructive examinations, and reporting the outcomes,
opinions, and limitations.
It requires the abilities to assess and advise on the authenticity and source
of printed documents and stamp impressions within the workplace, and
when the authenticity of the document is integral to the further progression
of an investigation.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- NAT11217011 Conduct examinations and comparisons of security documents
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC453
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Cost: | Standard $231.00 Full fee $680.00
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Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge
required to conduct examinations and comparisons of security documents.
This includes working with base document manufacture and security
document personalisation, types of secure documents, performing
examinations and comparisons of original and non-original secure
documents, performing non-destructive examinations, and reporting the
outcomes, opinions, and limitations.
It requires the abilities to assess and advise on the authenticity of secure
documents within the workplace, and when the authenticity of a secure
document is integral to the further progression of an investigation.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- NAT11217012 Conduct multi instrumentation analysis in complex document examinations
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC454
|
Cost: | Standard $185.00 Full fee $540.00
|
Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge
required to undertake examinations using various specialised document
examination instruments to undertake analyses in complex document
examination cases and to interpret instrumentation outputs. This includes
scientific instruments to detect impressions, for magnification and to
perform analytical techniques, performing non-destructive examinations
and reporting outcomes, opinions, and limitations.
It requires the abilities to assess and advise on the authenticity of
documents, impressions, ink, paper, and security documents within the
workplace using instrumental output, and when the authenticity of a
document is integral to the further progression of an investigation.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
- NAT11217013 Evaluate handwriting and signatures
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ɬÀï·¬Code: | FOSC455
|
Cost: | Standard $195.00 Full fee $580.00
|
Description: | This unit describes the performance outcomes and knowledge required to
conduct an evaluation of quantity, quality, comparability and
contemporaneity handwriting and signature evidence and report its
suitability for comparison. This includes analysing theoretical concepts
related to handwriting and signature production, contemporary issues
related to pattern matching sciences, examining known and questioned
handwriting and signatures and reporting outcomes. It does not include
undertaking handwriting and signature comparisons.
It requires the abilities to assess and advise on the authorship of
handwriting and signature evidence within the workplace, and when the
authorship of the handwriting/signature evidence is integral to the further
progression of an investigation.
This unit could be applied in, but is not limited to, the following workplaces:
police services, forensic science services, border security agencies,
security organisations, assessing councils, road traffic agencies,
investigation units and financial organisations.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements
apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Prerequisites: | Nil |
Related Courses
More Information
For more information about this course please contact ɬÀï·¬Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au