The leading qualification for professional investigators
The APCIP (Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice) is regarded as the leading professional qualification for personnel with an investigative role.
Numerous organisations employ investigators to carry out a range of civil, criminal and regulatory investigations. Investigations can be both costly and time consuming, so it is essential that they are carried out to the required standard. The APCIP is to ensure that those who have an investigative role adhere to best practice standards and have the skills and knowledge required to collect, write and if necessary present effective evidence in legal proceedings.
Over 10,000 investigators from a range of government agencies and commercial organisations have successfully completed this nationally recognised qualification. The qualification is awarded by the International Compliance Association (ICA), the leading professional body for the global regulatory compliance community, in association with Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), one of the most prestigious post-graduate educational institutions in the world.
Learners are able to choose their pathway of modules to reflect the type of investigations that they conduct.
The learner journey
Made up of 8 days' training, the qualification is broken up into four 2-day modules.
In order to complete the qualification learners must:
Complete the mandatory module
Law, Evidence, Procedure and Best Practice
Provides the essential legal and procedural framework required for investigators. Learners gain an understanding of evidence gathering, investigative powers, legislation, best practice standards and conducting investigations in a legally compliant manner.
Choose at Least 2 Specialist Modules
Investigative Interviewing
Develop practical interviewing skills using recognised investigative interviewing techniques. Learn how to plan, structure and conduct effective interviews while obtaining accurate and reliable evidence.
Employment Law and Investigations
Understand the legal considerations involved in workplace investigations, including disciplinary issues, grievances, misconduct allegations and employment law requirements.
Case File Preparation and Disclosure
Learn how to prepare clear, organised and compliant case files. Covers evidential requirements, disclosure obligations and presenting investigation findings effectively.
Statement/Report Writing and Giving Evidence: Witness Skills
Develop the skills required to produce professional witness statements, investigation reports and written evidence that are clear, accurate and fit for purpose.
Build confidence in presenting evidence and responding to questioning. Covers courtroom and tribunal procedures, evidence presentation and witness best practice.
Choose 1 module (if still required)
Open Source Internet Investigations
Learn how to gather, preserve and evaluate information from publicly available online sources while maintaining evidential integrity and compliance.
Collecting Electronic/Digital Evidence
Develop an understanding of digital evidence, including identifying, collecting and managing electronic information that may be relevant to an investigation.
Advocacy Training
Enhance presentation and advocacy skills when delivering investigation findings, presenting cases and communicating evidence in formal settings.
Enquire about the APCIP qualification
Interested in completing the Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice?
Complete the form below and our team will contact you to discuss the qualification, available modules and the most suitable training pathway for you.
Course Information
Methods of assessment
Each 2-day module has a post course written assessment attached to it, which is to be completed and submitted following module attendance.
In order to achieve the qualification, learners must attend four training modules and submit four assessments for marking.
Timescales
Learners have maximum of two years in which to complete the qualification.
Typically, learners attend modules over a 4 to 9-month period to allow enough time to submit each post-module written assessment before attending the next module.
In-house training
If you have a number of staff we are able to deliver the programme either through virtual classrooms or face-to-face, using case studies contextualised to your type of investigation.
How to book
Please call us on 020 7549 2549 or complete the form and our team will be in touch.