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Diploma of Forensic Identification (Document Examination) 11217NAT
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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

Course No:

 DP-HS57

Campus:

 CIT 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.

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
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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 CIT (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 CIT 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. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT 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 CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 9 subjects

Core: Complete all 5

  • NAT11217001   Apply specialist digital image processing techniques
    • CIT Code: FOSC440
      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
    • CIT Code: FOSC441
      Cost: Standard $160.00
      Full fee $650.00
      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
    • CIT 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
    • CIT Code: PSAD460
      Cost: Standard $75.00
      Full fee $213.00
      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
    • CIT Code: PSAD461
      Cost: Standard $155.00
      Full fee $665.00
      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
    • CIT Code: FOSC451
      Cost: Standard $219.00
      Full fee $640.00
      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
    • CIT Code: FOSC452
      Cost: Standard $231.00
      Full fee $680.00
      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
    • CIT Code: FOSC453
      Cost: Standard $231.00
      Full fee $680.00
      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
    • CIT 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
    • CIT 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

Graduate Certificate Crime Scene Investigation POL84315
Graduate Certificate Forensic Firearm Examination POL84115
Graduate Certificate Forensic Fingerprint Investigation POL84215
Advanced Diploma Public Safety (Fire Investigation) PUA60922
Advanced Diploma Forensic Investigation POL64115
Diploma Forensic Investigation POL54115
Diploma Forensic Identification (Facial) 11217NAT
Diploma Forensic Identification (Biometrics) 11217NAT
Certificate IV Biometric Technologies 10837NAT

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au