Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 12:45 AM AWST
24/07/2026 12:45 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Locate subjects
Locate subjects
Unit of competency
National Code
FNSMCA304A
FNSMCA304A
State Code
D4258
D4258
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/07/2014
Field of Education
091105 - Police Studies
Original Release Date
28/07/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to investigate and locate subjects and determine appropriate means of approach.This unit may apply to job roles subject to licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements so Commonwealth, State or Territory requirements should be confirmed with the relevant body.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Research/investigate case
- 1.1. Client's written instructions are accurately and clearly interpreted
- 1.2. Preliminary searches for subjects are thoroughly and comprehensively completed and all appropriate mercantile data are checked for relevant information
2. Conduct searches/enquiries
- 2.1. Field calls are made as directed by client that also meet legislative requirements
- 2.2. Address is checked when necessary and any further leads are persistently followed to ascertain whereabouts of subject and alternative lines of approach developed and assessed to determine the most effective and applicable
- 2.3. Searches are conducted in a reasonable time period as specified by client with detailed field notes on times, dates, occurrences and results accurately maintained to obtain the best result from searches
3. Formulate/report recommendations
- 3.1. Information gathered is reviewed with results used to determine a strategy for action
- 3.2. Outcomes are documented clearly and concisely then made accessible to all relevant staff
- 3.3. Links between the outcomes and the analysis of the debtor information are proposed as a basis for further action or non-action
- 3.4. Relevant reports are completed without delay and disseminated to appropriate staff and management
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Clients may include:
banks
building societies
credit unions
employers:
managers
supervisors
team leaders
finance companies
financiers
government agencies
other commercial agents
private companies
solicitors.
Searches for subjects may include:
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) information
Business Licence Centre
Consumer Affairs records
credit files (where Privacy Act allows)
electronic White Pages
databases
electoral rolls
Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts - Commonwealth and State or Territory
motor vehicle registrations
public telephone directories
rates searches
reverse order computerised telephone directories
State Library and Supreme Court library
titles office and council records.
Field calls may involve:
establishing the financial status of a subject
knocking on residence door within legal timeframes to establish whereabouts of people or particular assets
making demand for payment
making specific enquiries for the client to:
lawyers
financiers
other agencies.
Mercantile data may include:
agency file systems, including other commercial agencies
audit records
industry associations
law enforcement or prosecution agencies
past investigations
standards setting organisations.
Subjects may include:
debtors
persons subject to legal process.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Clients may include:
banks
building societies
credit unions
employers:
managers
supervisors
team leaders
finance companies
financiers
government agencies
other commercial agents
private companies
solicitors.
Searches for subjects may include:
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) information
Business Licence Centre
Consumer Affairs records
credit files (where Privacy Act allows)
electronic White Pages
databases
electoral rolls
Freedom of Information (FOI) Acts - Commonwealth and State or Territory
motor vehicle registrations
public telephone directories
rates searches
reverse order computerised telephone directories
State Library and Supreme Court library
titles office and council records.
Field calls may involve:
establishing the financial status of a subject
knocking on residence door within legal timeframes to establish whereabouts of people or particular assets
making demand for payment
making specific enquiries for the client to:
lawyers
financiers
other agencies.
Mercantile data may include:
agency file systems, including other commercial agencies
audit records
industry associations
law enforcement or prosecution agencies
past investigations
standards setting organisations.
Subjects may include:
debtors
persons subject to legal process.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply prior experience in searches and problem solving, such as patterns of behaviour and incidents, or trends, which indicate areas for investigation
develop constructive responses when confronted with problems and difficulties
operate reliably at all times and an awareness of client and community concerns
interpret and comply with current legislative requirements and general developments in process servicing.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
competency is demonstrated in the context of the financial services work environment and conditions specified in the range statement either in a relevant workplace or a closely simulated work environment
access to and the use of a range of common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
access to relevant information databases for locating subjects
access to relevant legal, industry and organisation documentation.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples, in combination, are appropriate for this unit:
evaluating an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for the unit or a cluster of related units of competency
observing processes and procedures in workplaces or role plays
verbal or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
setting and reviewing simulations or scenarios
accessing and validating third party reports.
Guidance information for assessment
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
apply prior experience in searches and problem solving, such as patterns of behaviour and incidents, or trends, which indicate areas for investigation
develop constructive responses when confronted with problems and difficulties
operate reliably at all times and an awareness of client and community concerns
interpret and comply with current legislative requirements and general developments in process servicing.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
competency is demonstrated in the context of the financial services work environment and conditions specified in the range statement either in a relevant workplace or a closely simulated work environment
access to and the use of a range of common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
access to relevant information databases for locating subjects
access to relevant legal, industry and organisation documentation.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples, in combination, are appropriate for this unit:
evaluating an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for the unit or a cluster of related units of competency
observing processes and procedures in workplaces or role plays
verbal or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills
setting and reviewing simulations or scenarios
accessing and validating third party reports.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9878 | FNSMERC304B | Locate subjects | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS24 | FNSMCA304 | Locate subjects | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S696 | FNS30410 | Certificate III in Mercantile Agents | Qualification |