National Police Check (NCCHC): What It Is & How It Works

Police Check Certificates

If you are applying for a job, licence, visa, or Australian citizenship, you may be required to obtain an AFP Police Check or a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. These checks are essential across many industries and government processes in Australia.

We provide official AFP and National Police Checks online, with fast turnaround times.

ACIC Accredited Australian Police Check

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), commonly known as a National Police Check, searches police records across all Australian states and territories. It identifies any disclosable court outcomes or criminal history.

A nationally coordinated criminal history check is a collation of police and conviction history information about an individual that has been determined releasable by Australia’s police agencies.

Information that may be disclosed on an individual’s check result may include:

• Court convictions, including penalties and sentences
• Court appearances
• Charges
• Findings of guilt with no conviction
• Good behaviour bonds or other court orders
• Matters awaiting court hearings
• Traffic offences

National Police Checks are commonly required for:

• Employment screening
• Occupational licensing
• Volunteering roles
• Industry compliance
• General background checks
• Commencing employment
• Licensing or accreditation requirements
• Access to certain entitlements or services

This check is suitable for Australian citizens and residents.

Standard vs Volunteer Police Checks

There are two types of NCCHC: Standard Checks and Volunteer Checks. The difference between them is the application fee.

Standard Checks

AuthNTick is accredited to submit Standard Police Checks, which are typically used for employment background checks, licensing, or immigration requirements.

Volunteer Checks

A Volunteer Police Check is designed for not-for-profit, charitable, or community service organisations. These are offered at a reduced fee to support community contributions.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check VS State Police Check?

Yes. A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is valid across all Australian states and territories, meaning you do not need to apply separately for different regions.

This includes checks often searched as:

• NSW criminal history check
• QLD Police Check
• SA Police Check
• VIC Police Check
• NT Police Check
• Tas Police Check

Instead of applying for multiple certificates, one national police check australia application is accepted nationwide, saving time and money.

Why You May Need a National Police Check

A police check may also be referred to as a National Police Check, criminal history check, Australian Police Check, Commonwealth Employment Checks, or Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

It may be required for:

• Police Check for Employment and pre-employment background checks
• Probity and licensing purposes
• NDIS for authorised providers only
• ECHIPWC and legislated screening units
• Immigration and police check for visa applications
• National security roles in Australian Government organisations

Issued by ACIC-accredited agencies or state police, the check includes disclosable court outcomes such as convictions, charges, or pending cases, subject to spent convictions legislation.

Processing times vary, but a police check certificate online can often be completed in a few hours to a few days.

Police Check Reprints and Renewals

Your police check result is available in your AuthNTick portal for 3 months from the date of issue. We recommend downloading and saving a copy for your records as soon as it becomes available.

3-Month Availability

Your result will remain accessible in your AuthNTick portal for 3 months from the issue date. After that period, it is permanently removed from the system to help protect your personal information.

Applying Again

If you need a new police check after the 3-month access period has passed, you will need to complete a new application through the standard process.

Records Management

Our partner organisations, including legal entities and government agencies, are responsible for their own record-keeping, storage, and disposal practices in line with ACIC compliance requirements.

Accessing Older Results

Outside the 3-month access window, older results are generally not available through the AuthNTick portal. In limited circumstances, such as formal appeals or legal matters, access may only be available through processes under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 or the Privacy Act 1988 via the ACIC website.

Industries That Require a Police Check

• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Car mechanics
• Cleaning jobs
• Commercial service roles
• Education industry
• Construction industry
• Security services
• Mining
• Real estate industry
• Gambling
• Liquor licence holders
• Security guards

Our Police Checks Are Suitable For

• Aged care staff and volunteers
• Aged care key personnel
• Immigration detention centre employment
• Immigration and Australian citizenship
• Overseas visa applications
• ACT employment
• General employment
• Aged and disability care
• Teaching and education
• Working with children roles
• Nursing and hospital employment

Why Choose AuthNTick for Your Police Check in Australia?

When you need a police check in Australia, choosing the right provider can save you time, effort, and frustration. AuthNTick offers a streamlined, secure, and accredited platform for both National Police Checks and Employment Background Checks.

Benefits of AuthNTick

• Fast Turnaround Times – Receive your certificate quickly with minimal delays.
• 100% Secure & Compliant – Full compliance with PSPF and AS 4811:2022 standards.
• Government Accredited – Recognised to process both AFP and NCCHC certificates.
• Seamless Online Process – Apply for your national police check online anywhere in Australia.
• Real-Time Tracking – Monitor application progress without guesswork.
• Trusted by Businesses & Individuals – Whether you need a Police Check for Employment or personal reasons, we are here to help.

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is the most efficient way to obtain a valid national police certificate across all Australian states and territories. Whether you need a QLD Police Check, SA Police Check, NSW criminal history check, VIC Police Check, Tas Police Check, or NT Police Check, one application through AuthNTick covers it all.

For a fast, secure, and reliable police check certificate online, apply with AuthNTick today.