Why Do You Need a National Police Check?
A National Police Check (NPC) is essential for employment, volunteering, immigration, and licensing. It helps assess your criminal history and suitability for roles involving trust or safety.
A National Police Check (NPC) is an official document that provides a summary of an individual’s criminal history (if any) that is releasable by Australian police agencies. It is commonly required for various purposes, including employment, volunteer work, licensing, immigration, etc.
NPCs help employers, government agencies, and other organisations assess whether a person is suitable for specific roles or responsibilities, particularly those involving vulnerable groups, security clearance, or public trust.
What Is a National Police Check?
A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (commonly known as an NPC) gathers information from all Australian police jurisdictions. It may include:
- Convictions
- Pending charges
- Court appearances
- Traffic offences
- Good behaviour bonds
- Matters awaiting court outcomes
Police agencies determine the information released and depend on the purpose of the check.
When Might You Need a National Police Check?
You may be required to obtain a police check for the following scenarios:
- Employment – Especially in healthcare, childcare, aged care, finance, and government roles.
- Volunteer Work – Organisations often require NPCs for positions involving children, the elderly, or other vulnerable groups.
- Licensing and Compliance – Certain industries mandate NPCs for legal and regulatory compliance.
- Australian Immigration – Required for visa applications, citizenship, or permanent residency.
- Overseas Employment or Residency – Some countries request an Australian police check as part of their background screening process.
- Visa Applications for Travel – Especially for long-term visas, work permits, or study abroad programs.
- Overseas Adoption – Demonstrates your suitability as a guardian under international adoption laws.
- Commonwealth Territory Residency – Required for residents in areas such as the ACT, Jervis Bay, or external territories.
Types of Checks
There are two types of National Police Checks:
- Standard Check – For general employment, licensing, or personal use.
- Volunteer Check – For unpaid volunteer work (offered at a reduced fee).
The only difference between these types is the fee—the check process and result are the same.
Selecting the Purpose of the Check
You must choose the intended purpose when submitting your NPC application. This determines what information police can legally release.
Common purposes include:
- Employment
- Probity
- Licence
- NDIS (limited to authorised providers)
- ECHIPWC (restricted to government screening units)
- Immigration (limited to Australian Government use)
- National Security (restricted to Australian Government)
Not all purposes are available to every background screening company. Some are restricted to specific government agencies or screening units under legislation.
What Might Be Disclosed on a Police Check?
Depending on your circumstances and the purpose of the check, the following may be released:
- Court convictions (including penalties and sentences)
- Charges or court appearances
- Findings of guilt without conviction
- Good behaviour bonds or other court orders
- Traffic offences
- Pending matters before the court
Important Notes for Applicants
You are responsible for selecting the correct check type and purpose. Submitting an incorrect check (e.g., selecting a volunteer check for a paid role) may lead to:
- Additional charges for cost recovery
- Possible suspension or termination of your agreement for repeated misuse
AuthNTick Customer Support for Volunteer Checks
AuthNTick customers requesting reduced volunteer check fees must apply on behalf of their organisation. To do so:
Email a brief business justification to: 📧 Contact us
Our team will assess eligibility based on your stated purpose and ensure compliance with relevant policies.
Need a Police Check?
At AuthNTick, we make the process fast, secure, and hassle-free. Whether it’s for a job, visa, or volunteer position, we’re here to help.
AuthNTick offers fast and secure National Police Checks and criminal history screening services to leading Australian companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group, Newmont, South32, Whitehaven Coal, Northern Star Resources, Evolution Mining, Mineral Resources, and Pilbara Minerals — helping streamline NPC requirements with rapid turnaround times and full compliance.
Apply Now or contact us to get started.
