Why Do You Need a National Police Check?

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

The information released is determined by police agencies and depends 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

When submitting your NPC application, you must choose the intended purpose. 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

It is your responsibility to select 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:
📧 contactus@authntick.com.au

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.

Apply Now or contact us at contactus@authntick.com.au to get started.

Start Criminal History Check

Start Here