---
title: Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check vs. Australian Federal Police Check – what’s the difference?
description: Both a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check report on an individual’s criminal history in Australia — but they’re issued by different authorities and used for different purposes. Many people comparing these checks…
url: "https://workerchecks.com/docs/nationally-coordinated-criminal-history-check-vs-australian-federal-police-check-whats-the-difference/"
updated: "2026-08-28"
category: AFP Police Checks
---

# Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check vs. Australian Federal Police Check – what’s the difference?

Both a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check report on an individual’s criminal history in Australia — but they’re issued by different authorities and used for different purposes. Many people comparing these checks are deciding whether to order a [national police check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/national-police-check/) for employment, licensing or onboarding.

Knowing which check you need ensures your application meets the correct compliance standard.

## Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)

Also known as a **national police check**, this is the most commonly requested background check in Australia. It’s processed by **ACIC-accredited bodies** such as Worker Checks and accesses police records from **all Australian jurisdictions**.

### When to use an NCCHC

- Employment, licensing, or volunteer purposes
- NDIS and Aged Care workforce screening
- Rideshare and transport checks (e.g. Uber, Ola, DiDi)
- Corporate onboarding and compliance
- Tenancy, rental, and personal background screening

### Worker Checks NCCHC features

- **ACIC-accredited** and accepted nationwide
- 100% online — no paper forms
- **Digital certificate** securely delivered via your Worker Checks portal
- **Fast results** — 80% of checks are returned within 1–3 minutes
- Cost: **$52.00**

[Apply for a national police check ›](https://workerchecks.com/product/nationally-coordinated-criminal-history-check/)

## Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check

An **AFP Check** is issued directly by the **Australian Federal Police** and is required only in specific cases, such as **Commonwealth employment** or **visa and immigration** purposes.

### When to use an AFP Check

- Commonwealth Government employment
- Visa or immigration applications (Home Affairs requirement)
- Overseas adoption or citizenship requests
- Aviation or maritime security clearances

### AFP Check details

- Processed only by the AFP
- Typical turnaround ≈ **7 business days**
- Cost ≈ **$80 AUD**

## Quick comparison

| Feature | Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) | Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Issued by | ACIC via accredited bodies (e.g. Worker Checks) | Australian Federal Police |
| Purpose | General employment and screening | Commonwealth employment, visa and immigration |
| Coverage | All state and territory police records | National and federal agency records |
| Processing time | **80% within 1–3 minutes** (via Worker Checks) | ≈ 7 business days |
| Cost (approx.) | $52.00 | $80 AUD |
| Delivery | Digital certificate via Worker Checks portal | AFP email or postal certificate |

   **Not sure which check you need?**

If you’re unsure whether to order an NCCHC or an AFP Check, our support team can guide you. Start a chat and type “Talk to human”, or email [ask@workerchecks.com](mailto:ask@workerchecks.com) for quick advice.

### Related checks and compliance services

[National Police Check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/national-police-check/)
Fast, ACIC-accredited online clearance.

[BusinessHub – Bulk Worker Checks](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-business-solution/)
Bulk billing, live tracking and secure portals.

[VEVO Right to Work Check](https://workerchecks.com/vevo-right-to-work-check-online-work-entitlement-verification/)
Instant visa work-rights verification.

[Bankruptcy & Insolvency Check](https://workerchecks.com/product/bankruptcy-insolvency-check/)
Real-time AFSA financial history checks.

[International Police Check](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-types/international-police-check/)
Overseas criminal history screening.

[Qualification Verification](https://workerchecks.com/product/qualification-verification/)
Verify degrees, certificates and training.