Which police check do I need — NCCHC or AFP Check?

In most cases, you will require a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC). An AFP Police Check is only required in specific circumstances such as Commonwealth Government roles, ACT residents, overseas employment or where legislation specifically mandates AFP clearance.

When should I order an AFP Police Check instead of an NCCHC?

Order an AFP Police Check if applying for Commonwealth Government employment, roles requiring AFP-level clearance, overseas work, or if you live in the ACT, Jervis Bay Territory or other Commonwealth external territories.

How long does a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check take?

Most NCCHC results are delivered within 1 hour, depending on name matches and background verification. A small percentage may take longer if referred for manual review.

How long does an AFP Police Check take?

AFP Police Checks typically take 10–15 business days to process. Delays may occur with common surnames, overseas records or manual referrals.

Are NCCHC and AFP Police Checks the same?

Both checks list disclosable court outcomes and pending charges across all Australian jurisdictions. The difference is the issuing authority — NCCHC checks are processed via ACIC-accredited organisations, while AFP checks are issued directly by the Australian Federal Police.

What ID documents do I need for a police check?

For NCCHC, applicants upload a self-capture photo and four identity documents through the Worker Checks portal. AFP checks require 100 points of ID. All documents are securely captured and encrypted.

Can I complete my police check online?

Yes — both NCCHC and AFP checks can be completed online through Worker Checks. Results are accessible in your secure portal and can be digitally shared with employers.

Which police check do I need - National or AFP Check?

Which police check do I need?

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History or AFP Check?

You need to get a police check, but you’re not sure and you ask – Which Police Check do I need? Is it a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check or a Federal Police Check?

In most instances (such as employment), you will only need to obtain a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

Worker Checks can provide AFP police checks for:

People seeking employment with the Commonwealth Government
Work-related checks due to legislation or regulations
Industry-specific standards/compliance requirement (e.g. Banking and Financial Services Industry)
People who reside overseas
Overseas employment
Residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Jervis Bay Territory and external Commonwealth territories

What’s the difference between a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check?

	Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Organisation’s	Australian Federal Police Check
What is it?	A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is a document that lists an individual’s disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions provided by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).	An Australian Federal Police Check (AFP) is a document that lists an individual’s disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions provided by the Federal Police.
What will this show?	All disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions. Certain convictions, such as spent or juvenile convictions, may not be disclosed on a NPC in accordance with the legislation of the various police jurisdictions.	All disclosable court outcomes and pending charges sourced from the databases of all Australian police jurisdictions. Certain convictions are not disclosed if they fall within the classification of Spent Convictions.
Which check should you order?	Order a National Criminal History Check (NCCHC) anytime a Police Check is required, unless you fall into one of the categories in the right-hand column.	The Australian Federal Police (AFP) can provide police checks for: People seeking employment with the Commonwealth Government Work-related checks due to legislation or regulations Industry-specific standards/compliance requirement (e.g. Banking and Financial Services Industry) People who reside overseas Overseas employment Residents of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Jervis Bay Territory and external Commonwealth territories
What do we need to process the order?	Candidates need to upload a self-capture photo and four ID documents during Worker Checks application.	Candidates need to upload 100 points of ID during Worker Checks application
When will you receive the check?	Estimated turnaround time is 1 hour*.	Estimated turnaround time is 10-15 business days*.
	Read our article on why your police check might be delayed / referred.*	Read our article on why your police check might be delayed / referred.*

Why you should order your next police check from Worker Checks?

	Business / Organisation’s	Individuals
Convenient ordering	Pre-Paid or Worker Pays checks available Send invites for checks to your applicants using YOUR branding. Your candidate create a Worker Checks account, complete application(s) 100% online.	Create your account, complete your application 100% online Share your check(s) electronically with your employer or other party. (Printing available in portal)
Information safety Full encryption and Private Blockchain Secure	Your private information is uploaded via Worker Checks state of the art online platform. Worker Check’s data is fully data is encrypted while it’s being transmitted electronically to Government Authorities. Worker Checks utilise a full private blockchain to store data, our proprietary award nominated system. There is no better system in the world for the safety of your personal data.	Your private information is uploaded via Worker Checks state of the art online platform. Worker Check’s data is fully data is encrypted while it’s being transmitted electronically to Government Authorities. Worker Checks utilise a full private blockchain to store data, our proprietary award nominated system. There is no better system in the world for the safety of your personal data.
	You can check the status of your order online any time.	You can check the status of your order online any time.
24/7 accessibility Dedicated Online Secure Portal	No need to wait for candidates to supply paper results. Pre-Paid or Worker Pays checks available Send invites for checks to your applicants using YOUR branding. Once the check is complete, you’ll get notification, and you can check the results online in your FREE business portal.	Once your check is complete, your results are available online. Simply log into your Worker Checks portal and share your check(s) electronically with your employer or other party. (Printing available in portal)
Local support team	If you have any issues or questions, our support team is always happy click here to chat.	If you have any issues or questions, our support team is always happy click here to chat.

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