Which police check do I need?

National 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 National Criminal History Check or a Federal Police Check?

In most instances (such as employment), you will only need to obtain a National Police Check.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) 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 National Criminal History and an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check?

	National Criminal History Check	Australian Federal Police Check
What is it?	A National Criminal History Check (NCHC) 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.
What will this show?	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.	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 (NCHC) 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*.
When will you receive the check?	*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.
24/7 accessibility Dedicated Online Secure Portal	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.

To find out more or to order a police check, please visit Worker Checks.

get national criminal history check $40 get AFP FEDERAL police check $80 Worker Checks Business Solutions

Proof of ID quick reference tables

Proof of ID table for Australian National Police Checks (4 documents required):

100 points ID table for AFP (Federal) Police Checks:

Can I send in my certified true copies completed informed consent form via fax or email?

No.

Workerchecks.com offer two methods of Identity verification – online and a full Face to Face Verification of identity where we sent an agent to meet you, view your identity documents and take a photo of you.

Can I post my application in?

No.

I thought I provided enough ID… Why are you asking for more?

ACIC has transitioned to a strengthened proof of identity requirement, we may have asked you to provide extra ID.

To successfully complete your Proof of Identity you will need to provide a total of four (4) different forms of ID that includes:

One (1) Commencement of ID Document;
One (1) Primary Use in Community Document; and
Two (2) Secondary Use in Community Documents.

Please ensure that by providing the 4 types of ID we can verify:

Your full name;
Your Date of Birth; and
A photo that needs to be contained on at least one of the ID you have provided.

What happened to the 100 point check for ID?

*Please be aware that the 100 point check system only applies for AFP (Federal) Police Checks. If you require an AFP check – please click here

For Australian National Police Checks, the following applies:

Due to new ACIC contractual requirements, the 100 point check is no longer accepted for National Police Checks.

The ACIC requires applicants to provide a total of four (4) different forms of ID that includes:

One (1) Commencement of ID Document;
One (1) Primary Use in Community Document; and
Two (2) Secondary Use in Community Documents.

Please ensure that by providing the 4 types of ID we can verify:

Your full name;
Your Date of Birth; and
A photo that needs to be contained on at least one of the ID you have provided.

Proof Of Identity quick reference guide

**** Important to Note ***

If you provide identity documents using a former name, such as a maiden name, or previous name or changed name you must provide evidence of the name change in addition to the four identity documents.

If one of your identity documents has your maiden name you will need to provide an official marriage certificate issued by a state Births, Deaths and Marriages Department.

What types of ID are required to complete police check application?

To successfully complete your Proof of Identity you will need to provide a total of four (4) different forms of ID that includes:

One (1) Commencement of ID Document;
One (1) Primary Use in Community Document; and
Two (2) Secondary Use in Community Documents.

Please ensure that by providing the 4 types of ID we can verify:

Your full name;
Your Date of Birth; and
A photo that needs to be contained on at least one of the ID you have provided.

Why can’t I just email you scanned copies of my ID?

We value your privacy and want to protect your identity at all times. Sending ID via email is not as secure as submitting the ID via our security encrypted website. All of your personal information is more secure than scan to email.

Why do I have to provide a self photo holding my ID

For additional security we ask you to hold your ID as well so we can determine the authenticity of the photo and establish liveness detection.

This is how we gain assurance that you are the person who is the true owner of the ID.

Please ensure you follow the instructions carefully and submit a self photo holding your photo ID. An example is provided at the photo stage in the application process.