Police Checks in Australia: The Complete Guide (2026)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about police checks in Australia. How to apply, cost, processing times, what shows up, ACIC accreditation explained, and how to choose a provider.\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=DM+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&family=DM+Serif+Display&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style>\n :root {\n --royal-blue: #005bab;\n --sky-blue: #bde4f7;\n --dark-navy: #0B1D3A;\n --bg-light: #F4F7FB;\n --border: #E2E8F0;\n --callout-bg: #e3f3fc;\n --white: #ffffff;\n --text: #1a2332;\n --text-muted: #5a6a7e;\n --green: #16a34a;\n --amber: #d97706;\n --row-alt: #f8fafd;\n }\n\n * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n body {\n font-family: 'DM Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n color: var(--text);\n background: var(--white);\n line-height: 1.75;\n -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Hero \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .hero {\n background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--dark-navy) 0%, var(--royal-blue) 100%);\n padding: 3.5rem 1.5rem 3rem;\n text-align: center;\n position: relative;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n .hero::after {\n content: '';\n position: absolute;\n top: -40%;\n right: -20%;\n width: 500px;\n height: 500px;\n background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(189,228,247,0.12) 0%, transparent 70%);\n border-radius: 50%;\n }\n .hero h1 {\n font-family: 'DM Serif Display', Georgia, serif;\n font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 4vw, 2.5rem);\n color: var(--white);\n font-weight: 400;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n position: relative;\n z-index: 1;\n }\n .hero .subtitle {\n color: var(--sky-blue);\n font-size: 1.05rem;\n max-width: 660px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n position: relative;\n z-index: 1;\n line-height: 1.6;\n }\n .hero .badge {\n display: inline-block;\n background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);\n border: 1px solid rgba(189,228,247,0.3);\n color: var(--sky-blue);\n font-size: 0.8rem;\n font-weight: 600;\n letter-spacing: 0.04em;\n padding: 0.35rem 1rem;\n border-radius: 100px;\n margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n position: relative;\n z-index: 1;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Container \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .container {\n max-width: 820px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n padding: 0 1.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Table of Contents \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .toc {\n background: var(--bg-light);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n border-radius: 10px;\n padding: 1.5rem 2rem;\n margin: 2rem 0;\n }\n .toc h2 {\n font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif;\n font-size: 1rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: var(--dark-navy);\n margin-bottom: 0.75rem;\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 0.03em;\n }\n .toc ol {\n padding-left: 1.25rem;\n margin: 0;\n }\n .toc li {\n margin-bottom: 0.4rem;\n font-size: 0.92rem;\n }\n .toc a {\n color: var(--royal-blue);\n text-decoration: none;\n font-weight: 500;\n }\n .toc a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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}\n .table-note {\n font-size: 0.8rem;\n color: var(--text-muted);\n font-style: italic;\n margin: 0.5rem 0 1.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 CTA \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .cta-block {\n background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--royal-blue) 0%, var(--dark-navy) 100%);\n border-radius: 12px;\n padding: 2rem;\n text-align: center;\n margin: 2rem 0;\n }\n .cta-block h3 {\n color: var(--white);\n font-family: 'DM Serif Display', Georgia, serif;\n font-size: 1.3rem;\n font-weight: 400;\n margin: 0 0 0.5rem;\n }\n .cta-block p {\n color: var(--sky-blue);\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n }\n .cta-block a {\n display: inline-block;\n background: var(--white);\n color: var(--royal-blue);\n padding: 0.75rem 2rem;\n border-radius: 8px;\n font-weight: 700;\n text-decoration: none;\n font-size: 0.95rem;\n margin: 0 0.4rem;\n transition: transform 0.15s;\n }\n .cta-block a:hover { transform: translateY(-1px); }\n .cta-block .cta-secondary {\n background: transparent;\n color: var(--white);\n border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.4);\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 FAQ \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .faq-section {\n background: var(--bg-light);\n border-radius: 12px;\n padding: 2rem 1.75rem;\n margin: 2rem 0;\n }\n .faq-item {\n border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n padding: 1.15rem 0;\n }\n .faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n .faq-item h3 {\n font-size: 1rem;\n color: var(--dark-navy);\n margin: 0 0 0.4rem;\n }\n .faq-item p {\n font-size: 0.92rem;\n color: var(--text-muted);\n margin: 0;\n line-height: 1.65;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Footer note \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .footer-note {\n text-align: center;\n padding: 2rem 1.5rem;\n font-size: 0.82rem;\n color: var(--text-muted);\n border-top: 1px solid var(--border);\n margin-top: 2rem;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Responsive \u2500\u2500 *\/\n @media (max-width: 640px) {\n .hero { padding: 2.5rem 1.25rem 2rem; }\n .hero h1 { font-size: 1.5rem; }\n .section-heading { font-size: 1.3rem; }\n .faq-section { padding: 1.25rem; }\n .cta-block { padding: 1.5rem; }\n .cta-block a { display: block; margin: 0.4rem 0; }\n }\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n\n<div class=\"hero\">\n <div class=\"badge\">Complete Guide \u2014 Updated April 2026<\/div>\n <h1>\u0905\u0937\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u0947\u0932\u093f\u092f\u093e\u092e\u093e \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a<\/h1>\n <p class=\"subtitle\">How to apply, what it costs, how long it takes, what shows up, and how to choose a provider \u2014 everything in one place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container\">\n\n \n <div class=\"answer-box\" style=\"margin-top: 2rem;\">\n <strong>To get a police check in Australia,<\/strong> apply online through an ACIC-accredited provider. The application takes about 5 minutes and 80% of results are returned within 1\u20133 minutes. An employment check costs from $49 and a volunteer check from $21 (inc. GST). No post office or police station visit is required \u2014 the process is 100% online and mobile-friendly.\n <\/div>\n\n \n <nav class=\"toc\">\n <h2>In This Guide<\/h2>\n <ol>\n <li><a href=\"#what-is\">What is a police check in Australia?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#who-needs\">Who needs a police check?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#how-to-apply\">How to apply for a police check online<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#cost\">\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a\u0915\u094b \u0932\u093e\u0917\u0924 \u0915\u0924\u093f \u092a\u0930\u094d\u091b?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#how-long\">\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a \u0915\u0924\u093f \u0938\u092e\u092f \u0932\u093e\u0917\u094d\u091b?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#what-shows-up\">What shows up on a police check?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#afp-vs-ncchc\">AFP check vs NCCHC \u2014 which do you need?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#acic\">What is ACIC accreditation and why it matters<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#how-long-valid\">How long is a police check valid?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#delays\">Why police checks get delayed<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#business\">Police checks for businesses and employers<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#faq\">\u092c\u093e\u0930\u092e\u094d\u092c\u093e\u0930 \u0938\u094b\u0927\u093f\u0928\u0947 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0936\u094d\u0928\u0939\u0930\u0942<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/nav>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"what-is\">1. What is a police check in Australia?<\/h2>\n\n <p>A police check in Australia \u2014 officially called a <strong>\u0930\u093e\u0937\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u093f\u092f \u0930\u0942\u092a\u092e\u093e \u0938\u092e\u0928\u094d\u0935\u093f\u0924 \u0906\u092a\u0930\u093e\u0927\u093f\u0915 \u0907\u0924\u093f\u0939\u093e\u0938 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a (NCCHC)<\/strong> \u2014 is a search of the national criminal history database maintained by all Australian police agencies. It returns a certificate listing any disclosable court outcomes and pending charges recorded against your name across every state and territory.<\/p>\n\n <p>The National Police Checking Service (NPCS) is administered by the <strong>\u0905\u0937\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u0947\u0932\u093f\u092f\u093e\u0932\u0940 \u0906\u092a\u0930\u093e\u0927\u093f\u0915 \u0916\u0941\u092b\u093f\u092f\u093e \u0906\u092f\u094b\u0917 (ACIC)<\/strong>, which accredits organisations (called “accredited bodies”) to submit checks on behalf of individuals. Worker Checks Pty Ltd is one of these ACIC-accredited bodies.<\/p>\n\n <p>You may also hear a police check referred to as a criminal history check, police clearance, criminal record check, or National Police Certificate \u2014 they all refer to the same process.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"who-needs\">2. Who needs a police check?<\/h2>\n\n <p>A police check is commonly required for:<\/p>\n\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>\u0930\u094b\u091c\u0917\u093e\u0930\u0940<\/strong> \u2014 most employers require a police check as part of pre-employment screening<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0938\u094d\u0935\u092f\u0902\u0938\u0947\u0935\u093e<\/strong> \u2014 charities, community organisations, and schools often require volunteer checks<\/li>\n <li><strong>Licensing and registration<\/strong> \u2014 security, real estate, financial services, rideshare, and other regulated industries<\/li>\n <li><strong>Aged care and disability<\/strong> \u2014 mandatory screening for NDIS providers and aged care workers<\/li>\n <li><strong>Childcare and education<\/strong> \u2014 required alongside Working with Children Checks in most states<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0938\u094d\u0935\u093e\u0938\u094d\u0925\u094d\u092f \u0938\u0947\u0935\u093e<\/strong> \u2014 AHPRA registration and hospital employment<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u092d\u093e\u0921\u093e \u0906\u0935\u0947\u0926\u0928\u0939\u0930\u0942<\/strong> \u2014 increasingly requested by property managers<\/li>\n <li><strong>Immigration and visas<\/strong> \u2014 required for certain visa classes (AFP check specifically)<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>If an employer, organisation, or government body asks you to provide a “police check”, “criminal history check”, or “police clearance”, an NCCHC from an ACIC-accredited provider will meet the requirement in almost all cases. The exception is immigration-related checks, which require an AFP-issued certificate (see <a href=\"#afp-vs-ncchc\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">Section 7<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"how-to-apply\">3. How to apply for a police check online<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>You can apply for a police check entirely online<\/strong> from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. The application takes about 5 minutes if you have your ID documents ready. No appointments, no post office visits, no paper forms.\n <\/div>\n\n <ol class=\"steps\">\n <li><strong>Choose your check type<\/strong> \u2014 employment ($49 inc. GST) or volunteer ($21 inc. GST). Select the correct type for your purpose.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Create your account<\/strong> \u2014 register with the same mobile number you used at checkout.<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0906\u092b\u094d\u0928\u094b \u092a\u0939\u093f\u091a\u093e\u0928 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u092e\u093e\u0923\u093f\u0924 \u0917\u0930\u094d\u0928\u0941\u0939\u094b\u0938\u094d<\/strong> \u2014 start by scanning your primary ID document (passport or driver licence) and completing a biometric selfie match on your phone. Then during the application, upload images of your second and third identity documents (e.g. birth certificate, Medicare card, utility bill). Each document must be a different type.<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0906\u092b\u094d\u0928\u094b \u0906\u0935\u0947\u0926\u0928 \u092a\u0942\u0930\u093e \u0917\u0930\u094d\u0928\u0941\u0939\u094b\u0938\u094d<\/strong> \u2014 provide your full name, date of birth, 5-year address history, and the purpose of the check.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Receive your certificate<\/strong> \u2014 80% of checks are completed within 1\u20133 minutes. You’ll receive an SMS and email notification when your result is ready. Your certificate is delivered to your secure online portal where you can download the PDF, print it, or share it electronically with employers.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n\n <h3>What ID do you need?<\/h3>\n <p>You need 3 identity documents, each a different type. The first document is verified biometrically (scanned and matched against a selfie on your phone). The second and third documents are uploaded as images during the application:<\/p>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>Document 1 (biometric verification):<\/strong> Australian passport (expired up to 2 years OK), foreign passport (with valid Australian visa), or Australian driver licence\/learner permit<\/li>\n <li><strong>Document 2 (image upload):<\/strong> Australian passport, foreign passport (current), Australian driver licence, ImmiCard, or birth certificate<\/li>\n <li><strong>Document 3 (image upload):<\/strong> Medicare card, utility bill, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, tax file number, electoral enrolment, or other <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%a4%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">accepted supporting documents<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <p>No need to visit a post office, JP, or police station \u2014 everything is completed online from your phone or computer.<\/p>\n <p>For the full list of accepted documents, see <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%a4%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">Police Check ID Requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"cost\">4. How much does a police check cost?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check in Australia costs between $21 and $99<\/strong> depending on the provider and check type. The cheapest ACIC-accredited employment check is $49.00 (inc. GST) from Worker Checks. Volunteer checks start from $21.00 (inc. GST).\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Every ACIC-accredited provider issues the same NCCHC certificate from the same national database. The certificate is identical regardless of which provider you use \u2014 price differences reflect service fees only.<\/p>\n\n <table class=\"price-table\">\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th>Provider<\/th>\n <th>Employment (inc GST)<\/th>\n <th>Volunteer (inc GST)<\/th>\n <th>Turnaround<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr class=\"highlight\">\n <td>\u0915\u093e\u092e\u0926\u093e\u0930 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a\u0939\u0930\u0942<\/td>\n <td class=\"price-low\">$49.00<\/td>\n <td class=\"price-low\">$21.00<\/td>\n <td>80% within 1\u20133 min<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>AuthNTick<\/td>\n <td>from $52.72 *<\/td>\n <td>from $22.72 *<\/td>\n <td>Within 24 hours<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>ANCC<\/td>\n <td>$58.19<\/td>\n <td>$27.39<\/td>\n <td>\u0967\u2013\u0969 \u0935\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0935\u0938\u093e\u092f\u093f\u0915 \u0926\u093f\u0928<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>National Crime Check<\/td>\n <td>$58.90<\/td>\n <td>$29.90<\/td>\n <td>Within 24 hours<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>CrimCheck<\/td>\n <td>$60.00 *<\/td>\n <td>$23.10 *<\/td>\n <td>1\u20133 minutes<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Checked Australia<\/td>\n <td>$64.00<\/td>\n <td>$34.00<\/td>\n <td>Within 1 hour<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>CVCheck (fit2work)<\/td>\n <td>$64.80<\/td>\n <td>$27.39<\/td>\n <td>95% in 10 biz days<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Crime Check Australia<\/td>\n <td>$99.00<\/td>\n <td>$69.00<\/td>\n <td>Within 1 hour<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>AFP<\/td>\n <td>$56.00 \u2020<\/td>\n <td>$56.00 \u2020<\/td>\n <td>5\u20137 business days<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <p class=\"table-note\">* GST inclusion not confirmed on provider website. \u2020 GST exempt. Prices verified April 2026 \u2014 confirm current pricing directly with each provider. For a detailed comparison including mobile support and business portals, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/police-check-providers-australia\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">full provider comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"how-long\">5. How long does a police check take?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check takes 1\u20133 minutes for approximately 80% of applications<\/strong> when submitted through an online ACIC-accredited provider. The remaining 20% are flagged for manual review by police agencies, which can take up to 15 business days.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Processing time depends on how you apply:<\/p>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>Online ACIC-accredited provider<\/strong> (e.g. Worker Checks): 80% within 1\u20133 minutes<\/li>\n <li><strong>Australian Federal Police (AFP)<\/strong>: 5\u20137 business days<\/li>\n <li><strong>State police<\/strong> (e.g. Victoria Police, QLD Police via Australia Post): 10+ business days<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Why do some checks take longer?<\/h3>\n <p>Approximately 20% of all applications are <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%97%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%a2%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8b-%e0%a4%b9%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%95\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">flagged for manual review<\/a> by state and territory police agencies. This happens when the system finds a potential match against police records that requires human verification. No accredited provider can speed up manual reviews \u2014 this step is handled entirely by police agencies and the ACIC.<\/p>\n\n <p>Common reasons for manual review include: common names generating false matches, name changes, previous addresses in multiple states, or the applicant having disclosable court outcomes.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"what-shows-up\">6. What shows up on a police check?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check shows all disclosable court outcomes and pending charges<\/strong> from every Australian state and territory, including criminal convictions, findings of guilt, and traffic offences prosecuted in court.\n <\/div>\n\n <h3>What IS included:<\/h3>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li>Criminal convictions and findings of guilt<\/li>\n <li>Pending charges (not yet resolved in court)<\/li>\n <li>Court-imposed orders<\/li>\n <li>Traffic offences heard in court (e.g. drink driving, dangerous driving)<\/li>\n <li>Non-police prosecuted matters heard in court (e.g. tax offences, workplace safety)<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>What is NOT included:<\/h3>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li>Spent convictions (in most circumstances, under relevant state\/territory legislation)<\/li>\n <li>Charges that were withdrawn, dismissed, or where no conviction was recorded<\/li>\n <li>Juvenile records (in most states)<\/li>\n <li>Infringement notices (parking fines, speeding fines not heard in court)<\/li>\n <li>Interactions with police that did not result in charges<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>What appears on your certificate depends on the <strong>purpose of the check<\/strong> and which state or territory’s legislation applies. Some categories \u2014 such as working with children, aged care, or positions of trust \u2014 may result in broader disclosure of records that would otherwise be spent or protected.<\/p>\n\n <p>For a detailed state-by-state breakdown, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/what-shows-up-on-a-police-check-in-australia-complete-state-by-state-guide\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">complete state-by-state guide to what shows up on a police check<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"afp-vs-ncchc\">7. AFP check vs NCCHC \u2014 which do you need?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>Most people need an NCCHC, not an AFP check.<\/strong> An NCCHC from any ACIC-accredited provider is accepted for employment, volunteering, licensing, and most regulatory purposes. An AFP check is only required for visa\/immigration applications and certain Commonwealth government roles.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Both checks draw from the same national police database, so the criminal history information returned is equivalent. The differences are:<\/p>\n\n <table class=\"price-table\">\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th><\/th>\n <th>NCCHC (via accredited provider)<\/th>\n <th>AFP National Police Certificate<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>\u092e\u0942\u0932\u094d\u092f<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>From $49 (employment) \/ $21 (volunteer)<\/td>\n <td>$56 flat (GST exempt)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>80% within 1\u20133 minutes<\/td>\n <td>5\u20137 business days<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>Use for<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>Employment, volunteering, licensing, registration, tenancy<\/td>\n <td>Immigration, visas, Commonwealth\/ACT government roles<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0915\u094d\u0930\u093f\u092f\u093e<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>100% online, mobile-friendly<\/td>\n <td>Online or postal<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n\n <p><strong>Rule of thumb:<\/strong> if your employer, regulator, or organisation has not specifically asked for an “AFP check” or “AFP National Police Certificate”, an NCCHC is what you need. If you’re applying for an Australian visa, you need an AFP check.<\/p>\n\n <p>For a detailed comparison, see <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%b2%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%88-%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a8-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%bf\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">\u092e\u0932\u093e\u0908 \u0915\u0941\u0928 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0928\u094d\u091b?<\/a><\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"acic\">8. What is ACIC accreditation and why it matters<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>ACIC accreditation means the provider has been assessed and approved<\/strong> by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to access the National Police Checking Service and issue official Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Not every company offering “police checks” online is ACIC-accredited. Some are resellers that submit your application through a third-party accredited body, adding cost and delay. When you apply through a directly accredited provider like Worker Checks, your application goes straight to the ACIC system.<\/p>\n\n <p>To be accredited, an organisation must meet strict security, compliance, and data-handling requirements set by the ACIC. This includes ongoing reviews, data quality assessments, and regular audits throughout the life of the accreditation.<\/p>\n\n <p>The ACIC maintains a public register of all accredited bodies at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acic.gov.au\/accredited-bodies\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\" target=\"_blank\">acic.gov.au\/accredited-bodies<\/a>. Worker Checks Pty Ltd is listed there as an accredited body authorised to provide checks directly to members of the public and other organisations.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"how-long-valid\">9. How long is a police check valid?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check has no fixed expiry date.<\/strong> It is a point-in-time certificate reflecting your criminal history on the date it was issued. Each organisation decides how recent the certificate must be \u2014 typically within 3, 6, or 12 months.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Because criminal history can change at any time, a police check cannot be “ongoing”. A new offence recorded after your certificate was issued will not appear on your existing check \u2014 you would need to apply for a new one.<\/p>\n\n <p>Worker Checks displays your certificate in your secure portal for 3 months from the date of issue. After that, it is removed from the system in accordance with ACIC data-handling requirements. You should download your PDF certificate within that window.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"delays\">10. Why police checks get delayed<\/h2>\n\n <p>Approximately 20% of police check applications are flagged for manual review. This is not caused by the provider you use \u2014 it is handled entirely by state and territory police agencies and the ACIC. Common reasons include:<\/p>\n\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>Common name matches<\/strong> \u2014 the system finds a potential match that needs human verification<\/li>\n <li><strong>Multiple name changes<\/strong> \u2014 marriage, deed poll, or cultural naming conventions<\/li>\n <li><strong>Addresses across multiple states<\/strong> \u2014 triggers cross-jurisdictional checks<\/li>\n <li><strong>Existing disclosable court outcomes<\/strong> \u2014 a police agency needs to verify what is disclosable for your check purpose<\/li>\n <li><strong>Incomplete or unclear identity documents<\/strong> \u2014 blurry photos, expired documents, or mismatched names<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>No accredited provider can expedite a manual review. If your check is delayed, the best course of action is to wait and check your portal for updates. For more information, see <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%97%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%a2%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8b-%e0%a4%b9%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%95\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">Reasons a Police Check is Delayed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"business\">11. Police checks for businesses and employers<\/h2>\n\n <p>If you process police checks for multiple workers \u2014 whether staff, contractors, or volunteers \u2014 a business screening portal saves significant time and administrative effort. Worker Checks offers <strong>\u092c\u093f\u091c\u0928\u0947\u0938\u0939\u092c<\/strong>, a free workforce screening platform with:<\/p>\n\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li>Bulk worker onboarding \u2014 upload and invite workers in batches<\/li>\n <li>Employer-pay or worker-pay billing \u2014 choose who covers the cost<\/li>\n <li>Monthly account billing for high-volume organisations<\/li>\n <li>Real-time compliance dashboard \u2014 see check status, expiry dates, and non-compliance alerts<\/li>\n <li>Police Checks, VEVO, WWCC, NDIS Worker Screening \u2014 tracked in one place<\/li>\n <li>Custom branding on worker invitations and correspondence<\/li>\n <li>Automated expiry reminders<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>BusinessHub is free \u2014 there is no subscription fee or setup cost. You only pay per check at standard pricing ($49 employment \/ $21 volunteer, inc. GST).<\/p>\n\n \n <div class=\"cta-block\">\n <h3>Ready to get your police check?<\/h3>\n <p>100% online. Mobile-friendly. 80% of results within 1\u20133 minutes.<\/p>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82\/ncchc\/\">Start Your Check \u2014 $49<\/a>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%b5%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a7\/\" class=\"cta-secondary\">Business Accounts<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq\">12. Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"faq-section\">\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>How do I get a police check in Australia?<\/h3>\n <p>Apply online through an ACIC-accredited provider such as Worker Checks. The application takes about 5 minutes and 80% of results are returned within 1\u20133 minutes. No post office or police station visit is required.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>How much does a police check cost in Australia?<\/h3>\n <p>ACIC-accredited employment checks range from $49 to $99 (inc. GST) depending on the provider. Worker Checks charges $49 for employment and $21 for volunteer checks. The AFP charges $56 (GST exempt).<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a \u0915\u0924\u093f \u0938\u092e\u092f \u0932\u093e\u0917\u094d\u091b?<\/h3>\n <p>With an online provider, 80% of checks are completed within 1\u20133 minutes. Approximately 20% are flagged for manual review by police agencies, which can take up to 15 business days.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>What shows up on a police check?<\/h3>\n <p>Disclosable court outcomes and pending charges from all Australian states and territories. This includes criminal convictions, findings of guilt, and court-prosecuted traffic offences. Spent convictions, dismissed charges, and parking\/speeding fines are generally not included.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Do I need an AFP check or an NCCHC?<\/h3>\n <p>Most people need an NCCHC. An AFP check is specifically required for visa\/immigration applications and certain Commonwealth government roles. For employment, volunteering, and licensing, an NCCHC from any ACIC-accredited provider is accepted.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Are all police checks the same?<\/h3>\n <p>Yes. Every NCCHC issued by an ACIC-accredited body uses the same national database and carries the same legal validity. The certificate is identical regardless of provider.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>How long is a police check valid?<\/h3>\n <p>There is no fixed expiry. It is a point-in-time certificate. Each requesting organisation sets its own policy \u2014 typically requiring one issued within 3, 6, or 12 months.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Can any provider speed up a manual review?<\/h3>\n <p>No. Manual reviews are handled by state and territory police agencies and the ACIC. No accredited body can influence or expedite this process.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>What is the cheapest police check in Australia?<\/h3>\n <p>As of April 2026, the cheapest ACIC-accredited employment check is $49.00 inc. GST from Worker Checks. Volunteer checks start from $21.00 inc. GST.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Can I use a police check from one state in another?<\/h3>\n <p>Yes. An NCCHC covers all Australian states and territories. The result is valid anywhere in Australia regardless of where you live or which provider you used.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>What is an ACIC-accredited provider?<\/h3>\n <p>An organisation that has been assessed and approved by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to access the National Police Checking Service and issue official Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks. Worker Checks is an ACIC-accredited body.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Can businesses process police checks in bulk?<\/h3>\n <p>Yes. Worker Checks offers BusinessHub, a free workforce screening portal for bulk onboarding, employer-pay or worker-pay billing, compliance tracking, and automated expiry reminders.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"footer-note\">\n Last updated April 2026. Worker Checks Pty Ltd is an ACIC-accredited body.<br>\n Pricing verified from provider websites and may change \u2014 confirm directly with each provider.<br>\n This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.\n<\/div>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Police Checks in Australia: The Complete Guide (2026) Complete Guide \u2014 Updated April 2026 Police Checks in Australia How to apply, what it costs, how long it takes, what shows up, and how to choose a provider \u2014 everything in one place. To get a police check in Australia, apply online through an ACIC-accredited provider….<\/p>","protected":false},"author":196713191,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15460","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/196713191"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15460\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15460"}],"curies":[{"name":"\u0921\u092c\u094d\u0932\u094d\u092f\u0942\u092a\u0940","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

{"id":15460,"date":"2026-04-21T09:29:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T23:29:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/?page_id=15460"},"modified":"2026-04-21T09:29:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T23:29:54","slug":"police-check-australia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/police-check-australia\/","title":{"rendered":"Police Checks in Australia: The Complete Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\nPolice Checks in Australia: The Complete Guide (2026)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about police checks in Australia. How to apply, cost, processing times, what shows up, ACIC accreditation explained, and how to choose a provider.\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=DM+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&family=DM+Serif+Display&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style>\n :root {\n --royal-blue: #005bab;\n --sky-blue: #bde4f7;\n --dark-navy: #0B1D3A;\n --bg-light: #F4F7FB;\n --border: #E2E8F0;\n --callout-bg: #e3f3fc;\n --white: #ffffff;\n --text: #1a2332;\n --text-muted: #5a6a7e;\n --green: #16a34a;\n --amber: #d97706;\n --row-alt: #f8fafd;\n }\n\n * { margin: 0; padding: 0; box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n body {\n font-family: 'DM Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n color: var(--text);\n background: var(--white);\n line-height: 1.75;\n -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Hero \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .hero {\n background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--dark-navy) 0%, var(--royal-blue) 100%);\n padding: 3.5rem 1.5rem 3rem;\n text-align: center;\n position: relative;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n .hero::after {\n content: '';\n position: absolute;\n top: -40%;\n right: -20%;\n width: 500px;\n height: 500px;\n background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(189,228,247,0.12) 0%, transparent 70%);\n border-radius: 50%;\n }\n .hero h1 {\n font-family: 'DM Serif Display', Georgia, serif;\n font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 4vw, 2.5rem);\n color: var(--white);\n font-weight: 400;\n margin-bottom: 1rem;\n position: relative;\n z-index: 1;\n }\n .hero .subtitle {\n color: var(--sky-blue);\n font-size: 1.05rem;\n max-width: 660px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n position: relative;\n z-index: 1;\n line-height: 1.6;\n }\n .hero .badge {\n display: inline-block;\n background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12);\n border: 1px solid rgba(189,228,247,0.3);\n color: var(--sky-blue);\n font-size: 0.8rem;\n font-weight: 600;\n letter-spacing: 0.04em;\n padding: 0.35rem 1rem;\n border-radius: 100px;\n margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n position: relative;\n z-index: 1;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Container \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .container {\n max-width: 820px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n padding: 0 1.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Table of Contents \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .toc {\n background: var(--bg-light);\n border: 1px solid var(--border);\n border-radius: 10px;\n padding: 1.5rem 2rem;\n margin: 2rem 0;\n }\n .toc h2 {\n font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif;\n font-size: 1rem;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: var(--dark-navy);\n margin-bottom: 0.75rem;\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 0.03em;\n }\n .toc ol {\n padding-left: 1.25rem;\n margin: 0;\n }\n .toc li {\n margin-bottom: 0.4rem;\n font-size: 0.92rem;\n }\n .toc a {\n color: var(--royal-blue);\n text-decoration: none;\n font-weight: 500;\n }\n .toc a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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}\n .table-note {\n font-size: 0.8rem;\n color: var(--text-muted);\n font-style: italic;\n margin: 0.5rem 0 1.5rem;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 CTA \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .cta-block {\n background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--royal-blue) 0%, var(--dark-navy) 100%);\n border-radius: 12px;\n padding: 2rem;\n text-align: center;\n margin: 2rem 0;\n }\n .cta-block h3 {\n color: var(--white);\n font-family: 'DM Serif Display', Georgia, serif;\n font-size: 1.3rem;\n font-weight: 400;\n margin: 0 0 0.5rem;\n }\n .cta-block p {\n color: var(--sky-blue);\n font-size: 0.9rem;\n margin-bottom: 1.25rem;\n }\n .cta-block a {\n display: inline-block;\n background: var(--white);\n color: var(--royal-blue);\n padding: 0.75rem 2rem;\n border-radius: 8px;\n font-weight: 700;\n text-decoration: none;\n font-size: 0.95rem;\n margin: 0 0.4rem;\n transition: transform 0.15s;\n }\n .cta-block a:hover { transform: translateY(-1px); }\n .cta-block .cta-secondary {\n background: transparent;\n color: var(--white);\n border: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.4);\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 FAQ \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .faq-section {\n background: var(--bg-light);\n border-radius: 12px;\n padding: 2rem 1.75rem;\n margin: 2rem 0;\n }\n .faq-item {\n border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border);\n padding: 1.15rem 0;\n }\n .faq-item:last-child { border-bottom: none; }\n .faq-item h3 {\n font-size: 1rem;\n color: var(--dark-navy);\n margin: 0 0 0.4rem;\n }\n .faq-item p {\n font-size: 0.92rem;\n color: var(--text-muted);\n margin: 0;\n line-height: 1.65;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Footer note \u2500\u2500 *\/\n .footer-note {\n text-align: center;\n padding: 2rem 1.5rem;\n font-size: 0.82rem;\n color: var(--text-muted);\n border-top: 1px solid var(--border);\n margin-top: 2rem;\n }\n\n \/* \u2500\u2500 Responsive \u2500\u2500 *\/\n @media (max-width: 640px) {\n .hero { padding: 2.5rem 1.25rem 2rem; }\n .hero h1 { font-size: 1.5rem; }\n .section-heading { font-size: 1.3rem; }\n .faq-section { padding: 1.25rem; }\n .cta-block { padding: 1.5rem; }\n .cta-block a { display: block; margin: 0.4rem 0; }\n }\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n\n<div class=\"hero\">\n <div class=\"badge\">Complete Guide \u2014 Updated April 2026<\/div>\n <h1>\u0905\u0937\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u0947\u0932\u093f\u092f\u093e\u092e\u093e \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a<\/h1>\n <p class=\"subtitle\">How to apply, what it costs, how long it takes, what shows up, and how to choose a provider \u2014 everything in one place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"container\">\n\n \n <div class=\"answer-box\" style=\"margin-top: 2rem;\">\n <strong>To get a police check in Australia,<\/strong> apply online through an ACIC-accredited provider. The application takes about 5 minutes and 80% of results are returned within 1\u20133 minutes. An employment check costs from $49 and a volunteer check from $21 (inc. GST). No post office or police station visit is required \u2014 the process is 100% online and mobile-friendly.\n <\/div>\n\n \n <nav class=\"toc\">\n <h2>In This Guide<\/h2>\n <ol>\n <li><a href=\"#what-is\">What is a police check in Australia?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#who-needs\">Who needs a police check?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#how-to-apply\">How to apply for a police check online<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#cost\">\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a\u0915\u094b \u0932\u093e\u0917\u0924 \u0915\u0924\u093f \u092a\u0930\u094d\u091b?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#how-long\">\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a \u0915\u0924\u093f \u0938\u092e\u092f \u0932\u093e\u0917\u094d\u091b?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#what-shows-up\">What shows up on a police check?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#afp-vs-ncchc\">AFP check vs NCCHC \u2014 which do you need?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#acic\">What is ACIC accreditation and why it matters<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#how-long-valid\">How long is a police check valid?<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#delays\">Why police checks get delayed<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#business\">Police checks for businesses and employers<\/a><\/li>\n <li><a href=\"#faq\">\u092c\u093e\u0930\u092e\u094d\u092c\u093e\u0930 \u0938\u094b\u0927\u093f\u0928\u0947 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0936\u094d\u0928\u0939\u0930\u0942<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ol>\n <\/nav>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"what-is\">1. What is a police check in Australia?<\/h2>\n\n <p>A police check in Australia \u2014 officially called a <strong>\u0930\u093e\u0937\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u093f\u092f \u0930\u0942\u092a\u092e\u093e \u0938\u092e\u0928\u094d\u0935\u093f\u0924 \u0906\u092a\u0930\u093e\u0927\u093f\u0915 \u0907\u0924\u093f\u0939\u093e\u0938 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a (NCCHC)<\/strong> \u2014 is a search of the national criminal history database maintained by all Australian police agencies. It returns a certificate listing any disclosable court outcomes and pending charges recorded against your name across every state and territory.<\/p>\n\n <p>The National Police Checking Service (NPCS) is administered by the <strong>\u0905\u0937\u094d\u091f\u094d\u0930\u0947\u0932\u093f\u092f\u093e\u0932\u0940 \u0906\u092a\u0930\u093e\u0927\u093f\u0915 \u0916\u0941\u092b\u093f\u092f\u093e \u0906\u092f\u094b\u0917 (ACIC)<\/strong>, which accredits organisations (called “accredited bodies”) to submit checks on behalf of individuals. Worker Checks Pty Ltd is one of these ACIC-accredited bodies.<\/p>\n\n <p>You may also hear a police check referred to as a criminal history check, police clearance, criminal record check, or National Police Certificate \u2014 they all refer to the same process.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"who-needs\">2. Who needs a police check?<\/h2>\n\n <p>A police check is commonly required for:<\/p>\n\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>\u0930\u094b\u091c\u0917\u093e\u0930\u0940<\/strong> \u2014 most employers require a police check as part of pre-employment screening<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0938\u094d\u0935\u092f\u0902\u0938\u0947\u0935\u093e<\/strong> \u2014 charities, community organisations, and schools often require volunteer checks<\/li>\n <li><strong>Licensing and registration<\/strong> \u2014 security, real estate, financial services, rideshare, and other regulated industries<\/li>\n <li><strong>Aged care and disability<\/strong> \u2014 mandatory screening for NDIS providers and aged care workers<\/li>\n <li><strong>Childcare and education<\/strong> \u2014 required alongside Working with Children Checks in most states<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0938\u094d\u0935\u093e\u0938\u094d\u0925\u094d\u092f \u0938\u0947\u0935\u093e<\/strong> \u2014 AHPRA registration and hospital employment<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u092d\u093e\u0921\u093e \u0906\u0935\u0947\u0926\u0928\u0939\u0930\u0942<\/strong> \u2014 increasingly requested by property managers<\/li>\n <li><strong>Immigration and visas<\/strong> \u2014 required for certain visa classes (AFP check specifically)<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>If an employer, organisation, or government body asks you to provide a “police check”, “criminal history check”, or “police clearance”, an NCCHC from an ACIC-accredited provider will meet the requirement in almost all cases. The exception is immigration-related checks, which require an AFP-issued certificate (see <a href=\"#afp-vs-ncchc\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">Section 7<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"how-to-apply\">3. How to apply for a police check online<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>You can apply for a police check entirely online<\/strong> from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. The application takes about 5 minutes if you have your ID documents ready. No appointments, no post office visits, no paper forms.\n <\/div>\n\n <ol class=\"steps\">\n <li><strong>Choose your check type<\/strong> \u2014 employment ($49 inc. GST) or volunteer ($21 inc. GST). Select the correct type for your purpose.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Create your account<\/strong> \u2014 register with the same mobile number you used at checkout.<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0906\u092b\u094d\u0928\u094b \u092a\u0939\u093f\u091a\u093e\u0928 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u092e\u093e\u0923\u093f\u0924 \u0917\u0930\u094d\u0928\u0941\u0939\u094b\u0938\u094d<\/strong> \u2014 start by scanning your primary ID document (passport or driver licence) and completing a biometric selfie match on your phone. Then during the application, upload images of your second and third identity documents (e.g. birth certificate, Medicare card, utility bill). Each document must be a different type.<\/li>\n <li><strong>\u0906\u092b\u094d\u0928\u094b \u0906\u0935\u0947\u0926\u0928 \u092a\u0942\u0930\u093e \u0917\u0930\u094d\u0928\u0941\u0939\u094b\u0938\u094d<\/strong> \u2014 provide your full name, date of birth, 5-year address history, and the purpose of the check.<\/li>\n <li><strong>Receive your certificate<\/strong> \u2014 80% of checks are completed within 1\u20133 minutes. You’ll receive an SMS and email notification when your result is ready. Your certificate is delivered to your secure online portal where you can download the PDF, print it, or share it electronically with employers.<\/li>\n <\/ol>\n\n <h3>What ID do you need?<\/h3>\n <p>You need 3 identity documents, each a different type. The first document is verified biometrically (scanned and matched against a selfie on your phone). The second and third documents are uploaded as images during the application:<\/p>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>Document 1 (biometric verification):<\/strong> Australian passport (expired up to 2 years OK), foreign passport (with valid Australian visa), or Australian driver licence\/learner permit<\/li>\n <li><strong>Document 2 (image upload):<\/strong> Australian passport, foreign passport (current), Australian driver licence, ImmiCard, or birth certificate<\/li>\n <li><strong>Document 3 (image upload):<\/strong> Medicare card, utility bill, Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check, tax file number, electoral enrolment, or other <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%a4%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">accepted supporting documents<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <p>No need to visit a post office, JP, or police station \u2014 everything is completed online from your phone or computer.<\/p>\n <p>For the full list of accepted documents, see <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%a4%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">Police Check ID Requirements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"cost\">4. How much does a police check cost?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check in Australia costs between $21 and $99<\/strong> depending on the provider and check type. The cheapest ACIC-accredited employment check is $49.00 (inc. GST) from Worker Checks. Volunteer checks start from $21.00 (inc. GST).\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Every ACIC-accredited provider issues the same NCCHC certificate from the same national database. The certificate is identical regardless of which provider you use \u2014 price differences reflect service fees only.<\/p>\n\n <table class=\"price-table\">\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th>Provider<\/th>\n <th>Employment (inc GST)<\/th>\n <th>Volunteer (inc GST)<\/th>\n <th>Turnaround<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr class=\"highlight\">\n <td>\u0915\u093e\u092e\u0926\u093e\u0930 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a\u0939\u0930\u0942<\/td>\n <td class=\"price-low\">$49.00<\/td>\n <td class=\"price-low\">$21.00<\/td>\n <td>80% within 1\u20133 min<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>AuthNTick<\/td>\n <td>from $52.72 *<\/td>\n <td>from $22.72 *<\/td>\n <td>Within 24 hours<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>ANCC<\/td>\n <td>$58.19<\/td>\n <td>$27.39<\/td>\n <td>\u0967\u2013\u0969 \u0935\u094d\u092f\u093e\u0935\u0938\u093e\u092f\u093f\u0915 \u0926\u093f\u0928<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>National Crime Check<\/td>\n <td>$58.90<\/td>\n <td>$29.90<\/td>\n <td>Within 24 hours<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>CrimCheck<\/td>\n <td>$60.00 *<\/td>\n <td>$23.10 *<\/td>\n <td>1\u20133 minutes<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Checked Australia<\/td>\n <td>$64.00<\/td>\n <td>$34.00<\/td>\n <td>Within 1 hour<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>CVCheck (fit2work)<\/td>\n <td>$64.80<\/td>\n <td>$27.39<\/td>\n <td>95% in 10 biz days<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>Crime Check Australia<\/td>\n <td>$99.00<\/td>\n <td>$69.00<\/td>\n <td>Within 1 hour<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td>AFP<\/td>\n <td>$56.00 \u2020<\/td>\n <td>$56.00 \u2020<\/td>\n <td>5\u20137 business days<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n <p class=\"table-note\">* GST inclusion not confirmed on provider website. \u2020 GST exempt. Prices verified April 2026 \u2014 confirm current pricing directly with each provider. For a detailed comparison including mobile support and business portals, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/police-check-providers-australia\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">full provider comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"how-long\">5. How long does a police check take?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check takes 1\u20133 minutes for approximately 80% of applications<\/strong> when submitted through an online ACIC-accredited provider. The remaining 20% are flagged for manual review by police agencies, which can take up to 15 business days.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Processing time depends on how you apply:<\/p>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>Online ACIC-accredited provider<\/strong> (e.g. Worker Checks): 80% within 1\u20133 minutes<\/li>\n <li><strong>Australian Federal Police (AFP)<\/strong>: 5\u20137 business days<\/li>\n <li><strong>State police<\/strong> (e.g. Victoria Police, QLD Police via Australia Post): 10+ business days<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>Why do some checks take longer?<\/h3>\n <p>Approximately 20% of all applications are <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%97%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%a2%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8b-%e0%a4%b9%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%95\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">flagged for manual review<\/a> by state and territory police agencies. This happens when the system finds a potential match against police records that requires human verification. No accredited provider can speed up manual reviews \u2014 this step is handled entirely by police agencies and the ACIC.<\/p>\n\n <p>Common reasons for manual review include: common names generating false matches, name changes, previous addresses in multiple states, or the applicant having disclosable court outcomes.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"what-shows-up\">6. What shows up on a police check?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check shows all disclosable court outcomes and pending charges<\/strong> from every Australian state and territory, including criminal convictions, findings of guilt, and traffic offences prosecuted in court.\n <\/div>\n\n <h3>What IS included:<\/h3>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li>Criminal convictions and findings of guilt<\/li>\n <li>Pending charges (not yet resolved in court)<\/li>\n <li>Court-imposed orders<\/li>\n <li>Traffic offences heard in court (e.g. drink driving, dangerous driving)<\/li>\n <li>Non-police prosecuted matters heard in court (e.g. tax offences, workplace safety)<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <h3>What is NOT included:<\/h3>\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li>Spent convictions (in most circumstances, under relevant state\/territory legislation)<\/li>\n <li>Charges that were withdrawn, dismissed, or where no conviction was recorded<\/li>\n <li>Juvenile records (in most states)<\/li>\n <li>Infringement notices (parking fines, speeding fines not heard in court)<\/li>\n <li>Interactions with police that did not result in charges<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>What appears on your certificate depends on the <strong>purpose of the check<\/strong> and which state or territory’s legislation applies. Some categories \u2014 such as working with children, aged care, or positions of trust \u2014 may result in broader disclosure of records that would otherwise be spent or protected.<\/p>\n\n <p>For a detailed state-by-state breakdown, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/what-shows-up-on-a-police-check-in-australia-complete-state-by-state-guide\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">complete state-by-state guide to what shows up on a police check<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"afp-vs-ncchc\">7. AFP check vs NCCHC \u2014 which do you need?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>Most people need an NCCHC, not an AFP check.<\/strong> An NCCHC from any ACIC-accredited provider is accepted for employment, volunteering, licensing, and most regulatory purposes. An AFP check is only required for visa\/immigration applications and certain Commonwealth government roles.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Both checks draw from the same national police database, so the criminal history information returned is equivalent. The differences are:<\/p>\n\n <table class=\"price-table\">\n <thead>\n <tr>\n <th><\/th>\n <th>NCCHC (via accredited provider)<\/th>\n <th>AFP National Police Certificate<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n <tbody>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>\u092e\u0942\u0932\u094d\u092f<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>From $49 (employment) \/ $21 (volunteer)<\/td>\n <td>$56 flat (GST exempt)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>80% within 1\u20133 minutes<\/td>\n <td>5\u20137 business days<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>Use for<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>Employment, volunteering, licensing, registration, tenancy<\/td>\n <td>Immigration, visas, Commonwealth\/ACT government roles<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <tr>\n <td><strong>\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0915\u094d\u0930\u093f\u092f\u093e<\/strong><\/td>\n <td>100% online, mobile-friendly<\/td>\n <td>Online or postal<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n\n <p><strong>Rule of thumb:<\/strong> if your employer, regulator, or organisation has not specifically asked for an “AFP check” or “AFP National Police Certificate”, an NCCHC is what you need. If you’re applying for an Australian visa, you need an AFP check.<\/p>\n\n <p>For a detailed comparison, see <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%b2%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%88-%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a8-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%bf\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">\u092e\u0932\u093e\u0908 \u0915\u0941\u0928 \u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a \u091a\u093e\u0939\u093f\u0928\u094d\u091b?<\/a><\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"acic\">8. What is ACIC accreditation and why it matters<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>ACIC accreditation means the provider has been assessed and approved<\/strong> by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to access the National Police Checking Service and issue official Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Not every company offering “police checks” online is ACIC-accredited. Some are resellers that submit your application through a third-party accredited body, adding cost and delay. When you apply through a directly accredited provider like Worker Checks, your application goes straight to the ACIC system.<\/p>\n\n <p>To be accredited, an organisation must meet strict security, compliance, and data-handling requirements set by the ACIC. This includes ongoing reviews, data quality assessments, and regular audits throughout the life of the accreditation.<\/p>\n\n <p>The ACIC maintains a public register of all accredited bodies at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acic.gov.au\/accredited-bodies\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\" target=\"_blank\">acic.gov.au\/accredited-bodies<\/a>. Worker Checks Pty Ltd is listed there as an accredited body authorised to provide checks directly to members of the public and other organisations.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"how-long-valid\">9. How long is a police check valid?<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"answer-box\">\n <strong>A police check has no fixed expiry date.<\/strong> It is a point-in-time certificate reflecting your criminal history on the date it was issued. Each organisation decides how recent the certificate must be \u2014 typically within 3, 6, or 12 months.\n <\/div>\n\n <p>Because criminal history can change at any time, a police check cannot be “ongoing”. A new offence recorded after your certificate was issued will not appear on your existing check \u2014 you would need to apply for a new one.<\/p>\n\n <p>Worker Checks displays your certificate in your secure portal for 3 months from the date of issue. After that, it is removed from the system in accordance with ACIC data-handling requirements. You should download your PDF certificate within that window.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"delays\">10. Why police checks get delayed<\/h2>\n\n <p>Approximately 20% of police check applications are flagged for manual review. This is not caused by the provider you use \u2014 it is handled entirely by state and territory police agencies and the ACIC. Common reasons include:<\/p>\n\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li><strong>Common name matches<\/strong> \u2014 the system finds a potential match that needs human verification<\/li>\n <li><strong>Multiple name changes<\/strong> \u2014 marriage, deed poll, or cultural naming conventions<\/li>\n <li><strong>Addresses across multiple states<\/strong> \u2014 triggers cross-jurisdictional checks<\/li>\n <li><strong>Existing disclosable court outcomes<\/strong> \u2014 a police agency needs to verify what is disclosable for your check purpose<\/li>\n <li><strong>Incomplete or unclear identity documents<\/strong> \u2014 blurry photos, expired documents, or mismatched names<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>No accredited provider can expedite a manual review. If your check is delayed, the best course of action is to wait and check your portal for updates. For more information, see <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%97%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%a2%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%8b-%e0%a4%b9%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%95\/\" style=\"color: var(--royal-blue);\">Reasons a Police Check is Delayed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"business\">11. Police checks for businesses and employers<\/h2>\n\n <p>If you process police checks for multiple workers \u2014 whether staff, contractors, or volunteers \u2014 a business screening portal saves significant time and administrative effort. Worker Checks offers <strong>\u092c\u093f\u091c\u0928\u0947\u0938\u0939\u092c<\/strong>, a free workforce screening platform with:<\/p>\n\n <ul style=\"margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 1.5rem;\">\n <li>Bulk worker onboarding \u2014 upload and invite workers in batches<\/li>\n <li>Employer-pay or worker-pay billing \u2014 choose who covers the cost<\/li>\n <li>Monthly account billing for high-volume organisations<\/li>\n <li>Real-time compliance dashboard \u2014 see check status, expiry dates, and non-compliance alerts<\/li>\n <li>Police Checks, VEVO, WWCC, NDIS Worker Screening \u2014 tracked in one place<\/li>\n <li>Custom branding on worker invitations and correspondence<\/li>\n <li>Automated expiry reminders<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <p>BusinessHub is free \u2014 there is no subscription fee or setup cost. You only pay per check at standard pricing ($49 employment \/ $21 volunteer, inc. GST).<\/p>\n\n \n <div class=\"cta-block\">\n <h3>Ready to get your police check?<\/h3>\n <p>100% online. Mobile-friendly. 80% of results within 1\u20133 minutes.<\/p>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%82\/ncchc\/\">Start Your Check \u2014 $49<\/a>\n <a href=\"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/%e0%a4%aa%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%b0%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%81%e0%a4%9a-%e0%a4%b5%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%af%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a7\/\" class=\"cta-secondary\">Business Accounts<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n <h2 class=\"section-heading\" id=\"faq\">12. Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"faq-section\">\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>How do I get a police check in Australia?<\/h3>\n <p>Apply online through an ACIC-accredited provider such as Worker Checks. The application takes about 5 minutes and 80% of results are returned within 1\u20133 minutes. No post office or police station visit is required.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>How much does a police check cost in Australia?<\/h3>\n <p>ACIC-accredited employment checks range from $49 to $99 (inc. GST) depending on the provider. Worker Checks charges $49 for employment and $21 for volunteer checks. The AFP charges $56 (GST exempt).<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>\u092a\u094d\u0930\u0939\u0930\u0940 \u091c\u093e\u0901\u091a \u0915\u0924\u093f \u0938\u092e\u092f \u0932\u093e\u0917\u094d\u091b?<\/h3>\n <p>With an online provider, 80% of checks are completed within 1\u20133 minutes. Approximately 20% are flagged for manual review by police agencies, which can take up to 15 business days.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>What shows up on a police check?<\/h3>\n <p>Disclosable court outcomes and pending charges from all Australian states and territories. This includes criminal convictions, findings of guilt, and court-prosecuted traffic offences. Spent convictions, dismissed charges, and parking\/speeding fines are generally not included.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Do I need an AFP check or an NCCHC?<\/h3>\n <p>Most people need an NCCHC. An AFP check is specifically required for visa\/immigration applications and certain Commonwealth government roles. For employment, volunteering, and licensing, an NCCHC from any ACIC-accredited provider is accepted.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Are all police checks the same?<\/h3>\n <p>Yes. Every NCCHC issued by an ACIC-accredited body uses the same national database and carries the same legal validity. The certificate is identical regardless of provider.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>How long is a police check valid?<\/h3>\n <p>There is no fixed expiry. It is a point-in-time certificate. Each requesting organisation sets its own policy \u2014 typically requiring one issued within 3, 6, or 12 months.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Can any provider speed up a manual review?<\/h3>\n <p>No. Manual reviews are handled by state and territory police agencies and the ACIC. No accredited body can influence or expedite this process.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>What is the cheapest police check in Australia?<\/h3>\n <p>As of April 2026, the cheapest ACIC-accredited employment check is $49.00 inc. GST from Worker Checks. Volunteer checks start from $21.00 inc. GST.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Can I use a police check from one state in another?<\/h3>\n <p>Yes. An NCCHC covers all Australian states and territories. The result is valid anywhere in Australia regardless of where you live or which provider you used.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>What is an ACIC-accredited provider?<\/h3>\n <p>An organisation that has been assessed and approved by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission to access the National Police Checking Service and issue official Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks. Worker Checks is an ACIC-accredited body.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"faq-item\">\n <h3>Can businesses process police checks in bulk?<\/h3>\n <p>Yes. Worker Checks offers BusinessHub, a free workforce screening portal for bulk onboarding, employer-pay or worker-pay billing, compliance tracking, and automated expiry reminders.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"footer-note\">\n Last updated April 2026. Worker Checks Pty Ltd is an ACIC-accredited body.<br>\n Pricing verified from provider websites and may change \u2014 confirm directly with each provider.<br>\n This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.\n<\/div>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Police Checks in Australia: The Complete Guide (2026) Complete Guide \u2014 Updated April 2026 Police Checks in Australia How to apply, what it costs, how long it takes, what shows up, and how to choose a provider \u2014 everything in one place. To get a police check in Australia, apply online through an ACIC-accredited provider….<\/p>","protected":false},"author":196713191,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15460","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15460","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/196713191"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15460\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/workerchecks.com\/ne\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15460"}],"curies":[{"name":"\u0921\u092c\u094d\u0932\u094d\u092f\u0942\u092a\u0940","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}