Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Australian Capital Territory
Get your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check online from $29. Fast, secure, and accepted Australia-wide. No police station visits required.
inc GST
inc GST
ACT residents can apply online for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check through National Clearance Australia. Your NCCHC is issued through the ACIC's National Police Checking Service and is accepted across the ACT — including by the Australian Public Service, ACT Health, defence and national security employers, aged care providers, and ACT licensing authorities. Applications are processed the same way whether you're in Canberra, Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong or Gungahlin.
Which check do you actually need in Australian Capital Territory?
Three different screening checks are common in Australian Capital Territory, and employers sometimes use the names interchangeably. They are not the same thing, and getting the wrong one means applying twice. Here's how they fit together.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
This is the check National Clearance Australia provides. It's the national criminal history check processed through the ACIC's National Police Checking Service, drawing on police records from every Australian state and territory. It's the check most ACT employers mean when they ask for a "police check", "national police check" or "criminal history check", and it's accepted Australia-wide.
Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration
Issued by Access Canberra. The ACT's WWVP registration covers work with children and vulnerable adults across childcare, education, disability, aged care, health, housing and many volunteer roles. It's valid for five years and is separate from an NCCHC — most Canberra employers in these sectors require both.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Required for workers in risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers, and issued through Access Canberra. Many disability and community care roles in Australian Capital Territory require this in addition to an NCCHC.
Not sure which one you need? Ask the organisation requesting the check before you apply. If they've said "police check" or "criminal history check", an NCCHC is almost always what they mean.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) certificate or an NCCHC through NCA?
Both routes run through the same National Police Checking Service and return the same nationally coordinated result. The difference is how you apply and how quickly you get it back.
Applying through Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- The AFP acts as the ACT's community police and issues National Police Checks to ACT residents through its online service.
- Application methods and fees are set by the police agency
- Processing time depends on the agency's workload
Applying through National Clearance Australia
- 100% online — no forms, no printing, no appointments
- Employment check $59, volunteer check $29 (inc GST)
- Around 70% of results returned within 24 hours
- Identity verified by the NCA team, result delivered to your account
Because NCA is an ACIC Accredited Body, an NCCHC issued through us carries the same standing as one issued through a police agency. If an employer asks for a "national police check", either will be accepted — and in the small number of cases where an organisation specifically requires a certificate issued by the police agency itself, they'll tell you.
Who typically needs an NCCHC in Australian Capital Territory?
Applications from Canberra, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, Queanbeyan and the surrounding region are processed the same way. These are the sectors where we see the most ACT applicants.
Australian Public Service and government contractors
APS agencies, parliamentary departments and government contractors in Canberra routinely require an NCCHC as part of pre-employment screening, and it's a standard component of the baseline security clearance process.
Health, aged care and disability
Canberra Health Services, aged care providers and NDIS providers require an NCCHC before employment, alongside WWVP registration for roles involving vulnerable people.
Education and childcare
ACT schools, the Canberra Institute of Technology, universities and early childhood centres request an NCCHC from new staff and placement students, with WWVP registration for child-related roles.
Defence industry and consulting
Defence contractors, consultancies and IT firms supporting Commonwealth agencies commonly include an NCCHC in their onboarding process.
Common Questions About
the NCCHC in the ACT
Everything you need to know about Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks for ACT residents.
How much does an NCCHC cost in the ACT?
Employment Check: $59.00 (inc. GST) — for paid employment, licensing, and accreditation
Volunteer Check: $29.00 (inc. GST) — for volunteers with ACNC-registered charities or not-for-profits, or students completing a compulsory unpaid placement for an Australian education provider.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Afterpay.
How long does an NCCHC take?
Processing times are determined by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Approximately 70% of checks are returned within 24 hours. Some may take up to 10 business days.
What identification do I need to apply?
The National Police Checking Service requires three identity documents — one from each of three categories: one Commencement of Identity document (such as a birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate), one Primary Use in Community document (such as an Australian driver licence or passport), and one Secondary Use in Community document (such as a Medicare card). Together they must show your full name, date of birth and a photograph.
Is this the same as Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration?
No. Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration is the ACT's screening for people working with children or vulnerable adults, and is a separate process that cannot be substituted with an NCCHC. ACT WWVP Registration is managed by Access Canberra.
Is National Clearance Australia ACIC accredited?
Yes. National Clearance Australia is a trading name of Job Trainer Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 95 647 755 600), which is accredited by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission as an Accredited Body.
Who issues my results?
Your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Results Report is issued through the ACIC's National Police Checking Service and provided to you by National Clearance Australia.
Ready to Get Your ACT Check?
Employment checks from $59, volunteer checks from $29. ACIC accredited, 100% online.