What Is a Police Check?
A police check, or Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), is an official document summarising disclosable court outcomes from Australian police databases, used by employers and organisations for background checks.
A police check — formally a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) — is an official document summarising your disclosable court outcomes from police databases across all Australian states and territories, coordinated through the ACIC.
-
What does a police check cover?
It draws on every Australian police jurisdiction — state and territory police, the Australian Federal Police, and correctional services databases — coordinated through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
-
What a police check is not
- Not a State Police Certificate — that covers one state only.
- Does not include overseas criminal records.
- Not the same as an ASIC/MSIC clearance or a Working With Children Check.
-
Is it recognised Australia-wide?
Yes. An NCCHC is accepted by employers, licensing bodies, professional associations, and government agencies across all of Australia.
-
Why do people need one?
Employers, licensing bodies, and volunteer organisations request a police check to confirm an applicant's disclosable criminal history before offering a role or licence.