What Is the Difference Between a National and State Police Check?
Learn the key differences between a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and a State Police Certificate in Australia, including their coverage, issuing authorities, and appropriate use cases for employment, licensing, and regulatory needs.
An NCCHC searches police databases across all Australian states and territories simultaneously. It is coordinated through ACIC and is the most comprehensive form of police check available in Australia. It is accepted nationally for most employment, licensing, volunteering, and regulatory purposes.
A state police certificate is issued directly by an individual state or territory police force (e.g. WA Police, NSW Police) and only covers records held by that specific jurisdiction. Records from other states would not appear.
- For the vast majority of employment, licensing, and regulatory purposes — you need an NCCHC.
- Some state-specific processes may specify a state police certificate — always confirm with the requesting organisation.
If you specifically require a state police certificate, you will need to apply directly through the relevant state police force.
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