What Is the Difference Between a National and State Police Check?
National police checks cover all Australian states and territories, while state police certificates are jurisdiction-specific. National checks are widely accepted for employment, licensing, and volunteering.
A national police check (NCCHC) searches every Australian state and territory at once and is accepted nationwide. A state police certificate covers only one jurisdiction's records. For most jobs, licences, and volunteering, you need the national check.
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National check (NCCHC)
Searches police databases across all states and territories simultaneously. Coordinated through the ACIC, it's the most comprehensive check and is accepted nationally for most employment, licensing, volunteering, and regulatory purposes.
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State police certificate
Issued directly by an individual state or territory police force (e.g. WA Police, NSW Police) and covers only records held by that specific jurisdiction. Records from other states would not appear.
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Which one do you need?
- For most employment, licensing, and regulatory purposes — you need an NCCHC.
- Some state-specific processes may require a state certificate — always confirm with the requesting organisation.
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What NCA provides
National Clearance Australia provides NCCHCs only. If you specifically require a state police certificate, apply directly through the relevant state police force.