Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check New South Wales
Get your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check online from $29. Fast, secure, and accepted Australia-wide. 100% online, no paperwork, no queues.
inc GST
inc GST
New South Wales residents can apply online for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check through National Clearance Australia. Your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is recognised by employers and organisations across NSW — always confirm the exact requirements with the organisation requesting your check. Applications are processed the same way whether you're in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast or regional NSW.
Which check do you actually need in New South Wales?
Three different screening checks are common in New South Wales, 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 NSW employers mean when they ask for a "police check", "national police check" or "criminal history check", and it's accepted Australia-wide.
Working With Children Check (WWCC)
Issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian. If you'll be working or volunteering in child-related roles in NSW — schools, childcare, sport, church or youth programs — the organisation will ask for a WWCC clearance number. That's a five-year clearance issued by the Office of the Children's Guardian, and it's a completely separate application from an NCCHC.
NDIS Worker Check
Required for workers in risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers, and issued through Service NSW. Many disability and community care roles in New South Wales 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.
NSW Police Force 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 NSW Police Force
- NSW Police issues National Police Certificates to residents, typically by paper application through a police station, Service NSW centre or by post.
- 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 New South Wales?
Applications from Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast, Central West and regional NSW are processed the same way. These are the sectors where we see the most NSW applicants.
Aged care and disability support
Home care providers, residential aged care and NDIS providers across NSW routinely require a current NCCHC before a worker starts, in addition to the NDIS Worker Check for registered providers.
Hospitality, liquor and gaming
Licensees and approved managers in NSW hospitality often need a police check for liquor licensing purposes, alongside RSA and RCG competency cards issued through Liquor & Gaming NSW.
Security and transport
Applications for a NSW security licence through SLED, and driver authorisations for taxi and rideshare work through Point to Point Transport, require criminal history screening.
Education and training
Schools, TAFE NSW, universities and RTOs commonly ask new staff, contractors and placement students for an NCCHC, with a WWCC added for any child-related role.
Common Questions About
the NCCHC in NSW
Everything you need to know about Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks for New South Wales residents.
How much does an NCCHC cost in NSW?
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 a Working With Children Check?
No. A Working With Children Check (WWCC) is a separate NSW-specific screening process and cannot be substituted with an NCCHC. NSW WWCCs are managed by the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.
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 Check?
Employment checks from $59, volunteer checks from $29. ACIC accredited, 100% online.