Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Northern Territory
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
Northern Territory 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 NT — always confirm the exact requirements with the organisation requesting your check. Applications are processed the same way whether you're in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine or regional and remote NT.
Which check do you actually need in the Northern Territory?
Three different screening checks are common in the Northern 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 Territory 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 Clearance (Ochre Card)
Issued by SAFE NT, part of Northern Territory Police. The NT's Ochre Card is the working with children clearance and is mandatory for child-related work and many volunteer roles. It's valid for two years and is issued by SAFE NT. Employers in childcare, schools, sport, youth services and remote community programs will ask for an Ochre Card number, not an NCCHC, for those purposes.
NDIS Worker Screening Check
Required for workers in risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers, and issued through SAFE NT. Many disability and community care roles in the Northern 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.
Northern Territory Police (SAFE NT) 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 Northern Territory Police (SAFE NT)
- NT Police issues National Police Certificates through SAFE NT, online and by paper application.
- 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 the Northern Territory?
Applications from Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy and remote Territory communities are processed the same way. These are the sectors where we see the most Territory applicants.
Remote and community services
Roles in remote communities — health, education, community development, land councils and local government — commonly require an NCCHC before deployment, alongside an Ochre Card for any child-related work.
Mining, gas and construction
Resources projects across the Territory, including gas developments near Darwin and mining operations in the Barkly and Gove regions, include an NCCHC in site induction requirements.
Health, aged care and disability
NT Health, aged care providers and NDIS providers require an NCCHC before employment, with the NDIS Worker Screening Check for risk-assessed roles.
Tourism and hospitality
Darwin, Alice Springs, Kakadu and Uluru tourism operators and venues frequently ask for an NCCHC for seasonal and guest-facing staff.
Common Questions About
the NCCHC in the NT
Everything you need to know about Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks for Northern Territory residents.
How much does an NCCHC cost in the NT?
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 an Ochre Card?
No. An Ochre Card (Working with Children Clearance) is the NT's screening for people working with children, and is a separate process that cannot be substituted with an NCCHC. Ochre Cards are managed by SAFE NT.
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.