Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check South Australia
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
South Australian 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 SA — always confirm the exact requirements with the organisation requesting your check. Applications are processed the same way whether you're in Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Port Augusta or regional SA.
Which check do you actually need in South Australia?
Three different screening checks are common in South Australia, 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 South Australian 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 Screening Unit in the SA Department of Human Services. South Australia's WWCC is mandatory for child-related work and is valid for five years. The DHS Screening Unit also issues other SA-specific screenings, including the NDIS Worker Check and aged care sector screening, which employers may request alongside or instead of an NCCHC.
NDIS Worker Check
Required for workers in risk-assessed roles with registered NDIS providers, and issued through the DHS Screening Unit. Many disability and community care roles in South Australia 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.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) 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 South Australia Police (SAPOL)
- SAPOL issues National Police Certificates online and through its Information Release Services.
- 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 South Australia?
Applications from Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Murray Bridge, the Barossa and regional SA are processed the same way. These are the sectors where we see the most South Australian applicants.
Aged care and disability
SA's large aged care and disability sectors routinely require an NCCHC before workers start, often together with a DHS aged care sector screening or NDIS Worker Check depending on the role.
Defence, shipbuilding and resources
Contractors and employees supporting defence and shipbuilding projects at Osborne, and resources projects in the Upper Spencer Gulf, are commonly asked for an NCCHC as part of onboarding.
Hospitality and wine tourism
Venues in Adelaide, the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills frequently require an NCCHC for staff handling cash or working on licensed premises.
Education and training
Schools, TAFE SA and universities request an NCCHC for new staff and placement students, with a WWCC for any child-related role.
Common Questions About
the NCCHC in SA
Everything you need to know about Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks for South Australian residents.
How much does an NCCHC cost in SA?
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 SA-specific screening process and cannot be substituted with an NCCHC. SA WWCCs are managed by the Department of Human Services Screening Unit.
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.