Support Centre & FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks, or reach our team directly.
Common Questions About
National Police Checks
Everything you need to know about Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks (NCCHC) — what they are, how long they take, and what’s disclosed.
What is a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)?
A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is an official check of a person’s criminal history across all Australian states and territories, coordinated by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) through the National Police Checking Service (NPCS).
It discloses disclosable court outcomes — which may include convictions, findings of guilt, sentences, and in some cases pending charges. It is also commonly referred to as a National Police Check or National Police Certificate (NPC).
NCCHCs are required for pre-employment screening, professional licensing, working with children, aged care, NDIS, security industry roles, and visa applications.
What is the difference between an NCCHC and a state-based police check?
A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check searches criminal history records across all Australian states and territories simultaneously through the ACIC’s National Police Checking Service.
A state-based police check only searches records held by that one state’s police service and does not capture records from other jurisdictions.
For most employment, licensing, and regulatory purposes — including aged care, NDIS, aviation, healthcare, and finance — an NCCHC is required. Always confirm which type of check is needed for your specific purpose.
How long does a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check take?
National Clearance Australia cannot guarantee a specific turnaround time. All checks are processed by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) — an independent government agency — and processing times are determined by the ACIC, not by NCA.
In practice, approximately 70% of checks are returned within a few hours of submission. However, some applications require further review by the ACIC and can take up to 10 business days. Factors that may extend processing include common names, interstate record matching, or the need for manual review of records.
NCA will keep you informed of your application status. If your check is time-sensitive, we recommend applying as early as possible.
How long is an NCCHC valid for?
An NCCHC is a point-in-time record — it reflects your criminal history at the date it was issued and is not automatically updated.
Under ACIC guidelines, an Accredited Body must not provide a copy of an NCCHC after 3 months have passed since it was issued by the ACIC — except where required by law or with the prior written consent of the ACIC. If a check is requested after 3 months have elapsed, a new application is required.
Many employers and licensing bodies set their own validity requirements — commonly between 3 and 12 months. Always check what is required for your specific purpose before applying.
What does an NCCHC disclose?
An NCCHC may disclose:
• Convictions and findings of guilt
• Sentences imposed (fines, good behaviour bonds, imprisonment)
• Pending charges or matters awaiting court (in some circumstances)
• Traffic offences (depending on severity and jurisdiction)
What is disclosed depends on the purpose of the check, relevant legislation in each state or territory, and the applicable spent convictions scheme. Not all offences are disclosed — older minor offences may be ‘spent’ and excluded.
I have an old conviction. Will it appear on my NCCHC?
Whether a past conviction appears depends on: the nature and seriousness of the offence, the sentence received, how much time has elapsed, and the spent convictions legislation in the relevant jurisdiction.
In many cases, older minor offences may be ‘spent’ and will not be disclosed. The ACIC applies relevant state or territory legislation when determining what appears. If you have concerns about a specific matter, we recommend seeking independent legal advice before applying.
What information do I need to apply?
To apply for an NCCHC through National Clearance Australia you will need:
• Full legal name (including all previous names and aliases)
• Date of birth
• Current residential address and address history
• Identity verification documents (completed securely online)
You do not need to visit a police station, post office, or any physical location. The entire process is completed online through NCA’s secure platform.
Is my NCCHC accepted across all Australian states and territories?
Yes. An NCCHC issued through National Clearance Australia is nationally recognised and accepted by employers, licensing bodies, and government agencies across all eight Australian states and territories — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT.
Is my personal information kept secure?
Yes. National Clearance Australia handles all personal information in strict accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
Your data is transmitted via encrypted channels and is only used for the purpose of processing your police check application. It is never sold or shared with third parties beyond what is required to complete your check.
Can I use my NCCHC for a Working with Children Check?
No. A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a separate, state-administered screening process and cannot be substituted with an NCCHC. Each state and territory administers its own WWCC scheme through the relevant government body.
An NCCHC and a WWCC serve different purposes and are often both required for roles working with children.
Who is National Clearance Australia and are you ACIC-accredited?
National Clearance Australia (NCA) is an online police check service accredited by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) under the National Police Checking Service (NPCS) Accreditation Scheme. Only ACIC-accredited agencies are authorised to submit NCCHC applications directly to the ACIC.
NCA is a subsidiary of Job Trainer Australia (RTO 45742), a nationally registered training organisation regulated by ASQA.
Still have a question?
Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AWST. We typically respond to emails within one business day.