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Comparison of ACIC and AFP checks

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In this article, you'll learn about the differences between the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) checks and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks that Certn offers through Intercheck Global Pty Ltd (Certn InterCheck) which is part of the Certn Group. InterCheck is authorised by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to conduct criminal record checks. 

This article is for clients who want to understand whether an ACIC or an AFP check is appropriate for an application.

Certn Intercheck offers two different types of Australian criminal record checks: the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) check and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) check. These two checks are used for different purposes. Please see the table below for a summary of each check.

  ACIC Check AFP Check
 Formally known as ... Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) National Police Check (NPC)
Who should order this check?

Use the ACIC check if all of the following statements are true:

  • Your organization has an Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Your candidate currently resides in Australia.
    Your candidate does not currently reside in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
  • Your candidate is not seeking the check for immigration or visa purposes.
  • Your candidate is not seeking the check for employment with the Australian Commonwealth Government or under Commonwealth legislation.

Use an AFP check if any of the following statements are true:

  • Your organization does not have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Your candidate does not currently reside in Australia.
  • Your candidate previously resided or currently resides in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
  • Your candidate is seeking the check for immigration or visa purposes.
  • Your candidate is seeking the check for employment with the Australian Commonwealth Government or under Commonwealth legislation.
Identity documents collected to process the check. Please refer to the Certn Help article, "Documents required for Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) checks." Please refer to the Certn Help article, "Documents required for Australian Federal Police (AFP) checks."
Standard turnaround times.

The average turn around time for the majority of checks is 1 to 2 business days. However some circumstances can lead to a longer turn around time.

Please refer to “Overview of Australian Criminal Intellgience Commission (ACIC) checks” for more information.

 The average turn around time for the majority of checks is 5 to 15 business days.

 

How to get started

If you're new to Certn and you want to start ordering this check, start by creating your account.

If you have more questions or need help getting started with this check, contact our Support team.

 

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