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Comparison of Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and National Police Certificate (AFP Check)

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In this article, you'll learn about the differences between the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), undertaken through the National Police Checking Service (NPCS) and a National Police Certificate, undertaken through the Australian Federal Police (AFP check) that Certn offers through Intercheck Global Pty Ltd (InterCheck Australia, "InterCheck").  InterCheck is a wholly owned subsidiary of Certn and is an accredited body authorised by the National Police Checking Service to provide NCCHCs.  InterCheck is also an account holder with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to National Police Certificates. 

This article is for clients who want to understand whether a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks or a National Police Certificate (AFP check) is suitable for an application.

Certn and InterCheck offers two different types of Australian criminal background checks:

1. A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check via the National Police Checking Service; and

2. A National Police Certificate via 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.

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

Use the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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 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.
  • Your team to access results is based in Australia.

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 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.
  • You or your candidate requires a National Police Certificate issued by an Australia police department.
  • Your team to access results is not based in Australia and/or you are required to transfer results out of Australia.
Identity documents collected to process the check. Please refer to the Certn Help article, "Documents required for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check" 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 Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks” for more information.

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

If a National Police Certificate is required, you should allow an additional 5-10 business days.
Platform

Offered via the InterCheck platform.

Offered via the Certn platform.

 

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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