If you’re hiring in Australia or completing a background check for a new role, you may come across several similar-sounding terms, including Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Australian Federal Police Check, National Police Check and Federal Police Check.
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important differences between a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and an Australian Federal Police Check (AFP Check).
Understanding these differences can help employers request the appropriate check for their circumstances and help candidates understand what they’re being asked to provide.
What is a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check?
A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) is facilitated through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s (ACIC) National Police Checking Service.
The National Police Checking Service provides access to police information supplied and maintained by Australian police agencies, in accordance with relevant Australian legislation.
This means an NCCHC is not limited to information from one particular state or territory. The service coordinates information from police agencies across Australia to produce a nationally coordinated check.
NCCHCs are broadly used for purposes including:
- Employment
- Volunteering
- Licensing
- Probity checking
Organisations can access the National Police Checking Service through an ACIC Accredited Body or Accredited Agency, such as InterCheck.
What is an Australian Federal Police Check?
An National Police Check (NPC), commonly known as an AFP Check, is facilitated by the Australian Federal Police.
The AFP is Australia’s national policing agency and is responsible for enforcing Commonwealth laws and laws within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The result of an AFP Check is formally provided as a National Police Certificate. It is based on national records and can include information from Australian states and territories.
AFP Checks are most commonly used for purposes such as:
- Certain Australian Government or federal government positions
- Checks for non-Australian candidates
- Certain immigration and visa applications
- National security clearances
The appropriate check will ultimately depend on why the check is being requested and any specific requirements that apply to the role, application or organization.
NCCHC vs AFP Check: what’s the main difference?
The main difference between an NCCHC and an AFP Check is how the checks are facilitated and the purposes for which they are commonly used.
An NCCHC is facilitated through the ACIC’s National Police Checking Service and is widely used for employment, volunteering, licensing and probity purposes in Australia.
An AFP Check is facilitated by the Australian Federal Police and is more commonly associated with specific federal government purposes, certain immigration and visa applications, checks involving non-Australian candidates and national security clearances.
Both checks can involve police information from across Australian states and territories. The distinction is therefore not simply that one is “national” while the other is “federal”.
Is a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check the same as a National Police Check?
You may still see the term National Police Check used by employers and candidates when referring generally to criminal history checking in Australia.
When discussing a check accessed through the ACIC’s National Police Checking Service, however, Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is the more precise terminology.
Similarly, terms such as Federal Police Check, AFP Police Check and Australian Federal Police Check are commonly used when referring to a check facilitated by the Australian Federal Police.
If an organisation has requested a police check, candidates should confirm the specific type of check required rather than relying solely on these general terms.
What do employers need to know about NCCHCs?
Access to the National Police Checking Service is subject to ACIC requirements.
As an Accredited Body/Agency, InterCheck by Certn is required to have customers using the National Police Checking Service approved by the ACIC. Customers must also agree to and sign applicable Terms of Use.
For each NCCHC request, applicants must provide specific information, including the required identification and consent. InterCheck must also establish a link between the applicant, their identity documents and their application.
These requirements form part of the framework governing access to the National Police Checking Service and the handling of applicants’ information.
What identification is required for an Australian Federal Police Check?
Candidates applying for an AFP Check must provide their consent and meet the Australian Federal Police’s identification requirements.
This includes providing 100 points of identification as part of the application process.
Because requirements can vary depending on the purpose of a police check, candidates should make sure they are applying for the type of check requested by the relevant employer, government department or other organisation.
Which police check do I need?
For many Australian employment, volunteering, licensing and probity purposes, an NCCHC facilitated through the ACIC’s National Police Checking Service may be appropriate.
However, some circumstances call for an Australian Federal Police Check instead. These can include certain federal or Australian Government roles, checks involving non-Australian candidates, certain immigration or visa applications, and national security clearances.
If you’re an employer, avoid assuming that every role requires the same type of criminal history check. Consider the purpose of the check and any industry, regulatory or government requirements that apply to the position.
If you’re a candidate and have been asked to obtain a police check, check the requesting organisation’s instructions carefully before applying.
Simplify criminal background checks with InterCheck
InterCheck, part of Certn, helps Australian organisations conduct background screening through a streamlined digital platform.
As an ACIC Accredited Body/Agency, InterCheck provides access to Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks through the National Police Checking Service, helping organisations incorporate criminal history checking into their broader screening processes.
Whether you’re screening one candidate or managing background checks across a growing workforce, having the right process can make it easier to complete checks efficiently while meeting applicable requirements.
Need a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for your candidates? Learn more about InterCheck and get started today.
