In Australia, criminal background checks can be obtained from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and state or territory police departments, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The ACIC facilitates the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and the AFP facilitates National Police Certificates. While similar in many aspects, each of these checks has distinct characteristics and purposes.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) administers the National Police Checking Service which facilitates access to police information (as provided and maintained by Australian police agencies) in accordance with relevant Australian legislation. The National Police Checking Service provides access to Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checksacross all Australian states and territories. It aggregates data from various state and territory police services. It’s broadly used for Australian candidates for employment, volunteering, licencing and probity checking.

As an Accredited Agency, we’re required to have all customers using the National Police Checking Service approved by the ACIC. Customers are also required to agree to and sign a Terms of Use agreement. Candidates must provide specific information for each request for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, including specific identification and consent.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is Australia’s national policing agency responsible for enforcing Commonwealth (federal) laws and laws of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The AFP offers a National Police Certificate based on national records, including data from all Australian states and territories. A National Police Certificate is most often used for purposes relating to federal government positions or Australian government roles, National Police Certificates for non-Australian candidates , certain immigration and visa applications, and national security clearances. Candidates must provide consent to obtain a National Police Certificate, along with 100 points of identification.

Yes. Certn’s wholly owned subsidiary, InterCheck Global Pty Ltd (trading as Intercheck Australia and Certn) is an Accredited Agency with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) to access the National Police Checking Service, we provide Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks (NCCHCs). We also have an account with the Australian Federal Police to provide National Police Certificates.

Yes. We’re able to provide criminal history background checks for every organisation and individual requiring a check, including those working in regulated sectors. These include, but aren’t limited to: aged care workers, finance licensing, mortgage licencing, and ASIC licencing.

Your NPC will list “disclosable court outcomes” released in line with federal, state, and territory laws, including the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) and the Spent Convictions Act 2000 (ACT).

Depending on the relevant state or territory legislation, it may not include:

• Convictions considered “spent” under federal or state legislation; and
• Guilty findings without conviction.

Some categories of employment or purposes of the check are exempt from any relevant legislation. We cannot tell you in advance what may or may not be on your NPC. You’ll need to check with the criminal records section of the relevant state or territory police service.

We don’t provide any advice around hiring decisions. While we will provide a comprehensive set of background checking reports outlining any criminal history or other required credential checks, the actual decision to proceed with hiring a potential candidate is your own business decision. Our background checks reports help support your decision making process and help to mitigate HR risks.