Australian Federal Police National Police Certificate

You must obtain a National Police Certificate (NPC) issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) before commencing placement. Checks issued by third-party organisations are not accepted.

How to apply

• Apply early: Most digital certificates are issued within a few days, but some applications take longer.
• Fee: $56.00, plus any online payment surcharge. You are responsible for all costs.
• Certificate format: Request both digital and hard-copy certificates and keep both.
• Fingerprint check: Not required.
• Purpose of Check: In section 2.3, select code 37 — ‘Care, instruction or supervision of children/Care of intellectually disabled persons/Aged care staff or volunteers’.

Certificate validity

The AFP does not set an expiry date. For most placement facilities, including registered aged care facilities, an NPC is generally accepted for three years from the date of issue. However, a facility may require a more recent certificate.

Next steps

• Check current fees, processing times and instructions on the AFP National Police Checks website.
• Once received, provide a copy of your certificate to the Professional Experience Placement Unit.