In the modern Australian workforce, a police clearance is more than just a piece of paper; it is a vital currency of trust. Whether you are moving into a new corporate role, applying for a specialized license, or preparing for an international visa, you have likely encountered the term AFP check. While many applicants use this term interchangeably with other types of background screening, understanding the nuances of how it works and how to get one quickly can save you weeks of administrative delays.
At Rapid Screening, we specialize in making the complex world of national police clearances simple. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the AFP check, the official terminology used by government bodies, and why choosing an accredited online provider is the smartest move for your career.
Understanding the AFP Check and National Clearances
Individuals frequently use the term AFP check when they search for a police clearance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). While the acronym AFP is a common shorthand or misspelling of the AFP, the underlying requirement remains the same: a formal review of an individual’s criminal history records held by police agencies across the country.
The Two Main Types of Police Checks
When someone tells you that you need a clearance, you generally face two official pathways:
- Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC): This is the most common police check used for general employment, volunteering, and occupational licensing. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and its accredited providers conduct the check.
- Australian Federal Police (AFP) Check: Individuals frequently use the term AFP check when they search for a police clearance from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Regardless of whether you refer to it as a National Police Check or an AFP check, the goal is the same, to provide an employer or regulatory body with a point in time summary of your disclosable court outcomes.
Why Is an AFP Check Required?
Employers and regulatory bodies have a duty of care to ensure their staff and volunteers are suitable for their roles. This is particularly critical in industries that involve working with vulnerable populations, handling sensitive data, or managing financial assets.
Employment and Career Advancement
For most corporate and trades-based roles, a police check is a non-negotiable part of the onboarding process. By providing your AFP check early in the recruitment phase, you demonstrate proactivity and transparency. It signals to a hiring manager that you are work ready, which can often give you an edge over other candidates who haven’t yet started their screening process.
Licensing and Accreditation
Many professional licenses, from security guard permits and real estate licenses to legal and medical registrations, require a valid criminal history record. These checks maintain high professional standards and protect the public from individuals with relevant criminal histories.
How to Apply for an AFP Check Online
Historically, people obtained a police clearance by visiting a local police station, filling out paper forms, and waiting for a physical certificate to arrive in the mail. Today, the process is 100% digital.
The 4-Step Rapid Screening Process
Getting your AFP check through an accredited provider like Rapid Screening is designed to be frictionless:
- Online Application: You enter your personal details, including your full legal name, any previous names, and five years of address history.
- Informed Consent: You provide digital consent, confirming that you permit the check to proceed and understand how your information will be used.
- Digital Identity Verification: You upload your identification documents through our secure, encrypted portal.
- Submission and Result: After you submit your application, the system searches your details against the National Names Index and then emails your finalized certificate directly to you.
Navigating the 100-Point Identity Verification
A critical component of any AFP check is the identity verification process. To comply with federal standards, you must provide a combination of documents that total at least 100 points.
Common Document Combinations
- Commencement Document: Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, or an Australian Citizenship Certificate.
- Primary Document: Australian Driver’s Licence, Marriage Certificate, or a Proof of Age card.
- Secondary Document : Medicare Card, Bank Statement, or a Utility Bill.
It is vital that the names on your application match your identity documents exactly. Discrepancies in spelling or missing middle names are the most common reasons for delays in the AFP check process.
Understanding Turnaround Times and Manual Referrals
One of the most frequent questions we receive is, How long will it take? While the digital system is incredibly fast, it isn’t always instantaneous for everyone.
The 70/30 Rule
- Instant Results (70%): ff These are usually cases where there are no name matches in the national database.
- Manual Referral (30%): The remaining 30% of checks are referred to one or more police agencies for manual vetting. This occurs if you have a common name or if the system finds a potential match that requires a human officer to review. The system automatically processes approximately 70% of applications and returns them within one to two hours.
Privacy, Security, and Spent Convictions
When you submit an application for an AFP check, you are sharing sensitive personal data. Security is our top priority. Rapid Screening uses bank level encryption to protect your data from the moment you submit your application until it delivers your result.
What Shows Up on the Certificate?
The certificate will list Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCOs). However, not every mistake from your past will appear. Australia’s Spent Convictions Schemes ensure that certain minor offences from many years ago are filtered out, provided you have had a crime free period. This allows individuals to move forward with their careers without unfairly burdening them with ancient, irrelevant records.
Conclusion: Take the Next Step with Confidence
A police clearance is a mandatory step for most professional paths in Australia. While the acronyms can be confusing, the process doesn’t have to be. By understanding the requirements of an AFP check and using a streamlined, accredited online service, you can satisfy your compliance needs with minimal stress.
Rapid Screening provides fast, secure, and reliable police checks for individuals and businesses across Australia. Don’t let paperwork hold back your career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q) What is the difference between an AFP check and a standard National Police Check?
In common usage, an AFP check refers to a clearance from the Australian Federal Police. While a standard National Police Check (NCCHC) is used for most employment, an AFP check is specifically required for Commonwealth government roles, immigration, or ACT residents.
Q) Does a police check expire?
A police check is a point-in-time document. It has no formal expiry date, but most employers or regulatory bodies will only accept a certificate that was issued within the last 6 to 12 months.
Q) Can I get a refund if my check is referred?
Once you submit an application to the government (ACIC or AFP), the fees become non-refundable because processing has already begun. Always ensure your details are 100% correct before submitting.
Q) Is an online AFP check as valid as one from a police station?
Yes. Rapid Screening is an ACIC-accredited provider. We source our results from the same National Police Checking Service used by state and federal police agencies. Almost all Australian employers widely accept our digital certificates.
