National Police Certificate and Statutory Declaration (Criminal History Check)

Application time: can take up to 3 months

Cost: approximately $40 - $90

Step 1:

The quickest way to obtain a National Police Certificate (NPC) is by applying online through Australian Federal Police.  NOTE: International students can apply online with the AFP whilst they are overseas so this is their best option. However you can also apply for a National Police Certificate through an organisation that has been accredited by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission OR another Australian State or Territory Police Service however you should be aware that there are often lengthy delays experienced when obtaining an NPC via these methods.

NPCs may have different formats, including printed certificates or electronic reports. Every NPC must record:

• the person’s full name and date of birth;

• the date of issue;

• a reference number or similar.

IMPORTANT¹:  If you are asked to select a purpose for your NPC application, you should select an option that includes ‘aged care staff/volunteer’ even if your placement isn’t taking place in an aged care facility as this will cover you for a range of different placement types.  For example, if applying via Australian Federal Police you should select the purpose as ‘37 (Care, instruction or supervision of children/ Care of intellectually disabled persons / Aged Care staff/volunteers)’.

IMPORTANT² – Aged Care: Some aged care facilities will not accept digital NPCs. When applying for your NPC via Australian Federal Police, please select the box ‘yes’ for a hard copy certificate to be sent to your address in addition to your digital certificate during the application process. N.B. UQ does accept digital certificates for the purpose of verifying placement eligibility. For students with allocations to aged care providers, please take your hard copy certificates with you on your first day of placement.

IMPORTANT³ : We no longer accept NPCs issued by Queensland Police, as we are unable to securely verify them and ensure the protection of your privacy.

A fingerprint check is not required.

Step 2:

Upload your National Police Certificate to the appropriate attribute in InPlace by the due date. Our verification process includes checking that your NPC is authentic via the security features that are contained on your certificate.