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 Queensland Police or 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 Queensland Police or 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.

A fingerprint check is not required.

Step 2:

If you have been a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than Australia after turning 16, you must also complete a Statutory Declaration prior to commencing your placement stating that you have never, in Australia or another country, been convicted of murder or sexual assault, or convicted of, and sentenced to imprisonment for, any other form of assault.  You will also be required to state that you have never been convicted of any other offences in a country outside Australia.  If this applies to you, you must use this Statutory Declaration template (no other versions will be accepted).  If there is any reason why you are unable to sign this Statutory Declaration, you need to discuss this with your Placement Coordinator immediately.  Refer to the Fitness to Practise Policy for further information about your obligations.

If you have never been a citizen or a permanent resident of a country other than Australia since turning 16, you don’t need to complete this step.

NOTE: The witness of your Statutory Declaration must have a connection to Australia. Click HERE for more details.

Step 3:

Upload your National Police Certificate and your completed and signed Statutory Declaration (if applicable) to the appropriate attributes 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.