How can I find and retrieve my previous Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check results?

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Since Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks have become mandatory in a number of sensitive job roles in Australia, especially in some agencies/industries, there has been plenty of rush for it. Lots of information is flying around; about obtaining a check, retrieving results and so on.

While many people have completed Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks online within the past year, some people can't remember how to access them.

Also, if your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check was done for you by an organization, it is possible to access the result of your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

In the process of all this, some people are not aware of some simple details like;

• If it is possible to retrieve a check
• How to retrieve a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
• How long the retrieval period is

Here, we will explain how you can retrieve your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and for how long the window stays open.

Can I retrieve a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check?

When you apply for a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check online via accredited service providers like Australian National Character Check (ANCC), you will get a soft copy of your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check result that will get emailed to you instantly when the results become available. If you request a hard copy, it will be mailed to you.

However, if in one way your document gets destroyed, you can retrieve your own result by contacting the ANCC Support team online. Check results are available for up to three months.

Apply through other agencies

Also, if you have applied through other agencies aside from ANCC, you should contact their customer service and explain the situation.

If you applied for your check via the Australian Federal Police, you should proceed to the AFP criminal records section and make your enquiry.

How long can I retrieve a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check result?

Due to regulations, all Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check results/applications are only kept for a maximum of one three months. After this period, the records are securely destroyed. So, if your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check results/application is older than three months, it will not be possible to retrieve them from ANCC or some other accredited service provider.

What if I can't remember the agency I applied with?

A lot of things may have happened within the time you applied, and you may have forgotten the agency. You can get the required information by checking your tax invoice or searching through your old emails.

If you applied online, it is much possible to see a correspondence or message in your mail. Your Tax invoice is also a great way to confirm when and where you made a remittance.

Furthermore, all those who apply online usually pay the required fee using their credit/debit cards. Requesting your bank statements from your banker will give you information about the agency you remitted to.

Help, I cannot access my Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check

If you have tried every available means, including contacting the agency for copies, and you still can't access your check, you may need to apply for a new one.

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check certificate will provide an updated record of all your criminal convictions, finding of guilt and sentencing. So, if you don't get a conviction within that period, your updated check will be similar to the previous one.

Can I retrieve my check if I am no longer within the State?

If you applied for a nationally coordinated criminal history check in a different state than you are, you can always retrieve it. However, it depends on the agency you applied through.

All those who applied through the Australian National Character Check will receive a copy of the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check if they contact us and get verified correctly. For example, you could have applied for your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check in Tasmania and then move to Victoria later on.

How old will the retrieved Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check be?

A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check does not assume a new look just because it is retrieved. Retrieval does not translate to being “reissued” a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. You are only getting a stored copy of your Original Background Check result.

How long does a check result last?

A national Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check is a point-in-time check. It remains valid from the point of issue till when you request an updated check. It cannot expire but can be rejected by the requesting agency depending on their internal risk strategy.

Most organisations/companies will not accept a check older than 3 months old.

Depending on the sensitivity of the role of applicants, an organization can request updated nationally coordinated criminal history checks of their staff within 1 to 2 years.

Which is the easiest way to apply for a check?

Since applying for a background check has become mandatory in some industries/sectors (e.g. background checks for working in aged care), people should seek easier and faster means to apply.

Applying for your check online via one of the accredited agencies' portal is considered to be one of the fastest ways to get your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

The online procedure is simple to complete; do this with a mobile, PC or tablet device.

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