In line with ACA’s Strategic Pillar 2: Our mission to strengthen the counselling profession, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional practice to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve.
Starting from 1 July 2024, all ACA members who reside and practice in Australia will be required to provide a National Police Check (NPC) Certificate as part of the registration and renewal process. This requirement is in line with industry standards for health professionals.
Key Points to Note
- Implementation Date: This change will take effect from 1 July 2024. Members who are due to renew in July 2024 will be granted an extension until 31 August 2024 to obtain their NPC Certificate.
- Current Members: Members will be required upload a copy of their NPC Certificate during their renewal process in their Member Portal.
- New Members: An NPC will be required for all new membership applications and is to be included as part of supporting documentation.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Your information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and in compliance with relevant privacy laws.
- Validity: NPC’s will be valid for two years from the date obtained.
How to Obtain
Members of ACA who reside and practice in Australia can obtain their NPC Certificate from several governmental organisations. Here is a list you may choose from based on your location and/or requirements:
- Australian Capital Territory Police – Australian Federal Police National Police Check
- New South Wales Police Force – National Police Check
- Victoria Police – National Police Check
- South Australia Police – National Police Record Check
- Queensland Police – National Police Certificate
- Western Australia Police – National Police Certificate
- Northern Territory Government – National Police Certificate
- Tasmania Police – National Police History Record Checks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a National Police Check Certificate?
A National Police Check (NPC) Certificate is a summary of an individual’s offender history across all jurisdictions in Australia. It includes information from State and Territory police records, as well as from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
An NPC Certificate compares your details, such as name and date of birth, against a central index. It reviews your information subject to laws and current policies. Your NPC will list ‘disclosable court outcomes’ released in line with federal, state and territory laws, including the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) and the Spent Convictions Act 2000 (ACT).
It also uses information from all Australian police services to list any:
- local and interstate criminal and traffic court outcomes
- outstanding warrants
- pending charges, where you have been charged with an offence but have not yet been to court.
Depending on the relevant state or territory legislation, it may not include:
- convictions considered ‘spent’ under federal or state legislation
- guilty findings without conviction.
If a purpose is required when lodging a application, it should state for professional registration purposes, for counselling.
Will ACA accept any other form of certificate or check for this requirement?
At this time, ACA will require a National Police Check Certificate. We recognise a number of our members already hold a National Police Check Certificate and we will recognise this is valid for two years from date of issue.
What is the cost for a National Police Check Certificate?
Each NPC application costs vary depending on where you obtain, however most commonly range from $45 to $85. A standard certificate is acceptable and does not require the inclusion of fingerprints. If a purpose is required when lodging a application, it should state for professional registration purposes, for counselling.
How long is a National Police Check Certificate valid for ACA requirements?
ACA deems NPC Certificates valid from two years from the date obtained. Members are to renew their NPC Certificates every two years. If your circumstance changes, please contact ACA.
What happens if there is a delay with my National Police Check Certificate?
An NPC Certificate is now a requirement for renewal of membership with ACA. Members will not be able to renew without uploading a copy of their NPC Certificate to their Member Portal.
How long does it take to get a National Police Check Certificate?
Applications can vary depending on recorded results and history – they may take anywhere between 24 hours to 10 days.
I have a state police check – will this be accepted by ACA?
ACA requires a National Police Check (NPC) Certificate for membership registration. The NPC Certificate must include information from all State and Territory police records.
How will ACA determine exclusion from the profession on the basis of an offence and what are the parameters?
Each case of offence will be assessed on an individual basis by the ACA Board. Any subsequent exclusion will depend on the nature of the individual offence and material obtained. ACA’s responsibility is to ensure that the person is fit and proper to be registered with ACA.
Do you have a time limit for offence committed?
No. National Police Checks are a point in time and will identify all convictions up until that point in time. ACA requires updated an Nation Police Check Certificate every two years. If your circumstance changes, please contact ACA.
Are the parameters of exclusion regarding work context considered in line with type of offence?
Any exclusion will depend on the offence and the relevant circumstances. We would recommend talking with ACA if you have any questions or concerns.
Will there be a formal committee of qualified professionals established to assess inclusion and exclusion criteria where an offence has been committed?
Offences will be assessed on an individual basis by the ACA Board.
Will context of offence be taken into account?
Offences will be assessed on an individual basis by the ACA Board.
