Apply for a critical infrastructure background check

About critical infrastructure background checks

A critical infrastructure background check helps organisations (called responsible entities) decide whether to give you access to their critical infrastructure assets.

Who needs a background check

Your employer will tell you if you need a critical infrastructure background check.

You will need one if you're identified as a critical worker by your responsible entity's Critical Infrastructure Risk Management Program (CIRMP).

Cost

See fees for background checks.

Validity

There are different validity periods for different critical infrastructure assets. The responsible entity's CIRMP determines the validity period.

When to apply

Apply at least 6 weeks before you need access to critical infrastructure assets.

Most applications are processed sooner, but allowing extra time helps avoid delays.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for a critical infrastructure background check.

Prepare the following information as soon as you know you need a background check.
- Ask your responsible entity for their 'employer code'.
- Make sure you have the personal information you need to complete the application, including:
  - your residential addresses for the past 10 years
  - identity documents.
Learn more about how we protect your information in our privacy notice.
You’ll need a myID to apply online.
myID is the Australian Government's digital identity app. For more information about myID and help to complete your application online, read our guidance for applicants.
Apply now(Opens in a new tab/window)
If you don't want to use myID and the applicant portal, contact us. We can send you a PDF application form to complete instead.
Your responsible entity will tell you how to book an appointment with their verifier.
You must bring your original identity documents to your appointment. The verifier can’t accept:
- digital versions (such as a scan or photo of your driver licence)
- certified copies
- extracts.
Contact your responsible entity if you have any questions about the appointment.
AusCheck can’t progress your application until the verifier has confirmed your identity.

After you apply

AusCheck will arrange for our partner agencies to do a background check.

Application processing times vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of each applicant’s background.

Background checks can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.

Learn more about how long background checks take.

Possible results

If the background check finds relevant criminal offences, we'll tell you. You’ll have a chance to respond to us before we share your background check outcome with you and your responsible entity. Find out how we handle unfavourable results.

Once we've made a final decision, we'll let you and your responsible entity know your Critical Infrastructure Background Check Outcome (CIBCO) is ready.

Your CIBCO is a digital record of your background check result. It includes:

your name and photograph
the date you applied for our background check
details of any relevant criminal offences
whether the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has issued an adverse or qualified security assessment
whether you have the right to work in Australia.

Your responsible entity uses the CIBCO to help them decide whether or not to give you access to their critical infrastructure assets. If they decide to not give you access and you disagree with their decision, contact your responsible entity.

Once you have a CIBCO

There are important rules you must follow to manage your CIBCO.