Checks and fees

Types of AccessNI check

There are three levels. The level isn't a choice: it follows from the role and what the law allows.

Basic

What it shows: Unspent convictions, or a statement that none were found.
Who it's for: Anyone aged 16 or over. It isn't suitable for roles working with children or vulnerable adults.
How to apply: Apply through us using our PIN, or directly to AccessNI.

Standard

What it shows: Spent and unspent convictions, informed warnings and other non-court disposals held on the Police National Computer. Some old and minor records are filtered out.
Who it's for: Roles exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders (NI) Order 1978, such as solicitor, accountant, veterinary surgeon or security guard. It isn't for roles working with children or vulnerable adults.
How to apply: Must be countersigned by an AccessNI registered body.

Enhanced

What it shows: Everything in a standard check, plus any information held by police that is relevant to the role. Can include a check of the children's or adults' barred lists where the role is eligible.
Who it's for: Normally roles providing services to, or having close and regular supervision of, children or vulnerable adults.
How to apply: Must be countersigned by an AccessNI registered body.

Summarised from Types of AccessNI checks (opens in a new tab) on nidirect, which is the authoritative source.

Who decides which check applies

The employer must know which check a role needs. Before we countersign, we also have to be satisfied that the role is eligible, that the level is right and that any barred list check is correctly requested. If it isn't, we can't submit the application.

That's why we ask about the role and its duties rather than offering a menu of checks. Guidance for employers is on nidirect under employer obligations and fair treatment (opens in a new tab).

Changed on 1 September 2026. People who frequently teach, supervise, instruct or care for children are now in regulated activity whether or not they are supervised, so more roles and volunteers are eligible for an enhanced check with a children's barred list check. See the Department of Health's guidance on regulated activity with children (opens in a new tab).

If the wrong level is applied for and AccessNI has processed it, AccessNI does not refund its fee. A certificate also can't be transferred from one role to another.

How long AccessNI takes

These are AccessNI's published targets, counted from when it receives the application. They don't include the time you take to apply or we take to countersign.

Check	AccessNI's target
Basic, through us	99% within 7 days
Basic, applied for directly	95% within 14 days
Standard	99% within 7 days
Enhanced	70% within 10 days, 95% within 21 days, 98% within 28 days

Some take longer, for example where AccessNI refers the application to the police. AccessNI publishes that week's actual average on costs and turnaround times (opens in a new tab). Targets checked on 9 October 2026.

Prices

Basic£41.20
AccessNI fee £16.00 · ACG fee £21.00 · VAT £4.20
Standard£41.20
AccessNI fee £16.00 · ACG fee £21.00 · VAT £4.20
Enhanced£57.20
AccessNI fee £32.00 · ACG fee £21.00 · VAT £4.20
Eligible volunteer*£12.00
AccessNI fee £0.00 · ACG fee £10.00 · VAT £2.00

AccessNI check prices per application
Check	AccessNI fee	ACG fee	VAT	Total
Basic	£16.00	£21.00	£4.20	£41.20
Standard	£16.00	£21.00	£4.20	£41.20
Enhanced	£32.00	£21.00	£4.20	£57.20
Eligible volunteer*	£0.00	£10.00	£2.00	£12.00

*Standard or enhanced applications where the applicant meets AccessNI's definition of a volunteer. One payment to ACG covers everything, including application guidance, identity document review and tracking. VAT is charged on our fee; AccessNI's fee is passed on at cost. All fees are non-refundable; see our terms.

AccessNI's fees were checked on 5 October 2026 against costs and turnaround times (opens in a new tab), where AccessNI also publishes current processing times each week. Organisations are invoiced under their agreement.

Volunteers

AccessNI doesn't charge for a standard or enhanced check where the applicant meets its definition of a volunteer: someone giving their time free of charge in a non-profit organisation, for the good of the community, and not for their own or a close relative's benefit. Exceptions apply, including volunteering directly for a statutory organisation. We confirm this for each application.

All pricing, including Compliance Manager

Not sure which check a role needs?

Tell us about the role and we'll confirm what applies.

Ask us