What SACE and the sector actually require
Schools carry an exceptional duty of care. The law reflects that: every registered educator must have a valid SAPS criminal clearance and appear clean on the National Register for Sex Offenders. Independent schools, ECD centres and after-care providers are held to the same standard by parents, insurers and accreditation bodies.
PreAppliCheck bundles the required checks into a single package designed to meet SACE and independent school council requirements, delivered as one clear dossier per staff member.
What's included
Every report is a clear, dossier-style PDF with supporting evidence and a recommendation.
SAPS criminal record (AFIS)
Full fingerprint-based clearance against the SAPS database.
Sex Offenders Register (NRSO)
National Register for Sex Offenders check — mandatory for child-contact roles.
SACE status
Confirm current SACE registration and disciplinary standing.
Qualification & matric
Umalusi matric plus direct verification of teaching qualifications.
Often paired with
Employers running this check usually add one of these.
Frequently asked
Is a criminal record check compulsory for teachers in South Africa?+
Yes. SACE (the South African Council for Educators) requires a valid police clearance and the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) check for every registered educator. Independent schools and ECD centres are held to the same standard.
What is the Sexual Offences Register check?+
The NRSO check confirms whether an individual appears on the National Register for Sex Offenders. It's mandatory for anyone working with children, and separate from the standard SAPS criminal record check.
How fast can you clear a new teacher?+
The full teacher bundle (ID + SAPS + NRSO + SACE + qualification verification) typically comes back in 3–5 working days, depending on university turnaround for the degree check.
Do you clear support staff too?+
Yes. The same requirements apply to anyone in contact with learners — teaching assistants, admin staff, drivers, cleaners, sports coaches and boarding house staff.
Ready to run this check?
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