An exemption is a specific outcome check status in Zipline that indicates when a check does not apply as normal for a worker. Zipline provides tools to manage exemptions effectively.
Exemption Types
Permanent Exemption (applications and profile)
Temporary Exemption (applications and profile)
Defer (applications only)
When to Use Different Exemption Types
Permanently Exempt
A Permanent Exemption is used when a check will never apply to a worker for the duration.
It permanently marks the check as “not required.”
All supporting reasons and documentation are stored for record-keeping and audit purposes.
Once applied, the check will not reappear in the worker’s Profile.
Example
If a worker is an Australian citizen, so Visa Checks do not apply, you can grant a permanent exemption.
Defer
This only applies to applications.
We recommend defer in most circumstances, as this lets the automated system rules govern compliance. Use it to:
Need to keep a check “in progress” so it can be continued after the application process, in a suitable status (e.g. “Pending” if worker action is still needed, “Processing” if you’re just waiting on an external outcome). This keeps the current record open in the “Profile” for ongoing compliance, with all associated documents, and keeps reminders going where relevant.
A good example here is a candidate who applied for an NDIS or Police Check, but does not yet have a final clearance, they can be deferred (with “Processing” status), and the system rules will take over from there, keeping them compliant for up to 1 or 3 months after their start date so they can receive final clearance.
Another example is when you need to fast-track hiring for a high priority candidate / internal role change and want to defer some checks to later. You can use “defer” - that way these stay in the right status, and are appropriately marked as non-compliant on Day 1 of their new role.
Temporarily Exempt
We only recommend temporary exempt in rare circumstances, it is a specific, manually dated period for when an exemption applies. This is when you:
Need to mark a check as not needed until a specific date based on special circumstances (e.g. medical exemption, personal situation, etc.), with a clear record of exemption documents, reasons, etc.
A check will only re-appear for workers to complete on their “Profile” for ongoing compliance 90 days from the exemption end date. A new record will open up then, meaning the temporary exemption you previously granted is a separate historical record to help with your record keeping.
A good example here is a candidate who has evidence they cannot receive a vaccination for a set period of time due medical reasons, e.g. we’ve had customers attach a doctor’s note and set a temporary exemption until x date when the doctor said it would be suitable for the vaccination to be received.
Portal Admin Features
Exemption Reasons can be defined per check type.
Use them to classify and report on exemptions (e.g., medical reason, special circumstance, overseas worker).
Exemption Reasons can be populated before completing an exemption in the portal.
Worker-Facing Features
Exemption Requests allow workers to flag when they’re asking for an exemption.
They can attach evidence (e.g., medical documents).
This does not automatically grant an exemption, but highlights the request for admins to assess.
Detailed Scenarios
The chart below details more information around the exemption options available in different scenarios, and how they behave.
