Working With Children Check NSW Australia | Costs and Validity

In New South Wales Australia, the Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone engaged in child-related work or volunteering.

It involves a National Police Check and a review of reportable workplace misconduct.

1. Application Process

The process is generally completed in two main steps:

• Step 1: Apply Online – Fill out the application form on the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) website. You will receive an application number (APP) via email.

• Step 2: Verify Identity – Visit a Service NSW Centre within 28 days of your online application. You must bring four original proof-of-identity documents (e.g., Passport, Driver Licence, Medicare card) and pay the fee if applicable.

2. Costs and Validity

The check is valid for 5 years and is portable across different child-related roles in NSW. | Type of Check | Cost (as of 2026) | | :— | :— | | Volunteer | Free | | Paid Worker | $107.00 |

Note: If you move from a volunteer role to a paid role, you must “upgrade” your check and pay the full fee.

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3. Who Needs a Check?

You typically need a WWCC if your work involves face-to-face contact with children that is more than incidental.Common roles include:

• Teachers, childcare workers, and nannies.

• Sports coaches and extracurricular instructors.

• Faith leaders and children’s entertainers.

• Staff providing disability services for children.

Common Exemptions:

• People under the age of 18.

• Parents or close relatives volunteering at their child’s usual school or extracurricular activity (unless it’s an overnight camp or involves personal care for a child with a disability).

4. Renewal

You will receive a reminder email 3 months before your check expires.

• Digital Renewal: If you have a MyServiceNSW account and a NSW Driver Licence/Photo Card, you may be eligible to renew entirely online using face verification on your smartphone.

• In-Person Renewal: If you cannot use digital verification, you must complete the renewal form online and then visit a Service NSW Centre.

5. Timelines

While many clearances are processed within 48 hours, the OCG recommends allowing up to 4 weeks for the National Police Check to be finalized.You cannot start child-related work until your clearance or application status has been verified by your employer.

FAQs

1. General & Individual FAQs

• What does my WWCC number mean?

  • Numbers ending in ‘E’ are for paid workers (valid for both paid and volunteer work).

  • Numbers ending in ‘V’ are for volunteers only. It is illegal to use a ‘V’ number for paid work.

• I lost my number. How do I find it?

  • You can retrieve it online via theService NSW website by entering your name, date of birth, and driver’s licence number.

• Can I apply from overseas?

  • You can start the application online, but you must visit a Service NSW Centre in person to verify your identity. There is no fully remote option for new applicants unless you are an authorized carer.

• What if I have a criminal record?

  • A criminal record does not automatically bar you. The Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) conducts a risk assessment considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your conduct since.

• Do I get a physical card?

  • No. NSW does not issue physical WWCC cards. Your clearance is an electronic record. You can, however, add your digital WWCC to the Service NSW app.

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2. Employer & Organization FAQs

• Can a worker start before their check is cleared?

  • In most cases, yes, if they have an Application Number (APP) and the employer has verified it. However, teachers and early childhood workers must have a full clearance before starting.

• Is it enough to just see a person’s number?

  • No. Employers have a legal obligation to verify the number online through the OCG Employer Portal to ensure it is valid and “Cleared.”

• What happens if a worker becomes “Barred”?

  • If the OCG bars a worker after they have been cleared, any employer who has verified them will be notified immediately and must remove them from child-related work.

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3. Changes & Updates

• When do I need to update my details?

  • You are legally required to update your name, address, or contact details within the required timeframe (usually 28 days) if they change.

• How do I upgrade from Volunteer to Paid?

  • You must complete an “Upgrade” form on the OCG website and pay the $107 fee at a Service NSW Centre. You do not need a whole new application.

4. Disqualifying Offenses

• What is an “Interim Bar”?

  • If a risk assessment finds a likely risk to children, an interim bar is issued. The person must stop child-related work immediately while the final decision is made.

• Can I appeal a refusal?

  • Yes, most decisions can be appealed through an internal review by the OCG or via the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).