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.
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).
Also Read : 450 138 500 | Who Called you from this Number
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.
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.
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).
1 Trackback / Pingback