How to Apply for a Working With Children Check in NSW

Who Needs a WWCC

The Working With Children Check is mandatory for anyone doing child-related work in NSW. This includes paid employees and volunteers in roles such as teaching, childcare, tutoring, sports coaching, youth ministry, and school administration. It also applies to people who have regular face-to-face contact with children through organised groups or services.

The check is administered by the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian and involves a national criminal history check and a review of any findings of sexual misconduct or serious violence against children. The check is valid for five years.

Step 1: Apply Online Through the WWCC Portal

Visit the WWCC application portal and create an account. You will need:

• A valid email address
• Your full name, date of birth, and gender
• Your driver licence or photo card number
• Your address and contact details
• A credit or debit card for the application fee

The standard application fee is $80 for paid workers and $15 for volunteers. You must declare if you have been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence. The declaration does not automatically disqualify you from receiving a clearance, but it is an offence to provide false information.

Step 2: Visit a NSW Service Centre for Verification

After completing the online application, you must visit a Service NSW centre in person to have your identity verified. Take your photo ID, such as a driver licence or passport, and your WWCC application reference number. The centre will take your photograph and confirm your identity against the details you provided online.

Verification takes approximately 10 minutes. You will receive a receipt confirming that your application has been submitted for processing. The WWCC is not valid until you receive your clearance certificate, which is sent by email and post.

Step 3: Wait for Your Clearance Certificate

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your criminal history check. Simple applications with no relevant findings are usually processed within two to three weeks. Applications involving interstate or overseas criminal records can take four to six weeks.

You will receive an email when your clearance certificate is ready. You can download and print the certificate from the WWCC portal. Your employer or volunteer coordinator must verify your clearance online before you start child-related work. You cannot start work until the verification is complete.

Step 4: Understand What the Check Covers

The WWCC is valid for five years from the date of issue. During that time, you must notify the Office of the Children's Guardian if you are charged with or convicted of a criminal offence. Failure to notify is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to $5,500.

The check covers child-related work in NSW only. If you move to another state or territory, you may need to apply for an equivalent check in that jurisdiction. The WWCC does not transfer interstate, although some states recognise each other's clearances for short-term work.

Step 5: Renew Your WWCC Before It Expires

You can renew your WWCC up to six months before the expiry date. The renewal process is similar to the initial application: complete the online form, visit a Service NSW centre for verification, and wait for your new clearance certificate. Renewal fees are the same as initial application fees.

Do not let your WWCC expire while you are working in a child-related role. Expired clearances are not valid, and your employer is legally required to verify that your clearance is current. If your clearance expires and you continue child-related work, you and your employer may be committing an offence under the Child Protection (Working With Children Check) Act 2012.

Where to Get Help

The Office of the Children's Guardian runs a free call centre on 1300 653 329. Service NSW staff can also assist with identity verification appointments. If you believe your clearance has been refused or cancelled unfairly, you can apply for internal review or seek review by NCAT within 28 days of the decision.