Information for individuals, workers or volunteers who need a Working with Children Check
Update my details Upgrade my WWCC
The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone in paid or volunteer child-related work in NSW.
When you first apply for a WWCC, you will be issued an APP number. We undertake police and record checks before deciding whether to provide a WWCC clearance by issuing a WWC number. Provide your employer with your APP number when you receive it, and your WWC number when it is issued.
Under our legislation, a person can start working with children once they have an APP number. However, some employers require workers to hold a WWCC clearance, for example if you are employed by NSW Health, if you are working in early childhood education and care, or if you are working as a teacher requiring NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) accreditation.
Checks last for 5 years and then you need to renew
The Check lasts for 5 years even if you change roles. 3 months before your Check expires we will email you with a reminder to renew your Check.
New and renewal applications can take time. Ensure that you apply or renew early to allow time for police and record checks to be undertaken. If your WWCC clearance expires while your renewal is in progress, your status will show as 'application made'.
Under our legislation, you can work with children if this happens. However, some employers require workers to hold a WWCC clearance, for example if you are employed by NSW Health, if you are working in early childhood education and care, or if you are working as a teacher requiring NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) accreditation.
All WWCC holders are subject to continuous monitoring for new police or workplace records so that we can prevent unsuitable people from working with children.
Before you apply
Only people who are in child-related work need a Check. You should speak with your employer or look at our website to see if you need one. If you apply and find out you do not need one, there are no refunds.
More information on who needs a Check
If you work with children with disability, you may also need an NDIS Worker Check.
You will need to enter 4 identification documents as part of your application. The identification documents you provide must be original, current, physical documents* and must include at least one photo ID. Laminated documents cannot be accepted by Service NSW. Please make sure you have these documents ready before you start your application.
More information on proof of identity
*NSW digital driver licence accepted.
If you are in paid work, you must apply for a paid WWCC and pay the fee. The WWCC is free for:
- volunteers
- students over 18 on professional placement
- potential adoptive parents
- authorised carers (carers of children in statutory and supported out-of-home care)
- adults who live in the home of an authorised carer, a family day care service provider, or home-based education and care service provider.
A volunteer WWCC is not valid for paid work. If you are a volunteer and you begin paid work, you have 30 days from the date that you begin that work to upgrade to a WWCC for paid workers. To upgrade your Check, complete the update or upgrade your details form.
Help to apply, renew or update
Use the information on these pages to help your through WWCC processes. Application, renewal and change of detail forms are available at the top of this page.
Interpreter support information is on our Contact Us page.
