Application process

Last update: 18 December 2023

An overview of how we process and assess Working with Children Check (WWCC) applications.

Process

How your application is handled from submission to outcome. 

Applicants complete an application or renewal form and visit Service NSW with their proof of identity documents. 

Apply      Renew

You may be eligible to renew your WWCC using digital proof if identity which means that you do not need to attend a Service NSW Centre. More information about renewing your WWCC using digital proof of identity is on the Service NSW website

Help to apply, renew or update details.

We conduct a National Criminal History Check and also check our Workplace Records database to identify any findings of misconduct. Depending on what records are identified, some applications might need further assessment or information before an outcome is decided.

If no police or workplace records are identified, the applicant is issued a WWCC clearance by our system. There is no card or certificate for the NSW Working with Children Check. It is an online system.

If some police or workplace records are identified, our team will review these records to see if further assessment or information is required.

Applicants with Schedule 1 records or other records relevant to the safety of children will be referred for risk assessment before a decision is made about their WWCC application. The outcome of risk assessment is to grant a clearance or impose a bar.

Applicants with Schedule 2 records are automatically barred.

Most applicants can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to appeal a barred Working with Children Check.

More information on Working with Children Check outcomes and statuses

 

In NSW, we have a very strong Check that includes continuous monitoring.

This means that if a person gets a new relevant police or workplace record, we are notified and can change the status of their Check. Some records will trigger a risk assessment, which may lead to the clearance being cancelled.

If this happens, we tell the employing organisation that a Check status has changed so they can remove that person from working with children.

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You can now renew your WWCC by using digital proof of identity – no need to visit a Service NSW Centre.
How to renew using digital proof of identity (POI)

You will need:

  • A MyServiceNSW account with the WWCC service added
  • 3 current identity documents including a NSW driver licence or photo card
  • a device with a working front camera for face verification.


If you're renewing a paid WWCC, you will also need a credit card, debit card, PayPal or PayID account.

If you have an expired WWCC clearance or have changed your name on your identity documents since the last time you renewed your WWCC, you can't renew using digital proof of identity.

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