If you plan to work with children in New South Wales, one of the first things you may hear about is the WWCC, or Working With Children Check.
For many people, especially those who are new to child-related work in NSW, it can sound a little confusing at first. Is it a card? Is it only for teachers? Do volunteers need it too? Where do you apply, and how much does it cost?
If you have been wondering about any of those questions, here is a simple guide to help you understand what the NSW WWCC is and how the process works.
What is the WWCC?
The Working With Children Check is a screening process for adults who do child-related work in NSW, whether in a paid role or as a volunteer. It includes a National Police Check and a review of relevant workplace misconduct records to assess whether a person can work with children.
This means it is not just for school teachers. It may also apply to people working or volunteering in places such as:
- schools
- tutoring centres
- sports coaching
- child care and after-school care
- camps
- community programs for children
- other child-related organisations
The exact requirement depends on the type of role, but in general, if you are working directly with children in NSW, the WWCC is something you need to check early.
Who needs a WWCC?
According to the official NSW guidance, adults who do paid or volunteer child-related work in NSW must have a WWCC. Employers and organisations are also required to verify the WWCC details of workers and keep records.
So if you are planning to:
- teach
- tutor
- coach children
- assist in a school or community program
- volunteer at a child-related organisation
there is a good chance you will need one.
How do you apply?
The process has two main steps.
First, you complete the online application through the Office of the Children’s Guardian. When you submit the form, you will receive an APP number.
Second, you must go to a Service NSW Centre in person to verify your identity. This must be done within 28 days of receiving your APP number, otherwise the number will expire and you will need to start again.
To complete the identity check, you need 4 proof of identity documents, such as a passport or driver licence, using the NSW proof of identity rules.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on whether you are applying as a paid worker or a volunteer.
- Paid worker: AUD 107
- Volunteer: Free
This is one of the most important differences to know before applying.
How long is it valid?
If your WWCC is approved, it is valid for 5 years. Even after it is granted, the clearance is continuously monitored, which means relevant new information may still be reviewed during the validity period.
The police check result itself can take up to 4 weeks, although timing may vary depending on the application.
Is there a physical card?
This is something many people ask.
In NSW, the WWCC is an online system. There is no physical card, certificate, or PDF certificate issued. Instead, you receive your WWCC details electronically, and employers or organisations verify them online.
When you first apply, you receive an APP number. After approval, you receive a WWC number, and that is the number used for verification.
Can you apply from interstate or overseas?
No. To complete the application process, you must be in NSW, because you need to attend a Service NSW Centre in person to verify your identity and make payment if applicable.
What if you start as a volunteer and later move into paid work?
This is another important point.
If you already hold a volunteer WWCC clearance and then begin paid child-related work, you are legally required to upgrade your WWCC from volunteer to paid within 30 days of starting the paid role. The upgrade fee for a paid worker is AUD 107, and you must again verify your identity at Service NSW.
What should you keep updated?
If your details change, such as your:
- name
- address
- phone number
- email address
you should update them. The Office of the Children’s Guardian says you must keep your personal information up to date so they can contact you about your WWCC if needed.
go to apply : https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check
