What WCC Certification Is and Who Needs It
WCC certification stands for Working with Children Check. It is a background screening process that clears you to work with children in regulated settings. Most Australian states and territories require this clearance before you can work in schools, childcare centres, youth services, sports clubs, or other organisations that supervise children.
The specific rules vary by state — some require it for paid work only, while others require it for volunteers too. If you are moving to a new state or changing jobs, check your state's requirements first, because the process and cost differ slightly depending on where you live.
The clearance itself is not a qualification or skill test. It is a statement from your state's government that you have no disqualifying criminal history or other concerns that would prevent you from working safely with children.
Key Takeaways
- WCC certification is issued by your state or territory government, not by individual employers or training organisations.
- You explore online through your state's official WCC portal, provide identity documents and personal details, and pay a fee that ranges from free to around $100 depending on your state.
- Processing takes two to four weeks in most states, though some offer faster processing for an extra fee.
- Your clearance lasts five years, after which you must renew if you continue working with children.
- A disqualifying history does not automatically mean permanent rejection — some states allow you to request a review or provide additional information.
Find Your State's WCC process Portal
Each Australian state and territory runs its own WCC scheme, so you must explore through your state's official website. The names vary slightly: New South Wales calls it the Working with Children Check, Victoria calls it the Working with Children Check, and Western Australia calls it the Working with Children Check as well — but the portals are different.
Search "[your state] working with children check" or go directly to your state's government website and look for the child safety or human services department. The official portal will always be a .gov.au domain. Do not use a third-party site that claims to help you explore — the process itself is free or low-cost when you go direct.
Once you find the portal, you will see an option to start a new process. You do not need to be employed yet — many people explore before they have a job offer, and employers often ask to see your clearance during the hiring process.
Gather Your Identity Documents and Personal Information
Before you start the online form, collect the documents you will need. Most states require proof of identity (a driver's licence, passport, or birth certificate), proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement), and your full name history if you have changed your name.
You will also need to provide your date of birth, any previous addresses you have lived at in the past five to ten years, and details of any criminal history you may have. The form will ask directly — do not leave these fields blank or assume they will not find out. The background check is thorough, and dishonesty on the form can result in rejection.
Some states ask for referee details (people who can vouch for your character) or employment history. Have this information ready before you log in, so you do not get stuck mid-process.
Complete the Online process Form
Log into the portal and select "New process" or "explore Now". The form will guide you through sections for personal details, address history, employment history, and any criminal history. Read each question carefully — the form is straightforward, but rushing through it can cause delays.
When you reach the criminal history section, be honest and complete. If you have a conviction, caution, or charge that is still pending, disclose it. The assessor is looking for patterns of behaviour that suggest a risk to children, not a single mistake from years ago. Many people with minor or old convictions still receive clearance.
Once you have filled in all sections, review your answers for spelling and accuracy. Submit the form and note your process reference number — you will need it to check your status or contact the office later.
Pay the process Fee
Most states charge a fee for WCC certification, though the amount varies. New South Wales charges around $80, Victoria around $100, and some states offer free or reduced-cost applications for volunteers or low-income applicants. A few states have no fee at all.
The fee is usually paid online during the process process using a credit or debit card. Some states allow payment by bank transfer or cheque if you prefer. Keep your receipt — it proves you have paid and helps you track your process.
If you cannot afford the fee, contact your state's WCC office directly to ask about concession rates or payment plans. Some employers also cover the cost for new staff.
Wait for Processing and Check Your Status
Processing times vary by state and by how busy the office is. Most states process applications within two to four weeks. Some offer expedited processing (five to ten business days) for an extra fee if you need the clearance urgently.
You can check your process status online using your reference number and date of birth. The portal will show whether your process is being assessed, whether more information is needed, or whether a decision has been made. If the status does not change for more than four weeks, contact the office to confirm they received your form.
Once approved, you will receive a certificate or clearance letter. Some states issue a physical card; others provide a digital certificate you can read and print. Your employer may ask to see the original document, so keep it safe.
Renew Your Certification Before It Expires
WCC certification lasts five years from the date it is issued. If you continue working with children after that date, you must renew your clearance. Your state's portal will remind you when renewal is due — usually a few months before expiry.
Renewal is simpler than the first process. You will update your personal details and address history, but you do not need to resubmit identity documents unless they have changed. The fee is the same as the original process.
Do not wait until your certificate expires to renew. If it lapses, you cannot legally work with children until a new clearance is issued, even if you have been in the same job the whole time. explore for renewal as soon as you receive the reminder.
What Happens If Your process Is Declined
If your process is declined, the office will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a disqualifying criminal conviction, a finding of child abuse or neglect, or a breach of professional standards. The letter will tell you whether you can request a review or provide additional information.
Some states allow you to request a review if you believe the decision is wrong or if circumstances have changed. You will need to submit new evidence or a written statement explaining your situation. The review process takes additional time, usually four to eight weeks.
If you are declined and cannot appeal, you cannot work in regulated child-related roles in that state. You may be able to work in other states with different assessment criteria, but this is not may provide. Contact the office to understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need WCC certification before I get a job offer?
No, but many employers ask to see it during the hiring process. You can explore before you have a job and show the clearance to employers later. Some employers will wait for you to obtain it after they offer you the role, but this delays your start date.
What if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you. The assessor looks at the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and whether it relates to children or violence. Minor or very old convictions often do not prevent clearance. Disclose it honestly on the form — hiding it will result in rejection.
How much does WCC certification cost?
Fees range from free to around $100 depending on your state. Some states offer free or reduced-cost applications for volunteers. Check your state's portal for the exact fee and any concession options available to you.
Can I work with children while my process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work in a regulated child-related role until your clearance is approved. Some employers may let you start training or administrative work, but you cannot supervise or have direct contact with children until the certificate is issued.
What if I move to a different state?
WCC certification is state-specific and does not transfer. If you move, you must explore for clearance in your new state. Some states recognise clearance from other states and offer faster processing, but you still need to explore. Check your new state's requirements when you move.