Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check the status and progress of my WWC Check application?

After lodging your WWC Check application, you can track its progress online by visiting our  ‘Check my Status’ page.

When your WWC Card has been approved you will receive an email with your Card information. Your Card will be sent to the address on your application form.

Due to current delays with Australia Post deliveries, it may take longer than usual to receive your WWC Card.  If you haven’t received your Card after six weeks of it being approved, contact the WWC Screening Unit.

My WWC Card has been approved, but I haven’t received it yet and need it for my work. What should I do?

Once you have been advised that your WWC Card has been approved, it will be sent to the postal address on your application form.

Due to current Australia Post delivery delays, this may take longer than usual. If you haven’t received your Card after six weeks of it being approved, contact the WWC Screening Unit.

While you are waiting for your Card, you can provide the card number to your employer/organisation and they can confirm its validity on our WWC Card Validation page, or contact us to confirm its status. 

I have submitted my online renewal form but my authorised representative can’t confirm my renewal. What can we do?

If your authorised representative has received an email to confirm your online renewal, but is receiving an error or is unable to follow the link to do so, they can contact us and provide confirmation of the online renewal by:

• completing an enquiry form
• emailing us at checkquery@communities.wa.gov.au

They should include the renewal number, the applicant’s name and confirmation of the child-related work.

We apologise for the current system error and any inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your patience as we work to resolve the issue and process renewals as quickly as we can. 

I have submitted an online renewal form but my authorised representative has not received an email from the WWC online renewal service to confirm my child-related work. What can I do?

If your authorised representative has not received an email about your online renewal application you should login to your account and check that their email address information is correct, by looking at a copy of your application. If their email address is incorrect, you can correct and update it. Click here to login to your WWC online account.

If the correct email address has been recorded, please request that your representative sets their email spam filters to allow messages from “wwc-noreply@cpfs.wa.gov.au”.

If your representative has a hotmail account, there are factors beyond our control which may result in Microsoft blocking delivery of emails. If they are having trouble receiving emails from us, try updating their email information using another email address.

If you are still having trouble please contact the WWC Screening Unit.

I am trying to register for WWC Check online services, but my information is not accepted. What should I do?
To register for our online services, the information you provide must match the information we have from your previous WWC Check application. As data and scanning errors can occur from previous handwritten application forms, please phone the WWC Screening Unit for assistance. Due to confidentiality, you will need to prove your identity to update your information.

I have registered for WWC Check online services but am not receiving emails from the WWC Screening Unit. What should I do?
If you have a hotmail account, there are factors beyond our control which may result in Microsoft blocking delivery of emails. If you are having trouble receiving emails from us, try signing up using another email address.

How can I obtain a copy of my receipt from my online renewal?

A copy of your online renewal receipt is stored on your online WWC account. By logging into your online account, you will see the ‘My details’ information which includes application information and a ‘receipt’ button. Selecting this option will allow you to save and print your receipt as required. Click here to login to your account.

What does a WWC Check cost?
A WWC Check application and renewal is $87.00 for paid employees and self-employed people, and $11.00 for volunteers and unpaid students on placement. A WWC Card is valid for three years unless cancelled sooner

Does the WWC Check fee include GST?
No, the fee for a WWC Check does not include GST. The fee for a WWC Check for paid employees and self-employed people is $87.00 and for volunteers and unpaid students on placement is $11.00.

Can I get a copy of my receipt for tax purposes?

If you lodged an online application, a copy of your receipt is available in your online WWC account. You can download a copy by clicking the ‘Receipt’ button on the ‘My Details’ page.

If you lodged a hardcopy application, we are unable to provide a copy or your receipt as they can only be provided at time of lodgement by our Australia Post service partners. 

Your employer may be able to provide a copy of your receipt, if you have previously provided them with a copy and they have maintained good record keeping practices.

Can I apply for a WWC Check online during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Currently the WWC Screening Unit can only accept WWC Card renewals online. If this is your first application or you are re-applying, because your Card has expired, then you must lodge your WWC Check application at an authorised Australia Post outlet. For more information about applying for a WWC Check click here.

I have had to self-isolate due to COVID-19 and my WWC Card expired during this time. What should I do?

If your WWC Card has expired while in self-isolation, then you must make a new application by lodging a WWC Check application form at an authorised Australia Post outlet, before re-commencing your child-related work. Discuss your re-application with your employer or organisation, as they will have to sign your application form.

If your Card has expired, then you can no longer renew online. For more information about re-applying click here.

My WWC Card is about to expire, but my child-related work has been suspended for the time being, due to COVID-19 restrictions. What should I do?
In the first instance, you should discuss your upcoming WWC Card expiry with your employer or organisation. If you are likely to engage in child-related work, then you can renew online, if eligible.

If, however you are unlikely to engage in child-related work in the foreseeable future, then you and your organisation can opt to make a new application when you re-commence your child-related work.
 
For more information about renewing your WWC Card click here.

How long does it take to get a WWC Card?

As each Check involves an individual criminal history check, the processing time varies. The majority of WWC Cards are issued within three to twelve weeks. However, some applications can take longer for a number of reasons including if there is inaccurate or incorrect information or if the person has a common name or a criminal record. Click here for more information about the application process.
 
Where an applicant or organisation has concerns about the status of an application they can check the status using our online services. Click here to check the status of an application. Or for more information contact the WWC Screening Unit.

 

My WWC Card has expired but I want to renew online. What should I do?

If your WWC Card has expired, you can no longer renew online. You must re-apply by completing an Application form for a WWC Check, and lodging it at an authorised Australia Post outlet. It is an offence to engage in child-related work without having a current Card or application for one, so be sure to lodge it in a timely manner. Click here for more information about re-applying.

I have received a reminder to renew my WWC Card but I am not currently engaging in any child-related work. Can I renew my Card before it expires as I may like to work with children in the future?

You can only renew your WWC Card if you currently engage in child-related work. If you have left your previous child-related work job and are looking for another or if you are currently on extended leave (such as maternity leave), you should apply for another WWC Check when you start child-related work or are about to start again.  Your employer, volunteer organisation or education provider representative will sign your application form on behalf of the organisation confirming you are in child-related work.

I have applied for a WWC Check. Can I start child-related work while my application is being processed, or must I have my WWC Card before I can start work?

In most cases you can start your child-related work while your application is being processed. However if you have a Class 1 offence committed when an adult, or have been issued with an Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice then you must not. Your receipt is proof that you have a pending application. You can show your receipt to your employer or organisation to allow you to start child-related work. This receipt is valid for as long as it takes for an outcome to be made. For more information about the application process click here.

How can I check when my WWC Card expires?

The date your WWC Card expires is printed on the card itself, but if you do not have your Card with you, you can easily access this information on your WWC online services account (if you previously registered for one).

To register for our online services you will need your WWC Card number or application number. Click here to register for our online services. If you not have your WWC Card or application number then please contact the WWC Screening Unit.

Where we have your correct email address we will send you a reminder three months before your WWC Card is due to expire. Be sure to register an online account and keep your information up to date. Click here to login and update your information.

My WWC Card has been lost or stolen. What should I do?

There are two ways to request a replacement WWC Card if yours has been lost or stolen. You can request a replacement Card by using our Online services ‘Replacement Card’ facility. If you have previously registered for our online services, you can log in and request a replacement Card online and pay the required fee of $11.00. A replacement Card will then be sent to you. Click here to login to your WWC online account.

The alternative way is to contact the WWC Screening Unit requesting a replacement Card. The Unit will send you a letter, which you will need to sign and take to an authorised Australia Post outlet and pay the required fee of $11.00. A replacement Card will then be sent to you.

I have changed my name since I applied for a WWC Check. How can I change the name on my WWC Card?

If you have changed your name (including due to marriage or divorce) you can notify the WWC Screening Unit of the change. However we will not issue a new WWC Card. When you renew your WWC Card (if you continue your child-related work) you should re-apply in your new name, by completing an Application for a Working with Children Check form and lodging it at an authorised Australia Post outlet, with the required identity documents to prove your name change. For more information about applying click here.

I am applying for jobs working with children and want to apply for a WWC Check. Who should sign my application form as my employer representative?

If you are applying for jobs which involve child-related work you can only apply for a WWC Check once you have been successful in gaining a position.

You should apply before you start your child-related work, with your new employer, volunteer organisation or education provider representative signing your WWC Check application form.

I am under 18 years of age doing child-related work and being paid. Do I need a WWC Check?

Yes, if you are a child who engages in child-related work as a paid person you must obtain a WWC Check. It is only volunteers and unpaid students on placement under 18 years old who are exempt.

I am a parent volunteer. Do I need to have a WWC Check?

As a parent volunteer, you will require a WWC Check where you engage in child-related work and no exemption applies to the work you are doing.

In many situations where parents volunteer in the same activity as their child, they do not require a WWC Check, as an exemption applies. For example if a parent volunteers at the school where their child is enrolled or a sporting club their child attends they are exempt and are ineligible to apply for a WWC Check. In both of these examples the parent volunteer exemption applies even if the child is not involved in the same activity.

This exemption for parent volunteers varies according to the category of child-related work selected and does not apply to all, for example there is no parent volunteer exemption for overnight camps. For more information about the parent volunteer exemption please read Factsheet 4: The Parent Volunteer Exemption.

My national organisation/peak body’s policy requires everyone who has contact with a child to have a WWC Check. In WA, I am not eligible to obtain one. What should I do?
In WA, if you do not engage in child-related work or are exempt then you are ineligible to obtain a WWC Check. An organisation’s policy cannot override the requirements of the law. We recommend discussing the matter with your organisation and offering to obtain another form of screening, such as a National Police Certificate instead.

When should students going on placement apply for their WWC Checks?

Education providers must only request students to apply for a WWC Check once a placement in child-related work has been arranged, as only students who are engaging in child-related work are eligible to apply for a WWC Check. Education providers should not require students to apply for their Check when they enrol in a course or at the start of the calendar year, as the students are not yet engaged in child-related work.

I am moving to Western Australia. Can I use my current WWC Check from interstate?
Your WWC Check is only valid in the state or territory it is issued. You will need to obtain a WWC Check from WA when you start child-related work here.

Can I use my WWC Card in other states or territories?
Your Western Australian WWC Card is only valid in Western Australia (WA) and the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. If you move or travel interstate and engage in child-related work, then you will need to check the requirements for a WWC Check in that state or territory and apply through their scheme.

Does a person need to have their WWC Card before they can start child-related work?

No. In most cases a person can start or continue their child-related work if they have a pending application (a receipt is proof of a pending application), unless the person has a Class 1 offence committed when an adult, an Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice. For a list of Class 1 offences see Factsheet 3: Class 1 and Class 2 Offences.

Do volunteers and unpaid students have to re-apply for a new WWC Check if they gain paid child-related work?

If a volunteer, unpaid student on placement or unpaid person obtains a WWC Card for their voluntary or unpaid work, their WWC Card can be used for all the child-related work they do, whether paid, unpaid or voluntary and across all categories of child-related work for the three years that their WWC Card is valid (unless it is cancelled sooner). If a volunteer, student or unpaid person with a valid WWC Card starts paid child-related work they can show their employer, volunteer organisation or education provider their current WWC Card. When this Card expires they should renew their Card as a paid employee for their new employer or organisation.

My organisation has been waiting a number of weeks for an outcome to an employee’s WWC Check application. What should I do?

Though we try to process applications and renewals as quickly as possible there can be various reasons for delays such as incorrect or inadequate information provided or the person having a common name.

In the first instance you should check the status of the application or renewal using the ‘Check WWC Application Status’ function on this website. If the application is being processed the person can continue to engage in child-related work as long as they do not have a Class 1 offence when an adult, an Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice. For a list of Class 1 offences please read Factsheet 3: Class 1 and Class 2 Offences. If you have any concerns about the check, please contact the WWC Screening Unit.