Police Check vs Working With Children Check: the difference and when you need each
When you start a new job, apply for a visa, or take up volunteering in Australia, you may be asked to provide the result of a background check. The two most common types are the National Police Check and the Working With Children Check (WWCC). Many people confuse the two, or are unsure which one they need.
What is a National Police Check?
A National Police Check (also called a police clearance) is a summary of your criminal history record in Australia. It lists offences you have been convicted of (depending on the state and the type of offence) and — in some cases — charges that are still being dealt with.
A police check is widely used for:
- Job applications (especially in care, education, security and finance)
- Visa applications or visa extensions
- Registering as a volunteer
- Applying for an occupational licence in certain industries
- Legal and housing processes
You can apply for a police check through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) or through accredited providers. The result is usually issued as an electronic document. There is no fixed legal validity period for a police check — each organisation sets its own rule on how recent the result must be (often within 3 or 6 months).
What is a Working With Children Check?
The WWCC is a separate check, designed to protect children. It does not just look up your criminal record — it also assesses whether you are suitable to work or volunteer in an environment with children.
A WWCC is mandatory for anyone who:
- Works or volunteers regularly with children
- Is in fields such as education, child care, sport and community activities, or health
This is an ongoing type of check — a WWCC card has an expiry date and needs to be renewed. It is also continuously monitored: if you are convicted of a child-related offence after the card is issued, the issuing authority can revoke it.
The key differences
| National Police Check | WWCC | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | General criminal history record | Specifically protecting children |
| Who needs it | Many occupations, visas, housing | Anyone working/volunteering with children |
| Ongoing monitoring | No | Yes |
| Validity | None (set by each organisation) | Yes (usually a few years, varies by state) |
| Issued by | ACIC or accredited providers | State authority (different in each state) |
Can you need both?
Yes. For example: a teacher may need a WWCC (required by law) and a police check (required by the school, or when applying for a job somewhere new). Some organisations accept one of the two; some require both. Always confirm with the organisation asking for it so you know exactly what they need.
Does the process differ from state to state?
For a police check: the application process is similar across the country because it is managed by ACIC at the federal level. For a WWCC: each state and territory has its own issuing authority, and the name and requirements can differ. A WWCC issued in one state is usually not automatically recognised in another — if you move states and work with children, check with the authority in the new state.
Note: This article provides general information. The specific requirements depend on your state, occupation and organisation. Check directly with the relevant authority to confirm.