Do I need a blue card or exemption card?
Paid employees who work with children and young people must hold a blue card or an exemption card if their work falls into a category of regulated employment and they work, or are likely to work, for at least:
- eight consecutive days, or
- once a week for each week during a period of four weeks, or
- once a fortnight for each fortnight during a period of eight weeks, or
- once a month for each month during a period of six months
unless an exemption applies.
Click on the links below for further information about the requirements and any relevant exemptions under each category:
- Residential facilities
- Schools – Boarding facilities
- Schools – Employees other than teachers and parents
- Education and care services and similar employment
- Child care services and similar employment
- Churches, clubs and associations involving children
- Health, counselling and support services
- Private teaching, coaching or tutoring
- Education programs conducted outside of schools
- Child accommodation services including home stays
- Religious representatives
- Sport and active recreation
- Emergency services cadet program
- School crossing supervisors
- Care of children under the Child Protection Act 1999
Last updated: 21 December, 2011
Important things to remember
Blue cards for paid employees are valid for three years and the prescribed application fee is $72.50
A paid employee can commence regulated child-related work once their application is lodged with the Commission.
Certain people are prohibited from applying for or renewing a blue card. Please click here for more information about disqualified persons.
Police officers and registered teachers do not apply for blue cards and in certain circumstances may need to apply for an exemption card. Please click here for the relevant exemption card application form.
If you don't require screening under one category, you might still need screening under another. Please check all categories that apply.