Working in social work, community services, and healthcare in Australia is not just a job – it’s a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. That’s why Australia requires workers in these sectors to hold mandatory certificates and clearances to guarantee service quality.
Understanding the compulsory and recommended certifications will help you prepare better, increase your job prospects, and demonstrate your professionalism. Let’s explore these requirements with NextGem.
Certificates / Legal Clearances Regulated by the Government
1. National Police Check
- A national background check issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or authorised agencies, confirming your criminal history (if any) across Australia.
- Issued by: AFP or accredited providers.
- How to apply: Online via AFP or authorised websites, submit ID documents, results sent by email/post.
- Validity: Usually 12 months (varies by employer).
- Cost: Around AUD 42.
- Recognised nationwide, but some employers may still require a new check if you move interstate.
2. Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- A clearance confirming that people working (paid or volunteer) with children and young people have no criminal record or behaviours that pose risks.
- Issued by: State/Territory governments (e.g. Service NSW, Service VIC).
- How to apply: Apply online through your state authority, verify ID at a Service Centre.
- Validity: 3–5 years (varies by state).
- Cost: AUD 80–130 depending on the state.
- Important: Not transferable between states; you must reapply if you move interstate.
3. NDIS Worker Screening Check
- A clearance for workers in the disability support sector (NDIS), ensuring only safe and suitable people can work with individuals with disability.
- Issued by: Worker Screening Unit of each state/territory.
- How to apply: Apply online, verify ID at Service Centres.
- Validity: 5 years.
- Cost: AUD 80–138 depending on the state:
- NSW: ~AUD 80
- VIC: ~AUD 128.20
- QLD: ~AUD 138
- SA: ~AUD 114
- Recognised nationally, provided your employer verifies you in the shared database.
4. Working With Vulnerable People Check (specific states)
- Required in some states/territories (ACT, TAS, NT) for those working with vulnerable people.
- Issued by: Relevant state/territory authority.
- Validity: 3–5 years.
- Cost: AUD 80–150 depending on state.
- Not transferable interstate.
Professional Skill-Based Certificates (Training + Practical Assessment)
1. Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
- Basic first aid certificate including CPR, confirming you can provide initial response in emergencies.
- Issued by: RTOs such as St John Ambulance, Red Cross, TAFE.
- Duration: 1-day course (theory + practical).
- Validity: 3 years (CPR updated annually).
- Cost: AUD 85–150 (some providers charge up to AUD 195).
2. CPR Certificate (HLTAID009)
- Certifies your ability to perform CPR on adults, children, infants and use AED devices.
- Duration: Half-day course.
- Validity: 12 months.
- Cost: AUD 50–70.
3. Manual Handling Training
- Training in safe lifting, moving, and handling of patients to prevent workplace injuries.
- Issued by: RTOs such as St John Ambulance, Red Cross, TAFE.
- Duration: Half-day to 1 day.
- Validity: 1–2 years.
- Cost: AUD 80–120.
4. Infection Control Training
- Focuses on preventing and controlling infections in healthcare, aged care, disability, and community services.
- Duration: 1–2 hours, in-person or online.
- Validity: Usually 12 months (varies by employer).
- Cost: AUD 30–70.
5. Medication Assistance Training
- Training in safely assisting and administering medication in healthcare and aged care.
- Duration: 3–6 hours (theory + practice).
- Validity: 3 years.
- Cost: AUD 150–250.
6. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Provides skills to recognise and respond to mental health crises in the community.
- Duration: 2 days.
- Validity: 3 years.
- Cost: AUD 200–350.
7. Suicide Prevention Training (ASIST, safeTALK)
- Specialised training in suicide prevention and crisis intervention.
- Duration: 1–2 days.
- Validity: 3 years.
- Cost: AUD 120–250.
8. Child Protection Training
- Training to identify and respond to child abuse and neglect risks.
- Duration: 2–4 hours.
- Validity: 2–3 years (varies by state).
- Cost: AUD 50–150.
Note: Professional skills-based certificates are generally recognised nationwide.
Mandatory vs Recommended Certificates
Mandatory Certificates
- National Police Check
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- NDIS Worker Screening Check (if working in disability sector)
- Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
- CPR (HLTAID009)
Recommended Certificates (to boost employability)
- Manual Handling Training
- Infection Control Training
- Medication Assistance Training
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Suicide Prevention Training (ASIST, safeTALK)
- Child Protection Training
Final Thoughts
Holding the mandatory certificates is a prerequisite for employment, while additional certifications will strengthen your CV, increase your job opportunities, and demonstrate professionalism.
If you are pursuing a career in social work, community services, or healthcare in Australia, start by completing the essential certifications. Then, enhance your skills with additional training to gain a competitive edge.
>> NextGem is here to guide you every step of the way – from choosing the right course, finding placements, to preparing all the certifications you need to confidently enter the Australian workforce.
