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Blue Cards

The application process to apply for a Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card) has changed. All applications will now be completed online, and new Blue Cards will now display your photo.

The Working with Children Check is a screening process that assesses your suitability to work with children and young people based on known disciplinary and police information. All students undertaking a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subject or working with children or young people as part of their studies within Queensland are required by law to hold a valid Blue Card or Exemption Card, issued by Blue Card Services Queensland.

It is your responsibility to maintain a current Blue Card and ensure your contact details are up to date throughout your course.

if you change your address or phone number, you must contact QLD Blue Card Services

If you have a lost/damaged card you must also notify QLD Blue Card Services

All applications (including renewals and linking)  will require you to have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). You can find your CRN on your QLD Drivers License or QLD Proof of Age Card. QLD Blue Card Services is now verifying your identity this way.

If you do not have a CRN number, you can obtain one by visiting a Transport and Main Roads (TMR) office. If there is no TMR office in your location, you can visit a QLD Police Station or a Queensland Government Agent Program (QGAP) office.

You will need to take along 100pts of Identification for ID verification. Once verified, your photo is taken, and you are issued with a CRN. If you are not applying for a QLD Drivers License or Proof of Age card, there is no cost.

Please note that your photo must have been taken within the last six years and nine months. If your photo is older than six years and nine months, you will need to visit a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads office or alternate agency to have a new photo taken. There is no cost for updating your photo.

IMPORTANT: You will not be able to register on the QLD Blue Card Services online portal without your CRN.

Once you have your Queensland Department of Main Roads and Transport Customer Reference Number (CRN), you can proceed with the online registration and application process.

  1. Visit  QLD Blue Card Services, scroll down and click on the Register Now button and enter the required information.
  2. Once you complete the Register Now section, you will get a registration code. The code will be used to link your details to James Cook University.
  3. Email your registration code to [email protected]. Please make your subject heading "Blue Card Registration Code - (insert your full name)".
  4. The Placement team will activate your registration code (please allow up to 48 business hours for this to be actioned).
  5. Once the code is activated, you will receive a text message from QLD Blue Card Services to advise that you can now proceed with your online application. Go to the Blue Card Services and click on the 'Log in to the online applicant portal' (this cannot be completed until JCU activates your code).
  6. Once QLD Blue Card Services have approved your application, you will receive a confirmation email, and your new Blue Card will be mailed to your nominated address. JCU is also notified that your card has been approved and will update InPlace accordingly.
  1. Email a copy of your current QLD Blue Card to [email protected]. Please make your subject heading 'Link current Blue Card'.
  2. The Placement team will link your current QLD Blue Card to James Cook University. (Please allow up to 48 business hours for this to be actioned)
  3. You will receive an email from QLD Blue Card Services that your QLD Blue Card is linked to James Cook University.

Application submitted before current Blue Card expires

Please note, as advised above you will require a CRN and photo recorded with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads to complete your application.

  1. Visit  QLD Blue Card Services, scroll down and click on the Register Now button and enter the required information.
  2. As you are already linked to JCU, you will be able to continue with your renewal application via the 'Log in to the online applicant portal'.
  3. Once QLD Blue Card Services approve your renewal application, you will receive a confirmation email, and your new Blue Card will be mailed to your nominated address. JCU is also notified that your card has been renewed and will update InPlace accordingly.

Application submitted after your Blue Card has expired

  1. Please see the process to complete a New QLD Working with Children Check Application as above.

Some organisations require that students undertake a criminal history check before they commence placement. If they ask you to provide a criminal history check, please find out from the organisation what type of criminal history check they require. For example, a Queensland criminal history check or a national criminal history check. Please be aware that unless the organisation pays the cost of this check, you will need to pay the fee for this check.

To apply for a criminal history check, you need to go to your local police station. You’ll need to provide identification, such as a current driver licence, passport or other photo ID, and pay an application fee.

Information about fees and process is available on the Queensland Government website.

If you are going to complete field education in the disability field or aged care sector, you will need a Yellow card before you begin your placement. Download an application form here. Complete Part A then visit the closest WIL Placement Unit with two current, original identification documents that collectively show your full name, date of birth and signature. The details on your identification documents must match the details provided in Part A.

You will be asked to sign in part B in the presence of a staff member from the placement unit. The DTES Placement Team will complete part C, D and E then submit the form on your behalf to yellow Card Services Queensland for processing.

It can take up to 8 weeks for Yellow Card Services Queensland to process your application/renewal. There is no fee for students.

Australian States and Territories have different requirements for working with youth or vulnerable people (of any age or circumstances). Please check with your State’s or Territory’s requirements. Compliance with your State or Territory law is mandatory. If you plan to complete Work Integrated Learning interstate, please email [email protected] and provide them with your details so they can support you in meeting that State’s or Territory’s requirements.

Further Information

For further information please refer to the Blue Card Services website, or contact the College Placement Team.

College Placement Team

For all placement and internship matters: [email protected] or call (07) 4781 6333

Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, Douglas
Location: Building 134 - Room 108, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus
Mail address: College of Arts, Society and Education, James Cook University
1 James Cook Drive, Douglas QLD 4814

Cairns, Nguma-bada Campus, Smithfield
Location: Building A004 - 129, Cairns, Nguma-bada Campus
Mail address: College of Arts, Society and Education, James Cook University
PO Box 6811, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia