To work or volunteer in regulated child-related employment or operate a regulated child-related business in Queensland, you will need a blue card or exemption card.
What is a blue card?
A blue card is a process that is undertaken by anyone who wishes to work with children. It is similar to a police check but has additional screening standards to ensure child safety.
Thus, a blue card is required for our students who enrol in Early Childhood Education and Care courses, as vocational placement is included as a component of the qualification.
How to apply for a blue card
Check your eligibility
To help ensure the safety of children and young people in Queensland, the blue card system stops certain people from holding or applying for a blue card.
Who cannot apply for or hold a blue card:
- Disqualifying offences – To help keep Queensland children safe, some people are disqualified from applying for or holding a blue card.
- Serious offences – If you are charged with a serious offence, your blue card application will immediately be withdrawn.
Prove your identity
You will need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) before you apply for your blue or exemption card to prove your identity. You can find your CRN on any TMR product.
The photo from your TMR product will be for your blue card. If your photo with TMR was taken more than 6 years and 9 months ago, you will need to have a new photo taken at a TMR customer service centre.
If you don’t have a CRN, or your photo has expired, you will need to visit a TMR customer service centre to get one. If you are unable to visit TMR or live interstate you can still apply for a CRN from them.
There is no fee to get a CRN or have your photo updated.
Getting a CRN
Take your acceptable identity documents to a TMR customer service centre to prove your identity
ask the TMR staff to take your photo.
When you have done this, you will need to wait for the CRN confirmation letter/email. When the confirmation arrives, keep it in a safe place as you will need the CRN to register for an online account to apply for your blue card.
More details about acceptable identity documents: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/identity
Steps
To apply for a blue or exemption card, follow these 3 steps.
- Have your CRN nearby to reference.
- Register for an online account. This is how we verify your identity and get the photo for your card.
- Apply for your blue or exemption card using the online applicant portal or download the paper form.
Click here: https://my.bluecard.qld.gov.au/
How long does a blue card last?
A blue card is generally valid for three years. This duration applies from the date of issue unless it is cancelled earlier due to certain circumstances like changes in criminal history.
It’s crucial to note that Blue Card Services in Queensland sends a renewal reminder to cardholders approximately 10 weeks before their blue card is due to expire, as the renewal process must be completed before the current card expires to ensure continuous validity.
However, the expiry date is not the only factor that could impact the duration of your blue card’s validity. If you cease to carry out the regulated activities (like working in a childcare role) for more than eight continuous weeks, Blue Card Services must be notified, and your blue card may no longer be valid.
While a blue card typically lasts for three years, it’s crucial to stay informed about the terms and conditions associated with its validity to ensure you’re always in compliance with Queensland’s child safety laws. If you have any further questions about the blue card system, contact our EIM Training team for assistance.
