DBS checks for self-employed tutors and educators
Tutoring, teaching or running lessons for yourself? You can now apply for your own Enhanced DBS check. Find your role, see which check level you're likely to need, and apply online.
Free to register. See our DBS check costs.Find your role and check level
Pick your role for the full details. The level you get depends on what you do, who with and how often, so the eligibility checker confirms it before you pay.
How the barred lists work
The Children's Barred List is usually added when you teach, train, coach, care for or supervise under-18s once a week or more, on 4 or more days in any 30-day period, or overnight (between 2am and 6am). Less often than that, you'll usually get an Enhanced check without it.
How to get your education DBS check
Apply online, verify your ID digitally and track your check from start to finish.
Check eligibility
Answer a few questions about your work to confirm your check level.
Register and apply
Create your account and complete your application online.
Verify your identity
Confirm your ID digitally. We check and submit your application to the DBS.
Receive certificate
Posted to you. Track it, then join the Update Service.
Who will ask to see your check
Parents
Most ask to see a DBS certificate before a first lesson. The Update Service lets them check it's still current, for free, with your permission.
Tutoring platforms and agencies
Many ask for an Enhanced check with the Children's Barred List before they list you.
Schools and centres
Often want to see the certificate and check it on the Update Service before you work on site.
Education DBS check FAQs
Can a self-employed tutor get an Enhanced DBS check?
Yes. Since 21 January 2026 self-employed people can apply for their own Enhanced check through a registered Umbrella Body, as long as the role is eligible. Private tutoring of under-18s is eligible.
Do I need the Children's Barred List check?
Usually yes if you teach under-18s once a week or more, on 4 or more days in any 30-day period, or overnight. If you tutor less often than that, you'll usually get an Enhanced check without the barred list.
I tutor online only. Am I still eligible?
Online tuition of children can still be eligible. The eligibility checker asks the right questions and tells you the level before you apply.
Does my certificate expire?
A DBS certificate has no expiry date, but parents and platforms often ask for one that's recent. Joining the Update Service keeps it current and lets people check it online.
I'm also on an agency's books. Do I need two checks?
Not always. If the agency accepts Update Service checks, one certificate can cover both. Ask the agency what they accept first.
More answers in our DBS check FAQs.
Useful guidance
- The Tutors' Association
- GOV.UK: DBS checks for self-employed people
- Every Check Helps: guides for parents
Ready to apply?
Free to register. You only pay once you've confirmed your check level.
This guide applies to self-employed people in England and Wales. Scotland uses Disclosure Scotland and Northern Ireland uses AccessNI. It's guidance only, not legal advice.