In a major step towards advancing digital identification in New South Wales, a Digital First Aid Certificate will soon be available for trial within the Service NSW app. The trial, a partnership with St John Ambulance, will allow first responders, employees, and members to access and share their first aid qualifications as a verifiable credential.
The new Digital First Aid Certificate will simplify how individuals can share their qualifications with employers or organizations, offering a secure and efficient alternative to physical certificates. This trial represents the first-ever verifiable credential in Australia to be tested within a state-run digital platform.
Participants who complete first aid or CPR training through St John Ambulance NSW will have their credentials securely added to the Digital Wallet within the Service NSW app. This step is part of a larger initiative to roll out a broader NSW Digital ID and Wallet system, which aims to streamline and secure digital transactions by enabling users to share only the necessary information.
The Digital First Aid Certificate is the first in a series of verifiable credentials to be tested, following the successful digital renewal of the Working with Children Check (WWCC) last year. Over 21,200 people have already taken advantage of the digital WWCC renewal, saving time and improving efficiency.
Verifiable credentials like the Digital First Aid Certificate are designed to enhance privacy and security, allowing users to share only the minimum required data. For example, a nurse with a first aid qualification could share just their certification without revealing other personal details.
Feedback from the trial will be used to improve the user experience of the NSW Digital Wallet, with the aim of expanding the range of verifiable credentials available to residents in the future.
For more details please visit NSW Digital Identity.