NDIS Worker Screening

NDIS Worker Screening Check – Complete Guide for Disability Support Workers

Anyone working in, or applying for, a role under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may need to complete an NDIS Worker Screening Check. This screening assesses whether a person poses an unacceptable risk to people with disability.

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is separate from a standard Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCHC / Police Check). It is conducted by state and territory Worker Screening Units on behalf of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. A clearance is valid for up to five years from the date of issue and is nationally recognised — meaning you do not need to reapply if you move interstate or change employers.

Important: Worker Checks does not process or issue NDIS Worker Screening Checks. These are handled exclusively by your state or territory Worker Screening Unit. However, Worker Checks provides ACIC-accredited Police Checks and credential management tools that complement your NDIS screening and help you stay audit-ready.

What is an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

An NDIS Worker Screening Check is a risk assessment conducted by a state or territory Worker Screening Unit. It determines whether a person is suitable to work in certain roles with people with disability.

The Worker Screening Unit reviews a range of information — including criminal history, workplace misconduct findings, apprehended violence orders (AVOs), and other relevant records — to decide whether the person should be cleared or excluded from working in risk-assessed roles.

Unlike a Police Check, which is a point-in-time snapshot of Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCOs), an NDIS Worker Screening Check is a broader, ongoing risk assessment specifically designed to protect NDIS participants.

Once a decision is made, it is recorded in the national NDIS Worker Screening Database. Employers can verify a worker’s screening status using their worker screening number — workers do not need to upload or provide a copy of their clearance certificate.

What’s the difference between a Police Check and an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

A National Police Check and an NDIS Worker Screening Check serve different purposes and should not be confused.

National Police Check (NCHC)
A Police Check is a point-in-time record of Disclosable Court Outcomes (DCOs) released under the Australian Spent Convictions Scheme. It shows what is on your criminal record at the time of the check. It does not assess suitability for any particular role.

NDIS Worker Screening Check
An NDIS Worker Screening Check goes further. The Worker Screening Unit considers criminal history alongside workplace misconduct, apprehended violence orders, disciplinary proceedings, and other relevant information to assess risk. The outcome is a determination of whether you are cleared or excluded from working with NDIS participants.

In short: A Police Check shows your record. An NDIS Worker Screening Check determines whether you are suitable to work with people with disability.

Many NDIS providers require workers to hold both a current Police Check and a valid NDIS Worker Screening clearance. A National Police Check from Worker Checks can be completed online in minutes and complements your NDIS screening.

Who needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

You need an NDIS Worker Screening Check if you are:

  • An employee, volunteer, contractor, or student working for a registered NDIS provider in a risk-assessed role (roles involving direct delivery of supports or more than incidental contact with people with disability)
  • A person in a key personnel role for a registered NDIS provider (e.g. board members, management)
  • A worker for a registered provider that has decided all workers must hold an NDIS Worker Screening clearance
  • A worker for an unregistered provider that requires its workers to be screened
  • A sole trader or self-employed worker who is a registered NDIS provider
  • A worker engaged by a self-managed NDIS participant who has decided their workers need an NDIS Worker Screening Check

It is an offence to work in a risk-assessed role without a valid NDIS Worker Screening clearance, or without having applied for one. Penalties apply.

The clearance is nationally recognised. Once cleared, you can deliver NDIS services across all Australian states and territories without reapplying.

Some roles will also require a Working With Children Check (WWCC). Check with your state or territory Worker Screening Unit to confirm if an additional check is needed.

How to apply for an NDIS Worker Screening Check

Step 1: Apply through your state or territory Worker Screening Unit
Visit the Worker Screening Unit website for the state or territory where you live (see the state-by-state directory below). You only need to apply in one jurisdiction — NDIS Worker Screening Checks are nationally recognised.

Step 2: Provide proof of identity
You will need to supply valid Australian identity documents as part of your application.

Step 3: Pay the application fee
Each state and territory sets its own application fee. Check the relevant Worker Screening Unit website for current pricing.

Step 4: Nominate your NDIS provider or self-managed participant
Your application must nominate the NDIS provider or self-managed participant you will be working with. The provider must then verify your engagement in the NDIS Worker Screening Database before your application can proceed.

For sole traders: You act as both the worker and the provider, so you need to complete both the application and the verification steps. You will need access to the NDIS Worker Screening Database through the NDIS Commission provider portal to generate an employer ID and verify your own application.

Working while you wait: Some states and territories allow workers to begin working for a registered provider while their application is being processed. Check with your Worker Screening Unit for details.

NDIS Worker Screening Check by state and territory

Apply through the Worker Screening Unit in the state or territory where you live. You only need to apply in one jurisdiction.

Source: NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Worker Screening

How long does an NDIS Worker Screening Check last?

An NDIS Worker Screening clearance is valid for up to 5 years from the date of issue, unless it is cancelled or revoked.

You can apply to renew your screening check up to 90 days before the expiry date. To renew, submit a renewal application to the Worker Screening Unit in the state or territory where you currently live. You only need to renew in one jurisdiction.

Your employer will receive a notification when your screening check is approaching expiry.

Tip: Use the Worker Checks CheckHub to store your NDIS Worker Screening expiry date alongside your Police Check, WWCC, and qualifications — and receive automated reminders before anything expires.

What are the possible outcomes of an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

After the Worker Screening Unit completes its assessment, you will receive one of the following outcomes:

  • Clearance: You are cleared to work in risk-assessed roles with people with disability. Valid for up to 5 years.
  • Exclusion: You are excluded from working in risk-assessed roles. A person who has been issued an exclusion generally cannot reapply for 5 years, unless the conviction on which the disqualification was based is quashed, set aside, or otherwise ceases to have effect.

There is also an interim bar that may apply in certain circumstances while the assessment is in progress.

Decisions are recorded in the national NDIS Worker Screening Database. Employers can verify your screening status using your worker screening number.

Do employers need to verify NDIS Worker Screening Checks?

Yes. Registered NDIS providers are legally required to ensure all workers in risk-assessed roles and key personnel roles hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening clearance before they commence work — or have applied for one in jurisdictions that allow working on application.

Employer responsibilities include:

  • Verifying worker screening engagement through the NDIS Worker Screening Database
  • Confirming each worker’s clearance status before they start in a risk-assessed role
  • Monitoring screening expiry dates and ensuring renewals are completed on time
  • Maintaining compliance records to meet NDIS Practice Standards and audit requirements

The Worker Checks Business Solution gives providers a centralised dashboard to manage Police Checks, WWCC, NDIS screening status, qualifications, and insurance across their entire workforce — with automated expiry alerts and real-time compliance visibility.

Can I work in aged care with an NDIS Worker Screening Check?

Yes. NDIS Worker Screening Checks are recognised in aged care. If you hold a valid NDIS Worker Screening clearance, it satisfies the aged care worker screening requirement — you do not need a separate aged care screening check.

However, you may still need a current National Police Check depending on your employer’s policies and the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Manage All Your Checks in One Place with Worker Checks

Worker Checks does not process NDIS Worker Screening Checks — that is handled by your state or territory Worker Screening Unit. But we make it easy to manage everything else you need to work in the disability sector.

With the Support Worker Jobs Plan, you can:

  • Complete your ACIC-accredited National Police Check 100% online
  • Store your NDIS Worker Screening clearance, WWCC, and qualifications in one secure profile
  • Add your Insurance Certificate of Currency
  • Share a single verified credential link with employers for faster onboarding
  • Receive automated expiry reminders so nothing lapses

For NDIS providers managing a team, the BusinessHub provides a centralised compliance dashboard with real-time credential tracking, bulk screening, and automated renewal alerts.

Get Your Support Worker Jobs Plan →

Workforce Compliance for NDIS Providers →

Official NDIS Resources