Who needs an NDIS Check? A Guide for Workers and Providers

It is vital that you determine who needs and NDIS check – whether your are screening your organisation’s workforce or you an individual working in the disability sector.

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Act 2020, anyone working in a risk-assessed role for registered NDIS providers—whether as an employee, contractor, or volunteer—must hold an active NDIS Check clearance. Working without one, or without submitting an application, is an offence and can result in penalties.

What Counts as a Risk-Assessed Role ? Determining who needs and NDIS check.

• Key personnel – management, executives, or those with significant influence over provider operations.
• Direct delivery of specified supports or services – such as personal care, therapies, or daily supports.
• More than incidental contact with people with disability, including:
  • Physical touching
  • Building rapport as part of everyday duties
  • Contact with multiple participants, such as in disability support or accommodation settings

Employers are responsible for helping workers determine if their role requires an NDIS Check.

Who’s Exempt from an NDIS Check?

In some cases, an NDIS Check is not mandatory:

• Workers with only incidental contact with NDIS participants
• People employed by self-managed participants or unregistered providers
• Secondary school students in supervised work placements (must be directly supervised by someone with a clearance)

Even if not mandatory, employers or participants may still request that a worker needs an NDIS Check.

The Screening Process & National Recognition

• Each state and territory has a Worker Screening Unit that processes applications.
• Screening outcomes (clearance or exclusion) are stored in the NDIS Worker Screening Database, which is accessible nationally.
• Once granted, a clearance is valid across Australia—no need to reapply when changing jobs or moving interstate (unless it expires or is cancelled).

Applying & Working While Pending

• Applications are completed online via state-based authorities (e.g., Service Victoria).
• Pending status – workers may start while their application is processing if employer verification and supervision are in place. (Sole traders must wait until clearance is granted.)
• Exclusions – workers who are excluded or had a clearance cancelled cannot reapply for five years unless the exclusion is overturned.

Why It Matters

The NDIS Worker Screening Check helps ensure that only people who are safe and suitable can work in roles supporting people with disability. This protects participants and builds integrity across the sector.

Final Thoughts

Understanding who needs an NDIS Check is essential for:

• Employees, contractors, or volunteers in risk-assessed roles
• Self-employed providers responsible for their own compliance
• Employers who must assess roles, support workers, and maintain compliance

Staying compliant keeps participants safe and ensures your organisation meets NDIS standards.