When is an NDIS Check not mandatory?

When an NDIS Worker Screening Check Is Not Mandatory

Not every worker or volunteer who interacts with people with disability is legally required to hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check (NDIS Check).
The following outlines when the check is not mandatory, and the responsibilities that still apply to employers and self-managed participants.

NDIS Check Not Required For:

• Individuals with only incidental contact with an NDIS participant (e.g. reception staff, maintenance workers, cleaners, or delivery personnel who do not provide direct supports).
• Individuals working for a self-managed NDIS participant or an unregistered NDIS provider.

Important:
While an NDIS Check is not mandatory in these situations, employers, unregistered providers, or self-managed participants may still choose to require an NDIS Check clearance as part of their internal risk management or recruitment policy.

Secondary School Students on Work Placement

Secondary school students undertaking a formal work experience placement with a registered NDIS provider are exempt from obtaining an NDIS Check if:

• The placement involves a risk-assessed role, and
• The student is directly supervised at all times by another worker who already holds a valid NDIS Check clearance.

This ensures appropriate oversight while supporting student learning opportunities within NDIS-registered environments.

Best Practice Recommendation

Even when not strictly required, Worker Checks recommends that organisations:

• Maintain a clear record of worker roles assessed as exempt under the NDIS Check framework.
• Consider requesting a clearance where workers have any potential access to NDIS participants, data, or records.
• Ensure supervisory arrangements are documented for exempt students or incidental workers.

Learn More

• NDIS Worker Screening – Who Needs a Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Rules 2018 (Cth)

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