NDIS Worker Screening: Every Provider's Obligations
What every NDIS worker screening provider must do: risk-assessed roles, clearances, the NWSD, costs, supervision rules and 2026-27 reform changes.
What the NDIS Worker Screening Check is — and what it is not
Which of your workers actually need one — 'risk-assessed roles'
Your legal obligations as an NDIS worker screening provider
How a worker gets a clearance, and what it costs
What you can do while a clearance is pending
Exclusions, suspensions and ongoing monitoring
The worker orientation module and induction
Sole traders and unregistered providers
How the 2026-27 reforms widen the obligation
How this plays out in practice
Common mistakes and edge cases
Your next step
Frequently asked questions
How long does an NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance last?
A clearance is valid for five years from the date it is issued. It is portable — it works across employers and across states and territories, so a worker does not need a separate check for each provider. It is monitored continuously, so it can still be suspended or revoked within the five years if new information emerges.
Can a worker start before their clearance comes through?
Yes, if you put an approved supervision arrangement in place while the application is being processed. That means the worker is directly supervised by a cleared worker and is never alone with a participant, and the arrangement is documented. If the Worker Screening Unit later issues an exclusion, the worker must stop in the risk-assessed role immediately. Confirm what your state's WSU permits, as some settings do not allow it.
Do sole traders and unregistered providers need worker screening?
The screening rules currently compel registered providers, not unregistered ones. But a sole trader delivering support personally is in a risk-assessed role, and plan managers, support coordinators and participants often require a clearance before engaging you. With mandatory registration expanding to high-risk supports from 1 July 2027, many currently-unregistered providers will soon be legally required to screen — so it is worth doing now.
What is the difference between a police check and an NDIS Worker Screening Check?
A National Police Check is a point-in-time snapshot of criminal history. The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a broader, ongoing risk assessment run by a state Worker Screening Unit that considers criminal history plus workplace misconduct and NDIS Commission information, and monitors continuously for five years. A police check does not satisfy your screening obligations and cannot be substituted for a clearance.
Who pays for the NDIS worker screening check?
There is no rule requiring the provider to pay — the worker lodges the application and the fee. Many providers choose to cover or reimburse the fee as part of onboarding, sometimes after a probation period. Fees vary by state and by applicant type (paid workers versus volunteers), so confirm the current amount with the relevant Worker Screening Unit and state your policy clearly in the employment offer.