Apply to become an NDIS behaviour support practitioner

An NDIS behaviour support practitioner is someone the NDIS Commission considers suitable to:  

• undertake behaviour support assessments (including functional behavioural assessments)
• develop behaviour support plans, that may also include the use of restrictive practices.

Until the NDIS Commission considers someone suitable to be an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, they cannot undertake behaviour support assessments (including functional behaviour assessments) or develop behaviour support plans, even under supervision.

The practitioner must also be: 

• engaged by a registered NDIS provider, or 
• registered themselves as a provider (for example, a sole trader). 

See rules for behaviour support practitioners.

It's important for behaviour support practitioners to work with within their knowledge, skills and experience. See our policy guidance.

See how we make a decision about practitioner suitability at National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS behaviour support practitioner application) Guidelines 2020.

How to apply

1. Choose your assessment pathway

There are 2 application pathways:

• Self-assessment pathway, where applicants complete a self-assessment and supervisor endorsement of a portfolio of evidence.
• New entry-level pathway (also known as alternative assessment pathway), for practitioners who have less than 6 months positive behaviour support experience and limited portfolio evidence.

2. Prepare to apply

Self-assessment pathway

You will complete a self-assessment against the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework, see:

• Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework
• Self-assessment Resource Guide for the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework.
   

New entry-level pathway

Information about this pathway is available in the factsheet New behaviour support practitioners: Applying for suitability.

1. Work with your supervisor
   New entry-level applicants typically have less behaviour support experience and are expected to have a higher level of supervision and support. 
   
   You need to be supervised by a NDIS behaviour support practitioner who is of proficient level (or above). They will guide you to develop your capabilities across the 7 domains in the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework.

   Work with your supervisor and make:

   • a professional development plan – you can choose to use the ‘continuing professional development plan’ template in section 3.8 of the Self-assessment resource guide
   • a supervisor agreement – you can choose to use the template available in section 3.10 of the Self-assessment resource guide.
      
2. Get these additional documents ready:
   • your resume outlining any relevant experience, training and education
   • certified copies of any relevant qualifications
   • a completed new entry-level practitioner declaration form – this is on the last page of the fact sheet
   • optional evidence - any other relevant evidence which demonstrates transferable skills, such as a classroom behaviour management plan, a safety plan, or a wellness recovery action plan.
      

3. Complete the online application

Go to the Applications Portal to apply for suitability. 

Follow the instructions in the guide Applying to be considered suitable as an NDIS Behaviour Support Practitioner or the fact sheet New Behaviour Support Practitioners: Applying for suitability.

Check all required documents and evidence are uploaded correctly and a valid NDIS worker screening clearance number is included to avoid unnecessary delays in the consideration of your application.

We may ask for more information or work practice examples to help with the assessment process. If we do not receive information within the requested timeframe, you will get a suitability decision of 'unable to make a decision'.

We aim to process most applications within 4 to 6 weeks.

4. Access the decision on your suitability

You will get an email letting you know that a decision has been made on your application. 

If you are considered suitable, access your outcome letter through the Registered NDIS Providers portal.

If we ask for more information or work practice examples, go to the Applications portal.

If you are not considered suitable, access your outcome letter through the Applications portal.

If you asked for feedback in your application, it's important to note that the NDIS Commission does not endorse practitioner capability levels. Any feedback provided by the NDIS Commission is for educative purposes only.