Quick Guide To Becoming An NDIS-Recognised Behaviour Support Practitioner

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a specialised area of practice within the NDIS, aimed at improving quality of life and reducing behaviours of concern. For those wanting to work in this space, becoming an NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner means meeting a defined set of professional requirements.

This guide outlines the key NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner requirements, processes and pathways to help you understand what’s involved in becoming recognised and how Behaviour Support training can help you get there.

What is a Behaviour Support practitioner?

An NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner is a professional who works within the NDIS to support people with a disability or mental health diagnosis experiencing behaviours of concern. Their role centres on completing behaviour assessments to design  Positive Behaviour Support plans that are personalised to an individual’s needs and daily context. These plans might focus on making the home environment feel safer or addressing barriers like communication challenges, sudden changes or situations that increase stress.

Core NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner requirements 

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission outlines the key expectations for practitioners in its Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework. NDIS Behaviour Support practitioners are recognised across four capability levels: Core, Proficient, Advanced and Specialist. These levels reflect experience, training and development.

To meet NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner requirements, you’ll need to show the following:

• Qualifications and experience

Practitioners should hold relevant qualifications or professional experience in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech pathology or disability services. This creates a strong foundation in behavioural theory, clinical reasoning and ethical practice. In some cases, sector experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.

• Understanding of Positive Behaviour Support

A solid grasp of PBS principles is essential. This includes the ability to carry out functional behaviour assessments, identify contributing factors behind behaviours of concern and design support plans that are person-centred and rights-based. Plans should be practical, evidence-informed and focused on long-term outcomes.

• Compliance with Commission requirements

NDIS Behaviour Support practitioners must follow the Commission’s processes for submitting Behaviour Support plans and reporting the use of any restrictive practices. This includes working within timelines, using the correct documentation and adhering to reporting obligations under the NDIS rules.



• Commitment to ongoing development

The Commission expects practitioners to engage in continuous professional development. This involves supervision from an experienced clinician, mentoring or enrolling in structured Behaviour Support training programs. Ongoing development helps practitioners move through the capability levels and ensures they are supporting their clients with evidence-based strategies.

Even at the Core level, a practitioner can begin delivering Behaviour Support, provided they have a clear development plan and are supported by appropriate supervision. This creates a pathway to build capability over time while contributing to quality support in the meantime.

Applying for NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner recognition

To become recognised by the NDIS Commission, you need to submit an application through their portal. This includes:

• Evidence of your qualifications or experience
• A capability self-assessment aligned with the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework
• A professional development plan
• A supervision agreement (if applying at Core level)
• Alignment with a registered behaviour support provider

Once accepted, your name will appear on the list of recognised NDIS Behaviour Support practitioners, enabling you to deliver specialist support.

Start your Behaviour Support training with helpz

Becoming an NDIS Behaviour Support practitioner means building the right capability, staying aligned with Commission standards and knowing how to put Positive Behaviour Support into practice.

At helpz, we support this journey through our Behaviour Support Development Program (BSDP). This structured training pathway helps practitioners build essential skills, access clinical supervision and prepare the documentation needed for NDIS registration. The BSDP also includes mentoring, portfolio guidance and access to a practitioner community.

If you're looking to develop your capability, move through the framework levels or begin your application to the NDIS Commission, our training can support you at every stage. Get in touch with us to learn more about our training and services.