The NDIS Worker Orientation Module Explained ("Quality, Safety and You")
By FindMyHelp Editorial Team · Reviewed against official sources on
If you're starting work as a disability support worker, or hiring one for your family, you'll hear about the NDIS Worker Orientation Module. It's a free online course from the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission). This guide explains what it covers, who needs it, how to get the certificate, and why it matters to families.
What is the NDIS Worker Orientation Module?
Its full name is "Worker orientation module: Quality, safety and you". It's an interactive online course that explains an NDIS worker's obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct (NDIS Commission – Worker training modules).
The NDIS Commission says the module will help you understand:
- how the NDIS works, and the role of the NDIS Commission
- your obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct, including human rights, respect and risk
- your role in achieving the vision of the NDIS.
The Commission describes it as free, online and self-paced. It was created alongside people with disability and teaches through real stories. It explains the Code of Conduct from a participant's perspective (NDIS Commission – Code of Conduct).
Who has to complete it?
The NDIS Commission says the module is "mandatory for staff of registered NDIS providers" and "useful for all workers" (NDIS Commission – Code of Conduct).
It also tells providers that all new workers should complete it as part of their induction, if they haven't already (NDIS Commission – Welcome your new worker).
| Worker | Worker Orientation Module |
|---|---|
| Staff of a registered NDIS provider | Mandatory |
| Workers for unregistered providers | Strongly recommended. They still must follow the Code of Conduct |
| Workers employed directly by self-managing participants | Recommended. Families can ask for it |
Why it matters: the NDIS Code of Conduct
The module is built around the NDIS Code of Conduct. The Code applies to registered and unregistered providers, their key personnel and workers (NDIS Commission). It requires people who deliver NDIS supports to:
- act with respect for people's rights to freedom of expression, self-determination and decision-making
- respect the privacy of people with disability
- provide supports safely and competently, with care and skill
- act with integrity, honesty and transparency
- promptly raise and act on concerns about the quality and safety of supports
- take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse
- take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct
- not charge or represent higher prices for NDIS participants without a reasonable justification.
How to do the module
- Go to the NDIS Commission's worker training modules page.
- Log in to the NDIS Commission online learning portal, or create an account.
- Choose "Worker orientation module: Quality, safety and you".
- Work through it at your own pace.
- At the end, you'll receive an industry-recognised Certificate of Completion to share with your employer.
Finding your certificate later
To get your certificate again (NDIS Commission):
- Log in to the training portal.
- Select "My Certificates" at the top of the screen.
- Find the certificate in the list and download it.
You can repeat the module to get a certificate with a new completion date. The portal has a "reset your certificate date" option.
Having technical trouble? The NDIS Commission has an online training help request form on the same page.
Other free NDIS Commission training modules
The NDIS Commission also offers (NDIS Commission):
- New worker: NDIS induction modules. A series of 8 modules for people new to the disability sector.
- Supporting effective communication. How to be a good "communication partner".
- Supporting safe and enjoyable meals. Mealtime support for people with swallowing difficulties, including following the mealtime plan and preparing food of the right texture.
These are especially useful for workers who support people with communication needs or swallowing difficulties.
Worker orientation module vs worker screening check
These are often confused, but they're different things:
| Worker Orientation Module | NDIS Worker Screening Check | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Free online training on the Code of Conduct | A check of a worker's background, done by a state or territory screening unit |
| Who runs it | NDIS Commission | State and territory worker screening units |
| What you get | Certificate of Completion | A "cleared" or "excluded" outcome |
| Cost | Free | Fees set by each state or territory |
For more, see our guide NDIS Worker Screening Check: A Plain-English Guide for Families and Carers.
For families: questions to ask a support worker
If you're choosing a worker, especially through an unregistered provider or by hiring directly, it's reasonable to ask:
- Have you completed the NDIS Worker Orientation Module? Can I see your certificate?
- Do you have a current NDIS worker screening clearance? You have the right to only accept workers with a current clearance, and the NDIS Commission recommends it (NDIS Commission – Worker screening for participants).
- Have you done any other training relevant to my family member's needs, such as communication or mealtime support?
- How would you raise a concern about safety or quality?
Raising a concern
Anyone, whether a participant, family member, carer or worker, can raise a concern about the safety or quality of NDIS supports. Providers must make participants feel safe to raise issues, and must not threaten you for raising a concern or complaint (NDIS Commission). You can contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NDIS Worker Orientation Module free?
Yes. It's free, online and self-paced (NDIS Commission).
Is the Worker Orientation Module mandatory?
It's mandatory for staff of registered NDIS providers. The NDIS Commission says it's useful for all workers, and providers should include it in induction.
What does "Quality, Safety and You" cover?
How the NDIS works, the NDIS Commission's role, your obligations under the NDIS Code of Conduct (including human rights, respect and risk), and your role in the NDIS vision.
How do I get my certificate?
You get a Certificate of Completion at the end. You can download it again later from "My Certificates" in the training portal.
Is the orientation module the same as a worker screening check?
No. The module is training. The worker screening check is a background check run by state and territory screening units.
Can family members do the module?
Anyone can create an account and complete it. It's a good way for families to understand what to expect from workers.
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This guide is general information. Always check the NDIS Commission website for current requirements.