The NDIS Worker Screening Check (NDISWC) is a national scheme, but it is administered by each state and territory. The assessment criteria are the same, but the application portal, processing times, and associated checks vary. AuditCore tracks NDISWC status and expiry for every worker regardless of which state issued their clearance.
How the National Scheme Works
A worker who obtains an NDIS clearance in one state is cleared to work in any state or territory — this is called mutual recognition. However, the clearance is issued by the state where the worker applied, and renewal must happen in the same state. AuditCore records the issuing state alongside the clearance number and expiry date for each worker.
State-by-State Application Portals and Processing Times
AuditCore's Worker Compliance module tracks NDIS worker screening status by state — storing check numbers, expiry dates, and clearance types for every team member in one place.
See Worker Compliance →| State/Territory | Administering Body | Typical Processing Time | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | NDIS Worker Screening Unit (Victorian Government) | 4–8 weeks | Service Victoria |
| NSW | NDIS Worker Screening Unit (NSW) | 2–6 weeks | Service NSW |
| QLD | Blue Card Services / NDIS WSU | 4–8 weeks | QLD Government Online |
| SA | DHS Screening Unit | 4–6 weeks | SA Government portal |
| WA | NDIS WA Screening Unit | 4–8 weeks | WA Government online |
| ACT | Access Canberra | 2–4 weeks | Access Canberra portal |
| TAS | NDIS Worker Screening Unit (Tas) | 4–6 weeks | Service Tasmania |
| NT | NT Department of Health | 4–6 weeks | NT Government portal |
Who Needs an NDIS Worker Screening Check
The NDISWC is required for all workers in a risk-assessed role — defined as any role involving more than incidental contact with NDIS participants. This includes direct support workers, team leaders, supervisors, managers with participant contact, and workers in roles that give access to participant records or homes.
- Direct support workers — always required
- Team leaders and coordinators — required
- Managers who have direct participant contact — required
- Administrative staff with no participant contact — not required (but good practice)
- Volunteers with participant contact — required
- Contractors with participant contact — required
Interim vs. Clearance
In some states, a worker can commence in a risk-assessed role while their NDISWC application is being processed, as long as they have applied and received an interim notice. AuditCore records interim notice status separately from full clearance — so you can see at a glance which workers are on interim and when their full assessment is expected.
How AuditCore Tracks Multi-State Workers
For providers who operate across multiple states, AuditCore tracks each worker's NDISWC by the issuing state, clearance number, and expiry date. Expiry alerts are sent at 90, 60, and 30 days before the check expires. If a worker's check lapses, AuditCore flags them as non-compliant and alerts their manager — preventing the scenario where an uncleared worker is providing NDIS supports.