The NDIS Worker Orientation Module: “Quality, Safety and You“ is a free, interactive online course that explains the responsibilities and obligations of NDIS workers under the NDIS Code of Conduct from the perspective of people with disability. It was developed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission in consultation with people with disability and NDIS providers to ensure it’s relevant and engaging.
This module is an important introduction for anyone working (or planning to work) in the disability sector, as it highlights participant rights, safety, and best practices. In fact, all registered NDIS providers are expected to include this module in their staff induction process and encourage existing workers to complete it as part of ongoing learning.
How to Access the Module
Accessing the NDIS Worker Orientation Module is straightforward. You will need a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) with a reliable internet connection and a valid email address to register an account. Follow these steps to register and start the module:
- Visit the Official NDIS Training Portal: Go to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s eLearning portal for workers. You can access it by clicking the “Worker training portal login” on the NDIS Commission website, or directly via the NDIS Commission Training Portal. This is the official platform where the Worker Orientation Module is hosted.
- Create a New Account: On the training portal, click on “Create new account” (usually found below the login form). Fill in the registration form with your details:
- Email: Use a current email address you have access to (you’ll receive a confirmation email to activate your account).
- Username and Password: Choose a username and a strong password you can remember.
- Name and Other Details: Enter your first name, last name, and any other required info (like city and country).
After submitting the form, check your email for a verification link from the NDIS Commission training site. Click that link to confirm your account before proceeding. (If you don’t see the email, check your spam/junk folder.)
- Log In to the Portal: Return to the NDIS training portal login page and enter the username and password you just created. Once logged in, you’ll land on the training dashboard or homepage.
- Find the “Worker Orientation Module – Quality, Safety and You”: After logging in, look for the Worker Orientation Module course. Often, it’s prominently listed on the home page or under a “Modules” or “All courses” section. You might see it labeled as NDIS Worker Orientation Module – ‘Quality, Safety and You’. (There are also accessible versions, like an Auslan and a screen-reader friendly version, listed – you can choose those if they better suit your needs.) Click on the course name to enter the module. Tip: If you don’t see it right away, use the search bar on the portal and type “Worker Orientation Module” to locate it. It should appear in the results.
- Enroll and Begin the Course: Once you click on the course, you may be prompted to “Enroll” or confirm you want to start the module. Confirm or click any “Start” button to launch the training. The module will typically start with an introduction or overview video, followed by the first section of content.
Note: The NDIS training portal is compatible with most modern web browsers. For the best experience, use an updated browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. You can also access the module on a tablet or smartphone, but a larger screen and stable internet will make it easier to view the content (especially videos and interactive elements).
Related: What is NDIS Plan Management?
Completing the Training
Once you’ve accessed the “Quality, Safety and You” module, you can work through the content at your own pace. Here’s what to expect and how to navigate the training:
Course Structure & Duration
The orientation is divided into a few sections or lessons (four main module sections in total) that you can complete in sequence. Plan for about 90 minutes in total to finish all parts. You don’t need to do it all in one sitting – you can break it up as needed.
Each section focuses on key topics like the NDIS vision, participants’ rights, the role of the NDIS Commission, and your responsibilities under the NDIS Code of Conduct (such as upholding human rights, respect, and managing risk). Throughout the module, you’ll be presented with real-life scenarios and questions, which make the training interactive and practical.
Self-Paced Learning
The module is self-paced, meaning you are free to start, stop, and resume as it suits you. You can pause at any point and log out – the system will save your progress so that when you log back in, you can continue where you left off. This flexibility lets you fit the training around your schedule. It’s also a good idea to take short breaks between sections if it’s a lot of information to absorb at once.
Interactive Content
Expect a mix of reading material, short videos, and quiz questions. The videos include stories and input from people with disability, helping you view quality and safety from their perspective. The quizzes or knowledge checks are there to reinforce what you’ve learned, but don’t worry – they are usually not scored exams, just a way for you to reflect on scenarios and ensure understanding.
Tracking Your Progress
The training portal will typically show checkmarks or a progress bar for the module. As you complete each lesson or section, it will be marked as done. You can usually see a list of module sections and which ones you’ve finished. This makes it easy to know how far along you are.
If you need to revisit a previous section, you can click on that section’s title in the module menu at any time – this is useful if you want to review something again. Even after finishing the whole module, you can go back through the material if you want a refresher.
Accessibility Options
If you have accessibility needs, the NDIS Worker Orientation Module is available in alternative formats. The training site offers a JAWS/ZoomText screen-reader friendly version of the module for users who are blind or have low vision, as well as an Auslan (Australian Sign Language) version for Deaf users. You can select these versions on the portal (they are listed alongside the standard module) to ensure you can comfortably engage with the content.
By the end of the course, you should have a clear understanding of what the NDIS is, the role of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and your duties under the NDIS Code of Conduct. The module is designed to give you confidence and knowledge so you can provide safe, respectful, and high-quality support in line with NDIS principles.
Certification and Next Steps
One of the key outcomes of completing the Worker Orientation Module is obtaining your Certificate of Completion. Here’s how to get your certificate and what to do next:
Downloading Your Certificate
After you finish all sections of the module (and any final acknowledgements or quiz at the end), the platform will generate a Certificate of Completion for you. Look for a button or link that says something like “Download Certificate” or “View Certificate.” It might appear on the final page of the module or in your course overview on the portal.
Saving and Printing
It’s a good idea to keep a digital copy of your certificate in a safe place (for example, in your email or cloud storage) so you can access it anytime. You may also want to print a hard copy for your records or to physically show an employer if needed.
The certificate will include your name, the module name, and the date of completion, proving that you have successfully completed the orientation training.
Sharing with Employers
The certificate is industry-recognized across all NDIS providers – it’s essentially proof that you have completed the mandatory NDIS worker orientation. Current or prospective employers in the disability sector will often ask for this certificate during hiring or onboarding. You can email them the PDF or provide a printed copy.
Having this certificate readily available can speed up your employment process, as it shows you’ve met a key compliance requirement.
Next Steps in Your NDIS Career
Once you have your certificate, you’re equipped with foundational knowledge to work under the NDIS. Make sure to mention your completion of the “NDIS Worker Orientation Module: Quality, Safety and You” on your resume or in job interviews for NDIS roles – it demonstrates your commitment to quality and safety.
Additionally, consider exploring other training modules and resources provided by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to further your professional development. The Commission offers additional modules (such as Supporting Effective Communication and Supporting Safe and Enjoyable Meals) which can be found on the same training portal for more specialized learning.
Continuing to build your skills and knowledge will help you excel as an NDIS worker.
Troubleshooting & Support
While accessing and completing the Worker Orientation Module is usually smooth, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips and support resources to help you out:
Login Issues
If you have trouble logging into the training portal, double-check that you’re using the correct username (or email) and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the “Forgot your password?” link on the login page. The system will email you a reset link – remember to check your spam folder if you don’t see it within a few minutes. After resetting, try logging in again.
For username issues or if you forgot which email you used, you may need to contact support (see below).
Account Confirmation Problems
If you didn’t receive the account confirmation email when registering, verify that you typed your email correctly during sign-up. You can attempt to register again, or use the forgot password function if you suspect the account was created but not confirmed.
Sometimes the confirmation email can take a little while or get filtered as spam. Ensure you click the confirmation link in that email before trying to log in the first time.
Technical Difficulties during the Module
Should the module pages or videos not load properly, try a few simple fixes first: refresh the page, and if that doesn’t work, close and reopen your browser. Using an up-to-date browser like Chrome or Firefox is recommended.
If you’re on a mobile device and something isn’t working (for example, interactive content not advancing), switch to a desktop or laptop if possible. Also, check your internet connection stability – a slow or dropping connection can cause issues with the eLearning content.
Certificate Download Issues
If you’ve finished the course but can’t download your certificate, ensure that pop-ups are allowed for the training site (some browsers block downloads that originate from pop-up windows). You might try using a different browser or device to see if the download works there.
Remember, you can always log back into the portal later to retrieve your certificate if needed – the completion record stays in your account.
Where to Find Help
If you encounter an issue you can’t resolve on your own (such as persistent login problems, site errors, or anything else unusual), don’t worry – support is available. The NDIS Commission’s training site has a “Contact site support” link (usually at the bottom of the page). You can click that to find help.
Additionally, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website has a support page for the worker modules; you can submit an online help query to get technical support. When submitting a help request, provide details of the issue (and your account email) so they can assist you faster.
If your issue is urgent or you prefer to speak to someone, you can also reach out via the NDIS Commission’s general contact number (listed on their official website) and explain that you need help with the online Worker Orientation Module – they should direct you to the right support team.
Related: What is the NDIS Worker Screening Check?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the NDIS Worker Orientation Module mandatory for all disability support workers?
While the module is mandatory for workers employed by registered NDIS providers, it’s highly recommended for all disability support workers, including those working for unregistered providers or in self-managed arrangements. Completing the module demonstrates your commitment to quality service and understanding of the NDIS Code of Conduct regardless of your employment arrangement.
2. How often do I need to renew my NDIS Worker Orientation Module certification?
Currently, there is no formal expiration date or renewal requirement for the NDIS Worker Orientation Module certificate. However, it’s considered good practice to review the material periodically (perhaps annually) to refresh your knowledge, especially if there have been updates to the NDIS Code of Conduct or related policies.
3. Can I complete the module on my mobile phone?
Yes, the module is compatible with mobile devices. However, some interactive elements and videos may be easier to navigate on a larger screen. If you encounter any issues with the module’s functionality on your phone, try switching to a tablet or computer for a better experience.
4. Will my certificate be automatically shared with my employer?
No, the system does not automatically share your certificate with employers. You are responsible for downloading your certificate and providing it to your current or prospective employers as required. This gives you control over who receives your certification information.
5. Is the NDIS Worker Orientation Module available in languages other than English?
While the standard module is in English, the NDIS Commission recognizes the diverse workforce in the disability sector. For workers who speak languages other than English, check the training portal for any available translations or contact the NDIS Commission directly to inquire about language support options.
6. What if I change employers? Do I need to complete the module again?
No, your certificate remains valid regardless of where you work in the disability sector. Since the module focuses on the NDIS Code of Conduct and quality standards that apply across all providers, you can simply provide your existing certificate to your new employer without repeating the training.
7. How does this module relate to other required qualifications in disability support?
The NDIS Worker Orientation Module is considered a foundational requirement but is not a replacement for formal qualifications like a Certificate III in Individual Support or other specialized training. It complements these qualifications by specifically focusing on the NDIS Code of Conduct and quality standards framework.
8. Can I get an extension if I can’t complete the module within my organization’s timeframe?
Extension policies typically depend on your employer’s requirements rather than the NDIS Commission itself. If you’re having difficulty completing the module within the timeframe set by your organization, speak directly with your supervisor or HR department about possible accommodations.
9. Is there a way to test out of the module if I’m already experienced in disability support?
No, there is currently no test-out option available. Even experienced workers are required to complete the full module, as it ensures all NDIS workers have consistent and up-to-date knowledge of the specific NDIS Code of Conduct and quality framework.
10. What should I do if I notice practices at my workplace that don’t align with what I learned in the module?
If you observe practices that don’t align with the NDIS Code of Conduct or quality standards covered in the module, first raise your concerns through appropriate internal channels (supervisor, team leader, etc.). If issues aren’t addressed, you may contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission directly through their complaints process, which is designed to protect both participants and workers.
Final Thoughts
The NDIS Worker Orientation Module represents much more than a compliance requirement—it’s a foundation for quality support in Australia’s disability sector. By completing this training, you’re making a meaningful commitment to understanding and upholding the rights and dignity of people with disability.
The value of this module lies in its person-centered approach, providing insights directly from people with disability about what quality and safety mean to them. This perspective is invaluable as you work to deliver supports that truly enhance independence and quality of life.
Remember that your journey as an NDIS worker doesn’t end with this certificate. The disability sector is constantly evolving, with new approaches and best practices emerging regularly. Consider this module your first step in an ongoing commitment to professional development and learning.
Whether you’re new to the sector or bringing years of experience, the principles covered in this training—respect, dignity, quality, and safety—form the cornerstone of excellent support. By embracing these values in your daily work, you become part of a workforce that’s transforming lives and communities.
