Becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner

The path to becoming an NDIS-registered behaviour support practitioner can seem confusing. There are multiple pathways, requirements, and processes to navigate. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning into the field, understanding the steps to registration is key. Let us help you discover the best pathway for you.

At Launch, we provide expert supervision and support to guide you through registration, skill development, and ongoing professional growth. Read on to learn how to get started, how we can help, and find answers to common questions.

What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a compassionate, evidence-based approach used to improve quality of life and to reduce behaviours of concern.

In the PBS model, behaviour is how a person communicates their unmet needs. Once we understand these needs, we can create a plan to help the person get their needs met. Adjustments to the environment and interactions can make a significant difference. These strategies are outlined in a positive behaviour support plan.

Behaviours of concern are not the fault of the person or of their caregiver. They are not caused by a particular diagnosis or condition. They develop as a result of a complex interaction between personal factors and the environment.

What does a PBS practitioner do?

A behaviour support practitioner works to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities by understanding and addressing behaviours of concern. Their role is grounded in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), an evidence-based approach that focuses on proactive, person-centred strategies to enhance a person’s skills, independence, and well-being.

By conducting assessments, collaborating with key stakeholders, and developing tailored behaviour support plans, practitioners aim to reduce behaviours of concern in ethical, meaningful ways. Importantly, they also assess risks and ensure that any restrictive practices used are minimised, justified, and in line with human rights principles.

A behaviour support practitioner’s role includes:

Conducting interviews and assessments with the participant and those who know them best
Observing the person in their everyday environments to understand triggers and patterns
Collaborating with stakeholders to collect meaningful data on progress and challenges
Analysing data to develop function-based hypotheses about behaviour
Developing a person-centred, contextually relevant behaviour support plan
Conducting risk assessments related to behaviours of concern
Evaluating restrictive practices, understanding associated risks, and ensuring compliance
Working closely with a support team to implement strategies effectively and ethically

How do I become an NDIS registered behaviour support practitioner?

Behaviour support practitioners can work across a variety of settings, including education, aged care, and mental health services. However, the majority of practitioners work with people with disability under the NDIS. To do this, practitioners must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

The NDIS Commission is responsible for ensuring that behaviour support practitioners meet the necessary skills and capability requirements before they can provide behaviour support services. This process is designed to safeguard participants, ensuring that practitioners are delivering high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based support.

The next step in the journey is understanding the pathways to registration—whether through self-assessment or the alternative pathway for entry-level practitioners. Let’s break down what this means and how you can get started.

Self-Assessment Pathway

If you have experience in positive behaviour support, the self-assessment pathway allows you to assess your own capabilities against the PBS Capability Framework. This framework “outlines the values, capabilities, knowledge and skills required to delivery effective positive behaviour support.”(NDIS QSC, 2024)

If you wish to register via the self-assessment pathway, you must develop a portfolio of evidence that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet one of the four levels of capability (core, proficient, advanced and specialist). Examples of documents to include in your portfolio are:

risk assessments
functional behaviour assessment reports
comprehensive behaviour support plans
implementation plans
relevant course completion certificates
relevant qualifications
supervision meeting minutes

Once you have gathered evidence for your portfolio, your supervisor will review your portfolio and if they decide that you meet the capabilities for the level that you have applied for, they will complete the Supervisor Endorsement Tool, which is available as part of the Self-Assessment Resource Guide

The PBS Capability Framework does not outline minimum years of practice, qualifications, training or professional development required to become a behaviour support practitioner. As a general rule, if you have not practiced as a behaviour support practitioner before, it is unlikely that you will have sufficient evidence to meet the requirements of the self-assessment pathway. You should consider the alternative pathway instead.

Alternative Pathway

If you are new to positive behaviour support, the alternative pathway for entry-level practitioners is the pathway for you. The alternative pathway is for practitioners who do not have sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge to allow them to meet the minimum standards of a core practitioner under the PBS Capability Framework.

If you wish to apply via the alternative assessment pathway, you are not required to have developed a portfolio of evidence. Instead, you will complete an application consisting of:

a resume outlining any relevant experience, training and education
copies of relevant qualifications
a professional development plan
a supervision agreement with a proficient level behaviour support practitioner or above
a completed new / entry-level practitioner declaration form

Your application will be reviewed by the the Quality and Safeguards Commission. If it is approved, you will received a suitability letter. This will allow you to practice as a behaviour support practitioner. However, you must meet with your supervisor regularly to receive support as you continue to develop your skills and knowledge towards meeting the capabilities of being a core practitioner.

What knowledge, skills and experience do I need?

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a diverse and evolving field, bringing together professionals from a range of backgrounds.

While the PBS Capability Framework does not set specific minimums for years of practice, qualifications, or professional development, it does clearly outline the essential skills and knowledge required to be a behaviour support practitioner. These competencies are developed through a combination of experiences, including formal education, work experience under supervision, certification pathways, and professional development courses.

In the sections below, we explore each of these areas in more detail, providing insight into how they contribute to building the expertise needed to deliver high-quality behaviour support.