Become a Behaviour Support Practitioner - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)?

Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-informed approach that focuses on understanding why behaviour occurs and improving a person's quality of life. Instead of asking, "How do I stop this behaviour?", PBS asks, "What is this person trying to communicate, and how can we support them more effectively?" It combines psychology, learning theory, neuroscience and person-centred practice to build skills, increase independence and reduce behaviours of concern in safe and ethical ways.

Q: What does a Behaviour Support Practitioner do?

Behaviour Support Practitioners work with people with disability, families and support teams to understand behaviour and develop practical strategies that improve quality of life. This may include completing Functional Behaviour Assessments, developing Behaviour Support Plans, coaching families, training support workers, collecting and analysing data and working collaboratively with other professionals.

Q: I don't work in the disability industry. Can I still become a Behaviour Support Practitioner?

Yes, you may be able to.

Many people come from education, counselling, psychology, nursing, youth work, allied health and other helping professions. If you have a relevant qualification and meet the NDIS eligibility requirements, we'll help you understand the pathway and the next steps.

Q: Do you teach complete beginners?

Yes.

Our training has been designed to build your knowledge from the ground up. We explain the psychology behind behaviour, the NDIS framework, Functional Behaviour Assessments, Behaviour Support Plans, report writing, ethical practice and what Behaviour Support Practitioners do in everyday practice.

Q: What qualifications do I need to become a Behaviour Support Practitioner?

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has qualification and suitability requirements for Behaviour Support Practitioners. Many practitioners have backgrounds in psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, education, social work, nursing or other related disciplines. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, we're happy to discuss your pathway.

Q: Do I need experience before I start?

Experience is valuable, but everyone starts somewhere.

Our role is to help you build your knowledge, confidence and practical skills through quality training, supervision and mentoring. As your capability grows, so do your opportunities.

Q: Can you help me become endorsed?

Yes.

We support practitioners through the endorsement process by helping you build your knowledge, practical skills and portfolio. We'll guide you through the requirements, review your work and help prepare you for endorsement through your employing or contracting organisation.

Q: Do you provide clinical supervision?

Yes.

Clinical supervision is an essential part of becoming a competent Behaviour Support Practitioner. We provide individual supervision, mentoring, case consultation and reflective practice to support your professional growth.

Q: Do you help people find work?

Yes.

Our goal is to help members build successful careers. Once you've developed the required competencies and achieved endorsement, we'll help connect you with organisations looking for Behaviour Support Practitioner contractors.

Q: Will I be ready to work as a contractor after the program?

Our goal is to prepare you to become a confident and capable Behaviour Support Practitioner.

By combining training, supervision, mentoring and practical learning, you'll develop the skills expected of a new practitioner. Your readiness to practise independently will depend on your progress, supervision and endorsement requirements, but we'll guide you throughout the process.

Q: How long does it take?

Our Learning to Become a Behaviour Support Contractor in 90 Days program provides a structured pathway to develop your knowledge and skills.

Everyone progresses at a different pace depending on their previous experience, supervision and practical opportunities, but the program gives you a clear roadmap from day one.

Q: Why is the Learning to Become a Behaviour Support Contractor in 90 Days program only available to ConnectFirst Members?

Because becoming a Behaviour Support Practitioner isn't about completing one course.

It requires ongoing learning, access to resources, supervision and continued professional development.

Membership gives you access to our growing training library, templates, case studies, practical resources and exclusive member content that supports your learning long after you've completed the program.

We want to help you become a competent, ethical and confident practitioner, not simply issue a certificate.

Q: What's included in the ConnectFirst Membership?

Membership includes access to a growing library of practical training designed for Behaviour Support Practitioners, support workers, educators, allied health professionals and parents.

You'll also receive downloadable resources, templates, case studies, member discounts and new content added regularly.

Membership is only $55 until the end of July, then returns to $110 per year.

Q: What's included in the Learning to Become a Behaviour Support Contractor in 90 Days program?

The program includes structured training covering:

• Positive Behaviour Support Foundations

• Behaviour as Communication

• Psychology of Behaviour

• Functional Behaviour Assessment

• Behaviour Support Plans

• Report Writing

• Ethical Practice

• Restrictive Practices

• The NDIS Behaviour Support Framework

• Practical case studies

• Guidance on supervision and endorsement

Investment: $450.

Q: Why should I join the membership first?

Membership allows you to explore our training, resources and professional community before committing to a career pathway.

Many people join because they simply want to learn more about behaviour. Others discover they love Positive Behaviour Support and then decide to enrol in the 90-day program.

Q: Can parents join?

Absolutely.

Many of our courses are designed specifically for parents who want practical, evidence-informed strategies to better understand their child's behaviour.

Positive Behaviour Support isn't just for professionals.

Q: Can teachers, support workers and allied health professionals join?

Yes.

Our training is suitable for teachers, teacher assistants, disability support workers, early childhood educators, allied health professionals and anyone wanting to better understand behaviour.

Q: What makes ConnectFirst different?

We don't just teach theory.

Our training combines psychology, Positive Behaviour Support, real-world case studies and practical experience.

Everything we teach has been developed from years of working directly with participants, families and practitioners.

Our focus is on helping people build confidence, think critically and apply their learning in real-life situations.

Q: I don't know if this career is right for me.

That's okay.

Changing careers is a big decision.

That's why we offer membership as an affordable way to explore Positive Behaviour Support before committing to a professional pathway.

You don't need to have all the answers today.

You simply need to take the first step.

Q: Can I earn a good income as a Behaviour Support Practitioner?

Behaviour Support Practitioners are in demand across Australia.

Contractor rates vary depending on experience, endorsement level, location and the organisation you work with.

As your knowledge, confidence and capability grow, opportunities to increase your income generally grow as well.

Like any profession, experience and ongoing professional development make a difference.

Q: What if I've never written a Behaviour Support Plan?

That's exactly why the training exists.

We'll teach you how Behaviour Support Plans are developed, what they include and the thinking behind them.

You'll also have access to practical examples, templates and guidance as you build your skills.

Q: Can I ask questions during my learning?

Yes.

Learning behaviour support isn't about memorising information.

It's about developing clinical reasoning.

Our supervision, mentoring and professional community provide opportunities to ask questions, reflect on practice and continue building your confidence.

Q: I just can't decide. What if I choose the wrong path?

That's completely normal.

Changing careers or investing in professional development is a big decision.

If you're curious, start with ConnectFirst Membership for just $55 until the end of July and explore our growing library of courses and resources.

If you're ready to pursue a career as a Behaviour Support Practitioner, enrol in our Learning to Become a Behaviour Support Contractor in 90 Days program for $450.

You don't have to know everything today.

You just need to decide whether you're ready to learn.

We'll help with the rest.

Q: How do I get started?

It's easy.

Step 1: Join ConnectFirst Membership for just $55 until the end of July.

Step 2: Explore the training library and resources.

Step 3: Enrol in the Learning to Become a Behaviour Support Contractor in 90 Days program if you're ready to pursue a career in Positive Behaviour Support.

Step 4: Build your knowledge through training, supervision and mentoring.

Step 5: Work towards endorsement and begin your journey as a Behaviour Support Practitioner.