Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers
Not all NDIS providers need to be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The key difference is that registered providers can work with all NDIS participants, while unregistered providers can only work with participants who self-manage or have a plan manager.
Registered providers must meet NDIS Practice Standards, undergo regular audits, and comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct. In return, they can accept NDIA-managed participants and claim directly from the NDIA portal.
Unregistered providers have fewer regulatory requirements but can only work with self-managed or plan-managed participants. They still must comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Steps to Register as an NDIS Provider
Step 1: Understand the Requirements. Review the NDIS Practice Standards relevant to your registration groups. These standards cover governance, risk management, service delivery, and participant rights.
Step 2: Complete an Application. Apply through the NDIS Commission portal at ndiscommission.gov.au. You will need to specify which registration groups you are applying for.
Step 3: Undergo an Audit. Depending on your registration groups, you will need either a verification audit (simpler, for lower-risk supports) or a certification audit (more comprehensive, for higher-risk supports like SIL or behaviour support).
Step 4: Meet Worker Screening Requirements. All workers must have an NDIS Worker Screening Check. This is separate from a Working With Children Check.
Step 5: Maintain Compliance. Registration is not a one-time event. You must maintain compliance with Practice Standards, report incidents, manage complaints, and undergo regular re-audits.
Costs of Registration
Audit costs vary significantly depending on the size of your organisation and the registration groups you apply for. Verification audits typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Certification audits can cost between $10,000 and $30,000 or more for large organisations.
List Your Business on ReferAus
Whether registered or unregistered, you can list your NDIS provider business on ReferAus for free. Get found by participants in the Hunter Region, manage reviews, and grow your business.