How do I register as a NDIS provider?

To register as a NDIS provider, you need to determine your service type, review the NDIS Practice Standards, and prepare required documentation. After submitting your application via the NDIS Commission Portal, engage an approved auditor for a verification or certification audit. Once the audit is complete, the NDIS Commission will review your application, and if successful, you’ll be registered to deliver NDIS-funded services. Regular compliance maintenance is required.

What is the difference between NDIS certification and verification?

Certification and verification audits are two different types of NDIS audits required for registration. Verification applies to providers delivering low-risk or lower-complexity services (such as cleaning, gardening, therapeutic supports, or plan management). Certification is required for providers offering higher-risk, more complex services that directly impact participants’ health, safety, or wellbeing (such as daily personal activities, SDA, high-intensity supports, support coordination, or SIL).

What are the NDIS Practice Standards and how do they affect my business?

The NDIS Practice Standards are a set of guidelines and requirements that outline the quality and safety standards NDIS providers must meet when delivering services. These standards ensure providers offer high-quality, person-centred support while safeguarding participants’ rights and well-being.

How much does NDIS registration cost?

The cost of becoming an NDIS registered provider can vary depending on the type of audit, size of your organisation, number of sites, and registration groups included. Once you have applied and obtained your Initial Scope of Audit, seek quotes from several auditing bodies to compare costs and service.

What evidence or documentation do I need for my NDIS audit?

To successfully pass your audit, you’ll need documents such as policies, procedures, and reports tailored to your organisation. Audit Ready provides a detailed NDIS audit checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared.

How long does the NDIS audit process take?

The time required depends on your preparation and the availability of your chosen certified auditing body. With Audit Ready’s support, you can streamline the process and be ready for your audit within weeks.

How long does it take to get approved as an NDIS provider?

After your audit is completed by a third-party auditing body, they make a recommendation to the NDIS Commission. The Commission reviews your application and audit outcome before making a decision, with timeframes varying depending on whether it is a new or renewal application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for a NDIS audit, whether verification or certification, can raise a lot of questions. So, we have compiled answers to common queries we receive about audit readiness, non-conformities, and our ongoing quality and compliance support services.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re always happy to have a conversation.

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NDIS Audits & Registration

What’s the difference between verification and certification audits?

Verification audits apply to lower-risk registration groups and involve a desktop review of documentation against the NDIS Practice Standards.

Certification audits apply to higher-risk supports and include both a documentation review and an on-site audit component, where auditors assess how systems are implemented in practice.

What happens during an NDIS audit?

During a NDIS audit, auditors review your policies, procedures, and records to assess compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards.

For certification audits, this may also include:

Interviews with key staff
Conversations with participants
Observation of service delivery
Review of incident, risk, and feedback processes

Auditors are assessing whether your documented systems are embedded in real practice.

What are common reasons providers receive non-conformities?

Common reasons for non-conformities include:

Insufficient or poorly organised audit evidence
Policies that don’t reflect day-to-day practice
Gaps in staff understanding of compliance responsibilities
Inconsistent implementation of systems
Limited evidence of continuous improvement

Strong preparation significantly reduces these risks.

Are you a NDIS auditor?

No. We are independent audit-ready consultants. Audits are conducted by approved certification bodies. We help providers prepare and respond to audits.

Audit Readiness & Project Support

How do I know if I need audit readiness support?

You may benefit from short-term audit readiness support if:

Your audit is scheduled and approaching
You’ve received non-conformities
You’re unsure how your systems align with the NDIS Practice Standards
You feel underprepared or stretched thin

Targeted support helps you focus on priority gaps rather than trying to fix everything at once.

Can you help if we’ve already received non-conformities?

Yes. We help providers interpret audit findings, develop clear corrective action plans, and implement practical improvements within required timeframes.

Our focus is on sustainable fixes, not quick patches or temporary band-aid solutions.

Do you provide mock audits?

We conduct structured audit readiness reviews designed to simulate audit expectations. This helps identify risks early and build confidence before the formal audit process begins.

Fractional Quality & Compliance Support

What is fractional quality and compliance support?

Fractional support means we act as your external Quality & Compliance function on an ongoing, part-time basis without the cost of employing a full-time compliance manager.

This allows you to maintain strong systems year-round while focusing on service delivery.

Who is ongoing compliance support best suited for?

Ongoing support is ideal for:

Small to mid-sized NDIS providers without an internal compliance lead
Growing providers expanding registration groups
Organisations wanting proactive compliance oversight
Providers who want to avoid last-minute audit stress

What’s the difference between project support and ongoing support?

Project support is short-term and focused on a specific audit or compliance issue.

Ongoing (fractional) support is proactive and continuous – helping you maintain quality systems, monitor risk, and stay audit ready throughout the registration period.

Working With Us

Will you write our policies for us?

We can review, refine, or develop documentation where required. Our focus is ensuring policies align with the NDIS Practice Standards and are reflective of your service – not just creating paperwork for compliance.

Can we start with audit preparation and move to ongoing support later?

Absolutely. Many providers begin with audit readiness support and transition into ongoing quality and compliance support once systems are stabilised.

Do you work remotely or on-site?

Support can be delivered remotely, on-site, or through a blended approach depending on your needs, timeline, and location.

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