Becoming an NDIS registered provider involves several steps, takes time, and comes with costs. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Step 1: Apply through the NDIS Commission Provider Portal

• Go to the NDIS Commission Provider Portal and create an account.
• Provide details about your business, key personnel, qualifications, and policies.
• Select your registration groups (the types of services you provide).
• The NDIS Commission will review your application and determine how you must meet the NDIS Practice Standards send you a ‘scope of audit’, which determines the type of audit required: certification audit for high-risk services like personal care or restrictive practices or verification audit for lower-risk services like domestic help, gardening, or transport.
  

Step 2: Engage QIP (you are here!)

• If you need a verification audit, contact QIP for our one-off, flat-rate price.
• Provide details of your business and scope of audit.
• Make payment to start the process.
• The QIP Client Liaison team will set up your client portal for document submission.
  

Step 3: Submit your documents for the verification audit
This is the most time-consuming step, as you must provide evidence that your business meets NDIS Practice Standards.

• Upload your documents to QIP’s client portal (e.g., policies, qualifications, compliance documents).
• A QIP Auditor (an experienced disability and human services professional) will carry out a desktop review of your documents.
• The auditor will prepare a detailed report for you, noting any issues (non-conformities).
• The report goes through an independent technical review and provided to your for feedback before finalisation.
• QIP submits the final audit report and recommendation to the NDIS Commission for their assessment and final decision.

NOTE! What is a desktop audit? A desktop audit means your documents are reviewed remotely, rather than through an in-person review.

Step 4: The NDIS Commission decides

• The NDIS Commission reviews the audit report and the auditor’s recommendation.
• The NDIS Commission assesses the suitability of your key personnel (based on the information you provided in Step 1).
• As the governing body, the NDIS Commission makes a final decision to grant registration on a case-by-case basis.

Step 5: Receive your registration

If the NDIS Commission approves your application – congratulations! The Commission will:

• Provide your NDIS Certificate of Registration.
• List you on the NDIS Provider Register.

Your registration will include details about the types of services you can provide and any conditions. You can now market your services to a larger client base.

If the NDIS Commission doesn’t approve your application, they will provide feedback on why it was unsuccessful. You can request a review of the decision.

Selecting the right NDIS-approved quality auditor is an important step in your NDIS verification journey. When choosing an auditor, consider the following factors.

• Only approved auditing bodies, called ‘approved quality auditors’, can conduct an NDIS verification audit.
• Experience and sector knowledge – choose an auditor who understands your industry and the NDIS Practice
  Standards, ensuring a smooth and efficient audit process.

QIP is an approved quality auditor with more than 25 years’ experience in auditing and assessing thousands of service providers across Australian’s health, community, human services and disability sectors.

Here at QIP, based on our extensive experience, we’ve created a service model that makes the process for and requirements of the NDIS verification audit straightforward and hassle-free.

As a QIP NDIS verification client, our all-inclusive services simplify the audit experience, giving our hard-working NDIS provider clients more time to focus on delivering high-quality, safe supports and services.

QIP’s efficient, client-focused audits streamline the process, minimising disruption to your business.

• Client service and guidance – look for an auditor who provides a high level of service throughout the process.

QIP clients are guided through the verification audit requirements step-by-step – ensuring they understand exactly what needs to be done and by when.

QIP’s complimentary evidence guide, and purpose-build software system make collecting and uploading audit evidence as smooth and simple as possible.

The QIP Client Liaison Team is just a phone call or email away for any client queries at any time.

Our client teams and auditors have experience guiding hundreds of NDIS providers through the verification audit process. They’re knowledgeable and ready to help with information and resources needed to complete the NDIS verification audit with confidence.

• Cost and timeframes – compare pricing and processing times to find the best fit for your needs.

From April 1 to June 30, 2025, QIP is offering a special introductory fixed price of $999 (inc. GST) for an NDIS verification audit. This price includes:

• QIP fee: $691
• Mandatory JAS-ANZ fee: $308

Starting July 1, 2025, the pricing will return to our standard all-inclusive fixed price of $1,049 (inc. GST), which includes:

• QIP fee: $741
• Mandatory JAS-ANZ fee: $308

At QIP, we’re committed to providing a streamlined, transparent, and supportive audit experience to help you meet NDIS compliance requirements efficiently. Our pricing reflects this commitment – it’s a one-off fixed cost, making it easier for you to budget and manage your business
expenses with confidence.

An initial scope of audit is a document provided by the NDIS Commission after you submit your application.

The initial scope of audit outlines the supports and services you provide/intend to provide, the type of audit required (verification or certification), and the NDIS Practice Standards relevant to your services. 

Your initial scope of audit determines your audit pathway. If you are unsure about its requirements, the QIP team can help you interpret and understand them.

From 1 April to June 30 2025, QIP is offering a special end-of-financial-year fixed price of $999 (inc. GST) for an NDIS verification audit. This price includes:

• QIP fee: $691
• Mandatory JAS-ANZ fee: $308 (this is a fee set by JAS-ANZ – the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand – the independent, non-profit accreditation body that accredits and regulates all NDIS-approved quality auditors across
  Australia.

Starting 1 July 2025, the pricing will return to our standard all-inclusive fixed price of $1,049 (inc. GST), which includes:

• QIP verification audit fee: $741
• Mandatory JAS-ANZ fee: $308

At QIP, we’re committed to providing a streamlined, transparent, and supportive audit experience to help you meet NDIS compliance
requirements efficiently. Our pricing reflects this commitment – it’s a one-off
fixed cost, making it easier for you to budget and manage your business
expenses with confidence.

This fixed price ensures a clear and predictable audit process, with expert support from QIP to guide you through every step of your NDIS verification journey.

It’s important to note that if any documentation in your submitted evidence doesn’t meet the NDIS Practice Standards – for example, if
it’s incomplete, incorrect, or doesn’t align with the required processes – this
is called a non-conformity. A fee of $82.50 (GST included) will apply for each non-conforming item that needs to be re-audited.

The outcome of a verification audit is an Audit Findings Report, which includes a rating for how well your organisation meets each NDIS
Practice Standard and Quality Indicator.

The ratings are:

3 – conforms with elements of best practice

2 – conforms with NDIS Practice Standards

1 – minor non-conformity

0 – major non-conformity

A non-conformity (both minor and major) means the evidence submitted does not meet the requirements of a particular NDIS Practice Standard. This could be due to incomplete or incorrect documentation, or because your processes don’t align with what the standard requires.

• If you receive a minor non-conformity , you’ll be given time to fix it and have it
  re-audited. There are no restrictions on continuing your NDIS provider registration process during this time.
• If you receive a major non-conformity , it must be fixed and re-audited within three (3) months. Your NDIS provider registration cannot proceed until the issue is fully resolved.

Because both minor and major non-conformities require re-auditing, a fee of $82.50 (GST included) per item applies to cover QIP’s administration and audit costs.

The timeframe for an audit varies depending on several
factors:

• Type of audit – verification audits typically take a few weeks if all required evidence, information and documentation is complete and accurate.
• Document submission – timely and accurate submission of evidence helps to expedite the audit process.
• Auditor availability – scheduling depends on auditor availability. At QIP we work closely with clients to ensure audits are carried out efficiently and without avoidable delays.

To prevent delays, we strongly recommend initiating your
audit well in advance of your registration deadline.

All NDIS-approved quality auditors, including QIP, must be accredited by the Joint Accreditation Scheme for Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ).

JAS-ANZ is an internationally recognised accreditation body that ensures auditors uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity, and quality when assessing NDIS providers.

The JAS-ANZ fee is a mandatory cost associated with maintaining this accreditation and ensuring ongoing compliance with NDIS Auditor Guidelines and the Code of Conduct for auditors. The fee contributes to
the governance, oversight, and continuous improvement of the auditing framework, which ultimately supports NDIS provider quality and participant safety.

The NDIS Commission works closely with JAS-ANZ and approved quality auditors to maintain consistency, fairness, and transparency across all
NDIS provider audits. Regular engagement ensures that auditing standards align with NDIS Practice Standards, providing confidence to both providers and
participants.

As an NDIS-approved quality auditor, QIP is committed to supporting providers across Australia through a seamless and transparent audit process.

Our dedicated team provides expert guidance throughout the NDIS verification audit process.

With extensive experience in the health, disability, and community services sectors, QIP understands the unique needs of NDIS providers –
we tailor our approach accordingly. Our efficient and client-focused audits
streamline the process, minimising disruption to your business.

The NDIS verification process is a streamlined audit and registration pathway for providers delivering low-risk, low-complexity supports and services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This process involves a desktop audit, where providers submit key documentation to demonstrate compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards.

Unlike the Certification process, which applies to higher-risk and more complex supports, verification is designed for providers delivering lower-risk services. While many providers eligible for verification are already subject to professional regulation (such as allied health professionals, social workers, and community nurses), some registration groups that are not associated with a regulatory body—such as providers of low-risk services like lawn mowing—may also fall under the verification pathway. Conversely, some regulated professions may require Certification depending on the nature of the services they provide.

As part of the verification process, providers must submit evidence of identity, qualifications, experience, incident and complaints management policies, risk management procedures, worker screening, and insurance coverage. A NDIS-approved quality auditor, such as QIP, assesses this documentation to ensure compliance with NDIS requirements.

The NDIS verification process is required for NDIS providers delivering lower-risk, less complex supports and services. This includes sole traders, small businesses, and organisations whose services are already regulated by professional bodies. Typically, this applies to allied health professionals, social workers, community nurses, and providers of low-risk supports such as therapeutic services, assistive technology, and personal mobility equipment.

Verification is designed for providers who do not require an on-site assessment and instead undergo a desktop audit to demonstrate compliance with NDIS Practice Standards. The process ensures that providers meet NDIS quality and safety requirements, including having the necessary qualifications, experience, risk management policies, complaints and incident procedures, worker screening, and insurance coverage.

To complete the NDIS verification process, providers must submit evidence – that is information and documentation that demonstrates compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. This includes:

• Identity, qualifications, experience and professional memberships – evidence of relevant professional qualifications, registrations, and industry memberships.
• Worker screening and NDIS Worker Orientation Programme Completion – evidence that all staff have completed the NDIS Worker Orientation Module and have passed the NDIS Worker Screening Check, where applicable.
• Incident management policy – a documented process for reporting, managing, and resolving incidents in accordance with NDIS requirements.
• Complaints management policy – a clear procedure outlining how participant complaints are handled, documented, and resolved.
• Risk management policy – a framework demonstrating how risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated within your organisation.
• Insurance coverage – proof of public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and workers' compensation insurance (if staff are employed).

As a NDIS-Approved Quality Auditor, QIP will review your documentation to ensure it meets the required standards.

When applying to the NDIS Commission to become a registered NDIS provider, your audit type depends on the services you offer. There are two types of audits: verification and certification.

Verification is for NDIS providers delivering low-risk, lower-complexity services that do not involve direct personal care such as transportation, domestic assistance, or gardening. It also applies to sole traders and organisations that are already professionally regulated such as allied health professionals, social workers and community nurses. 

The verification audit is a desktop review of submitted evidence (i.e. documentation such as policies, procedures, qualifications, and insurances). The audit focuses on ensuring providers meet the NDIS Practice Standards specific to the scope of audit determined by the NDIS Commission. When compared with certification, verification is typically a faster and less complex pathway to NDIS provider registration.

Certification is a more in-depth audit process required for providers delivering higher-risk, more complex supports, such as personal care, behaviour support, and specialist disability accommodation.

Certification involves both a desktop review and an on-site assessment, where auditors evaluate an organisation’s policies, procedures, governance, and service delivery to ensure compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards.

If you are unsure whether your organisation requires verification or certification, check your initial scope of audit from the NDIS Commission.

Whether you require verification or certification depends on the type of supports and services you provide, and the risk level associated with those services. Your initial scope of audit, issued by the NDIS Commission when you apply for registration, will confirm whether you require verification or certification.

More information can be found on the NDIS Commission website.

To complete the NDIS verification process, providers must have appropriate insurance coverage to meet NDIS compliance requirements. The required insurances include:

• Public liability insurance – protects against claims for personal injury or property damage caused by your business activities.
• Professional indemnity insurance – covers legal costs and claims arising from professional advice or services provided.
• Workers’ compensation insurance (if applicable) – required if you employ staff, ensuring protection in case of workplace injuries.

Having adequate insurance coverage is essential to ensuring the safety of NDIS participants and reducing financial risks to your organisation. As an NDIS-Approved Quality Auditor, QIP will review your insurance documentation as part of the verification audit.

As part of the NDIS verification process, providers must ensure that all workers meet the NDIS worker screening requirements to safeguard NDIS participants.

The NDIS Worker Screening Check is a mandatory background check that assesses whether a person is suitable to work in roles involving people with disabilities. This check helps identify any serious criminal offences, misconduct, or other risk factors that could impact participant safety.

All NDIS providers must ensure that workers in risk-assessed roles have a valid NDIS Worker Screening Clearance. This applies to employees,
contractors, and volunteers who have direct contact with participants or influence service delivery. In addition, workers must complete the NDIS Worker Orientation Module, which provides essential training on NDIS values, rights, and responsibilities.

As a NDIS-approved quality auditor, QIP will review your organisation’s worker screening processes to ensure compliance.

The NDIS verification process applies to providers delivering low-risk, less complex supports and services that are already subject to professional regulation. Typically, this includes sole traders, small businesses, and organisations in professions where existing industry oversight ensures service quality and safety.

Professions eligible for verification include:

• Allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and dietitians.
• Community health and nursing services, including registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and social workers.
• Assistive technology and home modifications, such as engineers, builders, and technicians providing mobility aids or accessible home modifications.
• Transport and personal assistance, including taxi drivers and community transport providers supporting NDIS participants.

If your profession falls outside these categories or involves higher-risk supports, you may be required to undergo NDIS Certification, which involves a more detailed audit process. Your initial scope of audit, issued by the NDIS Commission, will confirm whether you require verification or certification.

Yes, the NDIS verification audit is a key step in NDIS provider registration, which must be renewed every three years to ensure ongoing compliance with NDIS Practice Standards. This means providers must undergo a verification audit every three years to maintain their registration.

During the renewal process, providers are required to submit updated documentation, including evidence of qualifications, insurance, worker screening, and key policies.

The NDIS Commission typically notifies providers at least six months before their registration expires. To ensure a smooth renewal process and avoid service disruptions, it is important to contact QIP as soon as possible after receiving this notification. Early preparation allows sufficient time to gather and update required evidence and schedule a timely and effective verification audit to maintain ongoing NDIS provider registration.

A desktop audit means the auditor reviews your evidence and documentation remotely (at their desk/electronically).

This process eliminates the need for on-site, in-person reviews making the verification audit a faster and simpler option for providers who meet the eligibility criteria for NDIS verification.

During the audit, providers submit key documentation to demonstrate compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. This includes qualifications, incident and complaints management policies, risk management procedures, worker screening evidence, and insurance coverage. The auditor then reviews the submitted documents to assess whether the provider meets NDIS requirements.

If any information is missing or requires clarification, the auditor may request additional details. Once the review is complete, the auditor will prepare a detailed report for you, noting any issues (non-conformities). The report goes through an independent technical review and provided to your for feedback before finalisation. QIP submits the final audit report and recommendation to the NDIS Commission for their assessment and final decision.

The verification pathway to NDIS provider registration focuses on four key areas of required evidence that low-risk providers must meet to demonstrate compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. These areas ensure that providers deliver safe, high-quality low-risk services to NDIS
participants.

• Human Resources – providers must demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications, skills, and industry registrations relevant to the supports they deliver. This ensures that services meet professional standards and participant needs.
• Incident management – a documented incident management policy must be in place, outlining how incidents are reported, recorded, and managed to ensure participant safety and continuous improvement.
• Complaints management – providers must have a clear complaints policy that enables participants to provide feedback and outlines how complaints are handled, investigated, and resolved in line with NDIS requirements.
• Risk management – providers must implement risk management policies and procedures to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with service delivery, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for participants.

As a NDIS-approved quality auditor, QIP will review the evidence submitted by you or your organisation to assess compliance with these four key audit requirements.

If your NDIS verification application is incomplete or contains incorrect information, it may delay the audit process and could impact your NDIS registration approval.

During the desktop audit, QIP, as a NDIS-Approved Quality Auditor, will review your submitted documentation against the NDIS Practice Standards. If any required documents are missing, incomplete, or do not meet the necessary criteria, you will be notified and given the opportunity to provide additional information or corrections.

Failure to submit the correct documentation within the required timeframe may result in your application being delayed or declined. To avoid setbacks, it is essential to ensure all documents – such as qualifications, policies, worker screening evidence, and insurance coverage – are accurate and up to date before submission.

Once your NDIS verification audit is successfully completed, QIP, as your NDIS-Approved Quality Auditor, will submit a final verification audit report and recommendation to the NDIS Commission. The NDIS Commission will then review the report and make the final decision on your NDIS provider registration.

If your application is successful, the NDIS Commission will issue you a Certificate of Registration, which includes the types of supports and services you are registered to provide, the registration period (normally three years), and any conditions of maintaining your registration.

You will be listed on the NDIS provider register allowing you to market and expand your business, reach a broader client base, and proudly display your NDIS Registered Provider status. You can begin delivering NDIS-funded services in accordance with the NDIS Practice Standards.

As an NDIS registered provider, you must continue to meet all NDIS compliance requirements, including maintaining valid insurance, worker screening checks, and up-to-date policies. Your NDIS registration is valid for three years, after which your registration will need to be renewed, which will include another verification audit.

If you wish to expand your service offerings after completing the NDIS verification process – depending on the risk level of the new services – you may need to undergo a registration variation or upgrade to the certification pathway to registration.

To add low-risk supports that fall under the verification pathway, you can apply for a registration variation through the NDIS Commission. This process may require you to submit additional documentation demonstrating your qualifications, experience, and compliance with relevant NDIS Practice Standards for the new services.

If you want to offer higher-risk or more complex supports – such as personal care, high-intensity supports, or specialist behaviour support – you will likely need to transition from verification to certification. This means undergoing a more detailed audit, including an on-site assessment.

To determine whether your new services require a registration variation or certification, check your initial scope of audit or contact the NDIS Commission.

Yes, you can deliver services as an unregistered provider while waiting for NDIS verification approval, but there are restrictions on who you can claim funding from.

While your NDIS registration is not active until your verification process is complete, you can provide services during this time to self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, as they have the flexibility to engage both registered and unregistered NDIS providers. However, you cannot deliver services to NDIA-managed participants (participants whose funds are managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency) until your registration is finalised.

The only verification registration group that must be registered to operate is Plan Management. If you intend to provide plan management services, you must wait until your registration is approved before delivering supports.

Yes, NDIS verification is not permanent and must be renewed every three years to ensure ongoing compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards. The NDIS Commission will notify you when your registration is due for renewal, and you will need to undergo a renewal audit before your current registration expires.

The renewal process requires you to submit updated documentation, including evidence of qualifications, insurance, worker screening, and key policies. This ensures that you continue to meet NDIS quality and safety requirements and remain eligible to deliver NDIS-funded services.

The NDIS Commission typically notifies providers at least six months before their registration expires. To ensure a smooth renewal process and avoid service disruptions, it is important to contact QIP as soon as possible after receiving this notification. Early preparation allows sufficient time to gather and update required evidence and schedule a timely and effective verification audit to maintain ongoing NDIS provider registration.

A list of NDIS-approved quality auditors, including QIP, is available on the NDIS Commission website under the Find an Auditor section. Approved auditors are accredited by JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation Scheme for Australia and New Zealand) and meet strict standards to ensure independent, high-quality audits.