Registered provider

A provider approved and audited by the NDIS Commission to deliver supports.

What it means

A registered provider is a business or individual that has been approved and audited by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. To become registered, they must show they meet the NDIS Practice Standards, which cover things like the quality of supports, the rights and safety of participants, and how the organisation is run. Registration is checked through an independent audit process.

Registration is a sign that a provider has been formally assessed against national standards. It does not automatically mean they are the right fit for you, but it does mean they have met a set of quality and safety requirements and agreed to ongoing oversight from the Commission.

In practice

How your plan is managed affects which providers you can use. If your plan is agency-managed (managed by the NDIA), you must use registered providers. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed, you can use both registered and unregistered providers, which gives you a wider range of choice.

Choosing an unregistered provider can open up more options, sometimes at different prices, but registered providers offer the added assurance of Commission oversight. When deciding, think about the type of support, the provider's experience, what other participants say, and how comfortable you feel, rather than looking at registration status alone.

A real example

For example, Aisha is self-managed and wanted a particular yoga instructor who understood her disability but was not an NDIS registered provider. Because she self-manages, she was able to engage the instructor directly. Her friend Tom, whose plan is agency-managed, had to choose from registered providers instead.

Registered provider — FAQs

What is the difference between a registered and unregistered provider?
A registered provider has been approved and audited by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission against the NDIS Practice Standards. An unregistered provider has not gone through that process. Registered providers come with Commission oversight, while unregistered providers may offer more flexibility or choice, depending on the type of support you need.
Do I have to use a registered provider?
It depends on how your plan is managed. If your plan is agency-managed by the NDIA, you must use registered providers. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed, you can use both registered and unregistered providers. This gives self and plan-managed participants a wider range of choices when selecting who delivers their supports.
Are registered providers safer than unregistered ones?
Registered providers have been audited against the NDIS Practice Standards and are subject to ongoing Commission oversight, which offers added assurance. This does not mean unregistered providers are unsafe, as all providers must still meet certain obligations. When choosing, consider the provider's experience, feedback from others, and how comfortable you feel, not just registration status.
How can I check if a provider is registered?
You can ask the provider directly whether they are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, and they should be able to confirm this. The Commission is the body responsible for registering and auditing providers, so it is the authority on registration status. Your plan manager or support coordinator can also help you check.
Why would I choose an unregistered provider?
Unregistered providers can widen your choice, which is helpful if you want a specific person or service that has not gone through NDIS registration. This is only an option if your plan is plan-managed or self-managed. Weigh the extra flexibility against the fact that registered providers come with Commission oversight and auditing.

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