Introduction

Becoming a registered NDIS provider is a powerful way to expand your impact and deliver trusted, high-quality support to people with disability. But let’s be honest — the registration process can feel overwhelming.

Whether you're a sole trader wanting to provide support work or a growing business expanding into the NDIS, understanding the registration process is the first step to setting your services up for success.

At Assist Providers, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses navigate the registration maze. This guide will walk you through exactly what’s involved — and how to get it right the first time.

Why Register as an NDIS Provider?

You can operate under the NDIS without registration — but registration offers serious benefits:

• Access to NDIA-managed participants
• More credibility and trust in the marketplace
• Eligibility for Specialist supports (e.g., SDA, SIL, behaviour supports)
• Better alignment with NDIS quality standards

Registered vs Unregistered: What’s the Difference?

FeatureRegisteredUnregisteredCan support NDIA-managed participants✅ Yes❌ NoMust meet NDIS Practice Standards✅ Yes⚠️ No (but still must follow NDIS Code of Conduct)Can list on NDIS Provider Finder✅ Yes❌ NoMust go through a registration process✅ Yes❌ No

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Registered NDIS Provider

✅ Step 1: Decide What Supports You Want to Deliver

Each registration group (e.g., personal care, plan management, therapy) has its own risk level and audit requirement.

Tip: Check the NDIS Registration Groups List to match your services to the right codes.

✅ Step 2: Complete the Online Application via the NDIS Commission Portal

Provide:

• Business details
• Services offered
• Corporate structure
• Key personnel and compliance declarations

Once submitted, you’ll receive an Initial Scope of Audit document.

✅ Step 3: Choose an Approved Auditor

Depending on the risk level of your registration groups, you’ll undergo:

• A verification audit (for lower-risk supports), or
• A certification audit (for higher-risk supports like SIL or Behaviour Support)

Make sure your policies, procedures, and compliance systems are audit-ready.

✅ Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need to show:

• Worker screening checks
• Complaints and incident management procedures
• Participant rights and safeguards
• Risk management strategies

Assist Providers offers templates, coaching, and gap assessments to help.

✅ Step 5: Undergo the Audit

Your auditor will assess your policies, staff, and processes. Certification audits also involve onsite visits and interviews with team members.

Once completed, your auditor submits their report to the NDIS Commission.

✅ Step 6: Final Review and Outcome

The NDIS Commission assesses your application and issues one of the following:

• Registration approval (for up to 3 years)
• Request for further information
• Rejection (with reasons)

How Long Does It Take?

Registration can take 8–16 weeks, depending on:

• Audit complexity
• Completeness of your documents
• Responsiveness to NDIS Commission follow-ups

Common Mistakes That Delay Registration

❌ Missing policies

❌ Unclear service descriptions

❌ Choosing the wrong registration group

❌ Skipping staff checks or required training

💡 Assist Providers Tip: Don’t copy-paste policies. Auditors want to see that your documents reflect your unique service model.

How Assist Providers Can Help

We support new and existing businesses by offering:

• End-to-end registration setup
• Customised NDIS documentation packs
• Audit preparation and coaching
• Post-registration compliance support

Whether you're going solo or scaling your team, we make the process less stressful and more successful.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a registered NDIS provider is more than a tick-the-box exercise — it’s about proving that you can deliver safe, ethical, and participant-focused services.

Let Assist Providers help you take the first step with confidence.