Registration requirements, process and timeline

Provider registration process

The information below outlines the steps to register as a new NDIS provider.

What if I am already a registered provider?

To apply to renew your registration, you will need to complete the online application via the NDIS Commission Portal.

Log in and go to the ‘My Registration’ tab to get started. The Renewal Quick Reference Guide is a useful resource to help you through the process.

Provider registration process

STEP 1. Start a new application on the Application Portal

When you apply to become a registered NDIS provider on the Application Portal, you need to:

  1. Provide information, including:
    • your organisation’s contact details
    • your corporate structure
    • your outlets/places of operation, and
    • your key personnel
  2. Select the registration groups your organisation provides. This determines which NDIS Practice Standards apply to your organisation. Based on your responses, the form will filter to show you relevant information.
  3. Complete a self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards relevant to the supports and services your organisation delivers to participants and upload any documents required as evidence. This should be specific to your organisation and personnel.

You can exit the Application Portal and return to complete your application at any time within 60 days.

Register as a provider

STEP 2. Select an approved quality auditor

After you submit your online application, you will receive an ‘initial scope of audit’ document by email from the NDIS Commission, summarising whether you require a ‘verification’ or ‘certification’ audit and information your organisation needs to share with your chosen approved quality auditor.

It is your responsibility as the applicant to engage an approved quality auditor to undertake the audit. You can request a quote from more than one auditor to make your decision. They will use the ‘initial scope of audit’ document you received to quote for their services. You can also discuss your specific needs and circumstances with auditors to negotiate the best value.

Find an approved quality auditor

STEP 3. Undergo an audit

After you have selected an approved quality auditor, they will check that the scope of audit is accurate and begin the audit process. The process is different for ‘verification’ and ‘certification’ audits.

Auditors will also complete their assessment in a way that takes your organisation’s size and scale, and the scope and complexity of the services being delivered, into consideration.

The auditor will work with you to help you understand the findings and give you the opportunity to ask and answer any questions. The auditor will submit the outcome of their audit to the NDIS Commission through an online portal.

STEP 4. The NDIS Commission assesses your application and makes a decision

In assessing your registration application, the NDIS Commission will consider the outcomes of the audit and conduct a suitability assessment of your organisation and key personnel.

What is a suitability assessment?

The NDIS Commission assesses the suitability of NDIS providers and their key personnel to deliver NDIS supports and services.

This includes whether the NDIS provider or their key personnel have:

  • previously been a registered NDIS provider
  • had a banning order in place
  • any past convictions for an indictable offence
  • been insolvent under administration
  • had adverse findings or enforcement action taken by any relevant authorities
  • been the subject of findings or judgement in relation to fraud, misrepresentation, or dishonesty
  • been disqualified from managing corporations

The NDIS Commission may require additional information and documents from new applicants regarding skills and experience relevant to the NDIS and information about plans for initial service delivery once registered.

We will then make a decision and contact you to let you know if your application has been successful and the reasons why or why not.

Some applications take longer to process than others. The timeframe depends on various factors, including the size and scale of your organisation, as well as the complexity and range of the supports and services you deliver.

STEP 5. Receive your application outcome

For successful applicants: you will receive a certificate of registration outlining the services or supports you are registered to provide, the period of registration, and any conditions you must follow to keep your registration.  You should also review your worker screening requirements at this stage. 

For unsuccessful applicants: you will be notified of the decision in writing.  If you disagree with the decision, you may contact the NDIS Commission to request a review within three months of the decision. If your application is still unsuccessful following the review, you may seek a further review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Related resources

This quick reference guide will describe how a provider can renew their registration in the NDIS Commission Portal.

This guide outlines the suitability assessment process for NDIS providers that are applying to register or renewing their registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.