What are the main steps in the NDIS provider registration process?

In general, providers submit an application to the NDIS Commission, prepare required documentation, engage an approved quality auditor, complete the audit (Verification or Certification), then respond to any findings before final approval.

What is the difference between Verification and Certification audits?

The audit type depends on your registration scope and the supports you deliver. Verification is typically used for lower-risk supports, while Certification applies to higher-risk supports and usually requires a deeper assessment.

What documents do auditors usually expect to see?

Auditors commonly review policies and procedures aligned to NDIS Practice Standards, plus evidence such as registers, training records, incident and complaint logs, participant documentation, and continuous improvement records.

For NDIS providers (registration + audit)

NDIS registration process — and what you need for the audit

Becoming a registered NDIS provider is less about “submitting a form” and more about proving your organisation meets the NDIS Practice Standards. The audit is where most providers slow down — usually because the policies, procedures, registers and evidence aren’t ready.

See the steps Get audit-ready templates

If you’re close to audit dates, start with the templates below — it removes guesswork and saves time.

Step-by-step overview

What the registration journey usually looks like

Exact requirements can vary by scope and supports, but the flow below covers what most providers experience.

Step 1Confirm your registration scope

Your scope and supports influence the audit type and what documentation auditors will focus on.
Step 2Prepare core policies + procedures

This is the backbone: how you manage incidents, complaints, risk, governance, HR, participants, and quality.
Step 3Build your evidence trail (registers + records)

Auditors look for proof you follow your system: logs, registers, training records, meeting minutes, improvements, etc.
Step 4Engage an approved quality auditor

You’ll complete either a Verification or Certification audit depending on scope and supports.
Step 5Respond to findings (if any) and finalise approval

The faster you can update documents and show evidence, the smoother this stage becomes.

Audit types

Verification vs Certification: what providers should know

The audit type is tied to what you deliver. If you’re unsure, use your scope/supports to decide your starting point.

Verification

Typically used for lower-risk supports. Focus is on showing you have the required system and can demonstrate compliance.

View Verification Pack

Certification

Typically applies to higher-risk supports and involves a deeper assessment. Documentation and evidence expectations are broader.

View Certification Pack

Note: This is general guidance only. Registration scope and audit requirements depend on your provider circumstances and supports delivered.

Fastest way to get ready

Use audit-ready templates (Word + Excel)

If you don’t already have a complete documentation set, starting from scratch is where most providers lose weeks. These packs give you a structured foundation: policies, procedures, forms, registers and supporting materials.

Verification Audit Pack

For providers preparing for Verification audits who want a clean, compliant documentation system.

Buy / View Verification Pack

Certification Audit Pack

For providers preparing for Certification audits who need a more comprehensive audit framework.

Buy / View Certification Pack

Want policies without the full audit pack?

If you already have an audit plan and just need the policies and procedures framework, start here:

NDIS Policies & Procedures Contact us