How to Become a Registered NDIS Provider
Your complete guide to NDIS provider registration in 2026 — from eligibility requirements to certification.
2026 Changes: From 1 July 2026, SIL providers and platform providers must be registered — these were previously able to operate unregistered.
Registered vs Unregistered Providers
Registered Providers
- ✓ Can provide services to all NDIS participants
- ✓ Listed on the official NDIS provider finder
- ✓ Can deliver NDIA-managed supports
- ✓ Must meet NDIS Practice Standards
- ✓ Subject to NDIS Commission oversight
- ✓ Required audits (verification or certification)
Unregistered Providers
- • Can only serve self-managed or plan-managed participants
- • Not listed on official NDIS provider finder
- • Cannot deliver NDIA-managed supports
- • Still subject to NDIS Code of Conduct
- • No audit requirements
- • Some supports will require registration from July 2026
Mandatory Registration Requirements
New from 1 July 2026
These providers must register by 1 July 2026 — previously able to operate unregistered:
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
24/7 or regular support for participants living in shared or individual arrangements.
Platform Providers
Digital apps and websites that match NDIS participants with support workers.
Already Requires Registration
These supports have always required registration:
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Providers of specialist housing for participants with extreme functional impairment.
Specialist Behaviour Support
Practitioners developing and implementing behaviour support plans.
Services Involving Regulated Restrictive Practices
Any provider implementing regulated restrictive practices.
Plan Management
Providers managing participant NDIS funds and paying invoices.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Check Your Eligibility
Review the registration groups you want to register for. Different supports have different requirements. Some require specific qualifications or accreditations.
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather required documents including ABN, insurance certificates, professional registrations, policies and procedures aligned with NDIS Practice Standards.
Submit Application
Complete the online application through the NDIS Commission portal. You'll need to select your registration groups and provide supporting documentation.
Complete Audit
Engage an approved quality auditor for either verification (lower-risk supports) or certification audit (higher-risk supports). The auditor assesses your compliance with Practice Standards.
Receive Decision
The NDIS Commission reviews your application and audit report. If approved, you'll receive your Certificate of Registration specifying your registration groups.
Audit Requirements by Registration Group
Verification Audit
Desktop review of your systems and documentation. Generally for lower-risk supports.
- • Plan management
- • Support Coordination
- • Therapeutic supports
- • Early intervention supports
Certification Audit
Comprehensive on-site assessment. Required for higher-risk and complex supports.
- • Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- • Specialist Support Coordination
- • Specialist behaviour support
- • High-intensity daily personal activities
Costs and Timeframes
Registration Costs
- Application fee: No fee to apply to the NDIS Commission
- Verification audit: Typically $900–$1,800
- Certification audit: Typically $2,800–$12,000+ (complex multi-group registrations can reach $30,000–$50,000)
- Ongoing costs: Mid-term audit at 18 months (certification only) and renewal audits every 3 years
Typical Timeframes
Timeframes vary significantly by audit pathway:
Verification Pathway (4–6 months total)
- • Application preparation: 2–4 weeks
- • Audit scheduling and completion: 4–8 weeks
- • Commission decision: 4–8 weeks
Certification Pathway (8–12 months total)
- • Application preparation: 4–8 weeks
- • Audit scheduling: 4–8 weeks (auditor availability)
- • On-site audit and report: 4–8 weeks
- • Commission decision: 6–12 weeks
SIL providers targeting 1 July 2026 should begin the certification process immediately.
Ready to Register?
Review our compliance guide to ensure you meet all NDIS Practice Standards before applying.