Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers
Not all NDIS providers are registered with the NDIS Commission — and that does not automatically mean they are lower quality. This guide explains the real differences between registered and unregistered providers, who can use each type, and how to make an informed choice.
What Is a Registered NDIS Provider?
A registered NDIS provider is a person or organisation that has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to deliver supports and services to NDIS participants.
To become registered, a provider must:
- Apply to the NDIS Commission and meet suitability requirements.
- Be audited against the NDIS Practice Standards by an approved auditor.
- Demonstrate they meet quality and safety standards for the registration groups they apply for.
- Undergo ongoing monitoring and periodic re-audits to maintain registration.
Registered providers can deliver supports to all NDIS participants — including those whose plans are agency-managed by the NDIA.
What Is an Unregistered NDIS Provider?
An unregistered NDIS provider is a person or organisation that delivers NDIS supports but has not gone through the NDIS Commission's registration and audit process.
Being unregistered does not mean a provider is unsafe or low quality. Many unregistered providers are sole traders, allied health professionals, or small businesses that hold other professional registrations (such as AHPRA registration) and deliver excellent services.
However, because they have not been audited against the NDIS Practice Standards, participants need to do their own due diligence — checking qualifications, insurance, references and experience.
Unregistered providers can only deliver supports to self-managed and plan-managed participants.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Registered | Unregistered |
|---|---|---|
| Oversight | Audited and monitored by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. | Not audited by the Commission. May still hold other professional registrations. |
| NDIS Practice Standards | Must meet NDIS Practice Standards and pass a verification or certification audit. | Not required to meet NDIS Practice Standards (but must follow the Code of Conduct). |
| Pricing | Must charge at or below NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. | Can set their own prices — may be higher or lower than the NDIS price guide. |
| Plan management types | Can be used by all participants: self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed. | Can only be used by self-managed and plan-managed participants. |
| Complaint pathway | Complaints can be made directly to the NDIS Commission (1800 035 544). | Complaints go to state/territory consumer protection or fair trading bodies. |
| Worker screening | Must ensure workers in risk-assessed roles hold an NDIS Worker Screening Check. | Not required to conduct NDIS Worker Screening (but may hold other checks). |
| Code of Conduct | Bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct, enforced by the Commission. | Also bound by the NDIS Code of Conduct when delivering NDIS supports. |
Who Can Use Unregistered Providers?
Only participants with self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans can use unregistered providers. This is because:
- Self-managed participants pay providers directly and claim reimbursement from the NDIA, so the NDIA does not need to verify the provider's registration.
- Plan-managed participants have a registered plan manager who processes invoices on their behalf — and plan managers can pay both registered and unregistered providers.
Who Must Use Registered Providers?
Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) participants must use registered providers for most supports. When the NDIA manages your plan, they pay providers directly through the myplace portal and will only process claims from registered providers.
There are also certain specialist supports — such as behaviour support involving restrictive practices — that must be delivered by a registered provider, regardless of your plan management type.
NDIS: Registered and Unregistered ProvidersAdvantages of Registered Providers
Advantages of Unregistered Providers
How to Check If a Provider Is Registered
The NDIS Commission maintains a public register of all registered NDIS providers. You can search by provider name, location or registration group to confirm a provider's registration status.
Visit the NDIS Commission provider register
Go to the NDIS Commission website and use the "Find a Registered Provider" search tool.
Search by name or location
Enter the provider's name, suburb or postcode to find their listing.
Check registration groups
Confirm the provider is registered for the specific type of support you need — providers are registered for specific registration groups, not all services.
The NDIS Code of Conduct
The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to both registered and unregistered providers (and their workers) when delivering NDIS supports. This means all providers must:
The key difference is enforcement: for registered providers, the NDIS Commission directly enforces the Code and can take compliance action. For unregistered providers, enforcement may involve state and territory authorities.
NDIS Code of ConductHow to Make Complaints
The complaints process differs depending on whether your provider is registered or unregistered.
Registered Providers
Unregistered Providers
The NDIS Commission can still act on Code of Conduct breaches by unregistered providers.
In an emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 000 first. For non-emergency safety concerns, call the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544.
Find the Right NDIS Provider for You
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