How to Become a Registered NDIS Provider
Plain-English, step-by-step — from deciding if registration is right for you through to getting your registration number.
The 6 Steps to Registration
🤔 Decide if registration is right for you
1-2 weeksNDIS registration is required to work with plan-managed and agency-managed participants. If you only want to work with self-managed participants, you do NOT need to be registered — they can hire anyone they choose.
Registration makes sense if you want access to the full NDIS market, want the SupportPath Verified badge on SupportPath, and want to build a sustainable registered provider business.
Tip: Start as unregistered working with self-managed participants while you go through the registration process. List on SupportPath free and build clients now.
📋 Choose your registration groups
1 weekThe NDIS has 22 registration groups covering different types of support. Common groups: Daily Activities, Support Coordination, Plan Management, Therapeutic Supports, Behaviour Support.
Some groups require higher qualifications or more complex audits. Plan Management requires a financial professional. Behaviour Support requires a specific practitioner qualification.
You can add more groups later — start with the 1-3 most relevant to your current services.
Tip: Start small. Register for your core services first, expand once you understand the process.
🏢 Set up your business structure
2-4 weeksYou need: an ABN, business registration (sole trader, company, or not-for-profit), a business bank account, and key policies and procedures.
At minimum your policies must include: Privacy Policy, Complaints Policy, Incident Management Policy, and a Worker Screening procedure.
Policy templates are available free from the NDIS Commission website, or purchase ready-made packs from consultants ($500-$2,000).
Tip: Sole traders can register. But a company structure provides better liability protection if things go wrong.
💻 Apply through the NDIS Commission portal
1-2 weeksApply at the NDIS Commission portal (myplace.ndis.gov.au). Provide: business details, ABN, registration groups, key personnel details, qualifications and experience.
Key personnel must complete an NDIS Worker Screening Check — a criminal history check specific to the NDIS. Cost is $80-$120 per person.
The application itself is free. The cost comes from the audit that follows.
Tip: Take your time. Errors or missing information will significantly slow the process.
✅ Complete your audit
2-6 monthsTwo types of audit: Verification (simpler, lower-risk groups, usually remote) and Certification (complex, higher-risk groups like personal care or SDA, involves on-site review).
Verification audit cost: $500-$2,000. Certification audit cost: $3,000-$15,000+.
You choose your auditor from the NDIS Commission approved list. Get 2-3 quotes — prices vary significantly between auditors.
Tip: Prepare your policies and staff records before engaging the auditor. The better prepared you are, the faster and cheaper the audit.
🎉 Receive your registration number
2-8 weeks after auditOnce you pass your audit, the NDIS Commission issues your registration number (starts with "4-"). Registration is valid for 3 years, then you re-register.
Your business appears on the NDIS provider register and on SupportPath with an SupportPath Verified badge.
You can now work with plan-managed and agency-managed participants and charge NDIS price guide rates.
Tip: Registration is ongoing. Maintain your policies, complete incident reporting, and meet NDIS Practice Standards continuously.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| NDIS Worker Screening Check (per key person) | $80 | $120 |
| Policy templates (optional) | $0 | $2,000 |
| Verification audit | $500 | $2,000 |
| Certification audit (higher-risk groups) | $3,000 | $15,000 |
| Registration consultant (optional) | $500 | $5,000 |
| Total — verification route | $580 | $4,120 |
| Total — certification route | $3,580 | $22,120 |
Estimates only. Get multiple quotes from approved auditors.
Common Questions
Do I need to be registered to work in NDIS?
No. You only need registration to work with plan-managed and agency-managed participants. Self-managed participants can hire any provider they choose.
How long does registration take?
Typically 3-12 months from application to registration number. The audit is usually the longest part. Being well-prepared significantly speeds things up.
Can a sole trader register?
Yes. You need an ABN, appropriate insurance, and to pass the audit for your chosen registration groups.
What insurance do I need?
Professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance at minimum. Some groups require specific coverage amounts — confirm with your auditor.
Do I need qualifications?
Depends on the group. Daily activities support has no mandatory qualification. Allied health groups require relevant professional qualifications. Behaviour support requires a specific practitioner credential.
Can I lose my registration?
Yes. The NDIS Commission can suspend or revoke registration for serious non-compliance, unresolved complaints, or failure to maintain standards.
Ready to list your services?
Whether registered or not, you can list on SupportPath today. Self-managed participants can contact you directly — no registration required.