Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers: What’s the Difference?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers crucial support for people with disability in Australia. But for providers, a key decision is whether to become registered with the NDIS, or to operate as an unregistered provider.

One question that often comes up is: “What’s the difference between a registered and an unregistered NDIS provider?”

Understanding the difference is essential both for service providers evaluating their business model, and for participants choosing supports. In this article, we’ll break it down in plain language so you can understand what each option really means.
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What Does “Registered” vs “Unregistered” Provider Mean?

If you’ve started exploring the world of NDIS services, you’ve probably come across the terms registered and unregistered provider. While they might sound straightforward, the difference goes beyond just a label - it affects who you can support, how you operate, and the opportunities available to your business.

1. Registered NDIS provider

A registered NDIS provider is an individual or organisation that has been officially approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (QSC) to deliver supports and services to participants. To gain this approval, providers must meet strict quality and safety requirements, comply with the NDIS Practice Standards, and take part in regular audits and assessments.

Achieving registration shows a clear commitment to delivering safe, high-quality services while also giving your business access to a wider pool of participants. Unlike unregistered providers, registered providers can support all participants, whether their plans are NDIA-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed.
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How to Register as an NDIS Provider?

1. Complete the Online Application

• Visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (QSC) website.
• Fill out the online application form with your organisation’s details.
• Select the relevant registration groups for your business.
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2. Do a Self-Assessment

• Complete a self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards.
• Identify gaps in your systems, policies, and processes.
  
  

3.Engage an Approved Auditor

• Hire an NDIS-approved auditor.
• The auditor will verify your compliance (via verification or certification audit, depending on your services).
  
  

4. NDIS Suitability Assessment

• After the audit, the NDIS Commission conducts a suitability check.
• They review your compliance history, financial records, and overall readiness.
  
  

5. Receive Your Registration Certificate

• If successful, you’ll be issued an NDIS registration certificate.
• This officially allows you to operate as a registered provider.

For detailed guidance, visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website. You can also check out our step-by-step guide on the steps to start your own NDIS business for practical insights to get moving faster.
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How imploy Supports Registered Providers?

‍Becoming a registered NDIS provider is a big step, but having the right systems in place makes it easier to manage. Platforms like imploy are designed specifically for registered providers, helping you streamline compliance, invoicing, rostering, and reporting, so you can stay focused on supporting participants while meeting all NDIS Quality and Safeguards requirements.

2.Unregistered NDIS provider

This is a provider who has not completed the formal registration process. They may still offer services to participants, but only under certain conditions (for example, self-managed participants or via plan managers). Unregistered providers are not subject to the same level of oversight, but still must comply with relevant laws, codes of conduct and obligations such as worker screening.
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Does the NDIS audit unregistered providers?

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission does not carry out direct audits or monitoring of unregistered providers. That said, these providers must still follow all relevant laws, worker screening requirements, and codes of conduct. If concerns arise, complaints can be lodged with the NDIS Commission or other appropriate authorities.
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How do unregistered NDIS providers get paid?

Unregistered providers don’t receive payments through the NDIS portal. Instead, they issue invoices directly to participants, which gives them more control over their cash flow. However, this also means extra work for participants, who must pay upfront and then manually claim the reimbursement through the NDIS portal.
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Can unregistered providers use the NDIS logo?

No, the NDIS logo is strictly reserved for providers who have completed the official registration process and meet all NDIA requirements. If an unregistered provider uses the logo without permission, they could face legal action.
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Do unregistered NDIS providers need an ABN?

Yes, most unregistered NDIS providers will need an Australian Business Number (ABN) to operate legally. An ABN is essential for issuing invoices, managing tax obligations, and handling day-to-day business administration.

If you’re planning to become an NDIS provider, choosing to register often gives you the advantage of joining a larger network and being recognised by the NDIS Commission, which can open the door to more growth opportunities. However, it also brings a set of challenges and responsibilities that you’ll need to be prepared for.
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How do you check if a company is NDIS registered?

The NDIS website is your key to confirming whether your company is an NDIS registered provider. You can view the full NDIS registered providers list and filter the results or use the registered NDIS provider search tool.
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Key Differences: What Changes When You Register?

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Pros & Cons: Registered Providers

Becoming a registered NDIS provider can open a lot of doors - from working with more participants to offering specialist supports. But like most things, it comes with both rewards and responsibilities. Here’s a quick look at the main pros and cons.
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Pros:

1. Broader market access: you can service a larger pool of NDIS participants - including NDIA-managed.

2. Higher credibility and trust: formal recognition signals quality and compliance.

3. Clear funding streams for certain supports: some services are only deliverable by registered providers.

4. Possible marketing and listing advantages: being in official directories helps potential clients find you more easily.

5. Access to exclusive services : Certain supports (e.g., SDA, restrictive practices, behaviour supports) can only be delivered by registered providers.

6. Partnership opportunities: Other organisations may prefer collaborating with registered providers due to the assurance of compliance.

7. Funding stability : Payments via the NDIA can provide more reliable cash flow compared to invoicing participants directly.
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Cons:

1. Initial costs and ongoing financial investment: registration fees, audits, compliance, training. If you’re wondering how much it really costs to get started, check out our detailed guide on the cost to start an NDIS business

2. Administrative and regulatory burden: reporting, documentation, audits, maintaining standards.

3. Greater accountability and risks: failing to meet standards may lead to sanctions, reputational damage.
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Pros & Cons: Unregistered Providers

Staying unregistered can be a good option for smaller businesses or those just starting out, as it keeps things simple and less costly. But there are trade-offs, especially around the kinds of services you can deliver and the clients you can work with.
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Pros:

1. Quicker start-up, lower immediate barriers: you can begin delivering certain supports without going through registration.

2. Lower operating costs: no registration fees, audits etc.

3. Flexibility in relationships with participants: more direct invoicing, perhaps closer personal relationship since fewer regulatory constraints in some areas.
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Cons:

1. Limited client base: cannot service NDIA-managed participants, cannot offer certain specialist support.

2. Perceived lower credibility: participants may prefer registered providers for assurances of quality and safety.

3. Potential legal and compliance gaps: though unregistered providers are not subject to full audits, they are still bound to laws, codes of conduct, worker screening, etc. Mistakes or failures can still have serious consequences.
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What NDIS Providers Must Be Registered?

According to the NDIS guidelines, certain services can only be delivered by registered providers. This means participants are required to engage a registered provider if they need:

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
• Supports or services that involve regulated restrictive practices.
• Specialist behaviour supports, such as assessments or developing behaviour support plans.

If you’re planning to deliver any of these services, registration isn’t just recommended, it’s mandatory.
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What to Consider Before Deciding?

Here are some strategic questions to ask before you commit either way:

• What services do you plan to provide? Are these among those requiring registration?
• What is your target market? NDIA-managed participants, self-managed, plan-managed?
• What is your capacity to manage compliance, audits, reporting?
• Do you have or can you build the systems and documentation needed to meet quality standards?
• How important is trust / reputation in your region or community?
• What are the financial costs (start-up/ongoing) vs the expected return or income opportunities?
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What Unregistered Providers Should Do to Maintain Standards?

Even if you remain unregistered, you should:

• Ensure compliance with NDIS Code of Conduct.
• Conduct required worker screening / background checks.
• Use clear service agreements / contracts with participants.
• Maintain proper insurance (liability, workers’ compensation etc.)
• Keep good records (of staff, complaints, participant feedback) to support quality and safety.
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Final Thoughts

Choosing between being a registered or unregistered NDIS provider is a strategic business decision. Registration brings greater opportunity, credibility and potential for growth, especially if you intend to provide specialist or regulated supports. However, it comes with increased regulatory and financial burdens.

Unregistered provision can work well for smaller operations, or those targeting self-managed participants. But to succeed, high standards, good governance, and transparency remain essential.

At imploy, we believe that participant-centred care, safety, and quality are non-negotiable whether registered or not. If you're considering your path forward, assessing your service offerings, resources, and long-term goals will guide you to the right model.
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FAQs

1. Do I have to be registered to become an NDIS provider?
Not necessarily. You can operate as an unregistered provider if you only plan to support self-managed or plan-managed participants. However, if you want to deliver certain supports like SDA or behaviour supports, you must register.

2. Is it hard to become a registered NDIS provider?
The registration process can be complex. It involves audits, compliance checks, and ongoing reporting. While it requires time and investment, it also opens the door to greater business opportunities.

3. Can unregistered providers still be reported for misconduct?
Yes. Even though they aren’t directly audited by the NDIS Commission, unregistered providers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and worker screening requirements. Complaints can be made to the Commission or other authorities if issues arise.

4. Which option is better - registered or unregistered?
It depends on your goals. If you want to grow, deliver specialist services, or work with NDIA-managed participants, registration is the way to go. If you’re starting small and targeting self-managed participants, staying unregistered may suit you better.

5. Can an unregistered provider later become registered?
Yes. Many providers start out unregistered, then apply for registration once they’re ready to expand their services or client base.