Six checks before you say yes
Confirm the person’s role
Ask who will actually deliver your support and what their role is. A provider organisation may employ people with different qualifications.
Ask for the relevant qualification
The right evidence depends on the support. Therapists, nurses, tradespeople, interpreters and financial professionals have different requirements.
Check registration or membership
Where a profession is regulated or has a recognised professional body, confirm that the registration or membership is current.
Ask about relevant experience
A qualification alone does not prove a person has experience with your disability, goals, communication needs or the exact support being delivered.
Check ongoing professional development
For many therapeutic professions, the Commission guide expects experience plus evidence of clinical supervision and professional development.
Put important details in writing
Record the agreed worker, service, price, cancellation terms and how concerns will be handled in your service agreement.
Examples by profession
These are examples from the Commission guide, not a complete list.
Occupational therapist
Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia; extra relevant experience for home modifications, customised prosthetics or therapeutic supports.
Physiotherapist
Registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia; relevant experience and ongoing professional development for therapeutic supports.
Psychologist
Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, plus relevant experience, supervision and professional development.
Speech pathologist
Certified Practising Speech Pathologist status approved by Speech Pathology Australia, plus relevant experience and professional development.
Registered nurse
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, plus relevant experience and professional development.
Counsellor
Recognised membership or registration with an accepted counselling body, plus experience, supervision and professional development.
Plan management professional
A recognised accounting or bookkeeping qualification plus membership of an accepted professional accounting or bookkeeping body.
Home modification professional
Current state or territory licence or registration where required, plus experience applying disability access standards to the participant’s needs.
A simple question you can copy
“Who will deliver my support, and can you explain the qualification, current registration or professional membership, and relevant disability experience they hold?”
Questions about checking provider qualifications
Always confirm current requirements with the relevant regulator or professional body.
Does every NDIS worker need a university degree?
No. Requirements depend on the support and the worker’s role. Some supports require professional registration, membership or a trade licence; others rely on relevant product knowledge, experience and competence. Ask what is appropriate for the service you are buying.
Is an NDIS provider registration number enough?
Provider registration is an important check, but it does not replace checking the qualifications and experience of the individual who will deliver your support. Ask about both the organisation and the worker.
Where can I check a health practitioner’s registration?
Many regulated health professions can be checked through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency public register. Other professions use their own professional association or accreditation register.
What if a provider will not show evidence?
You can ask for a clear explanation or choose another provider. You are entitled to make an informed choice and to understand who will deliver your supports.
Do the same rules apply to every provider?
No. The evidence varies by profession, registration group and the support being delivered. This guide is a participant-friendly overview, not a substitute for the latest NDIS Commission requirements.
Related resources from MyCareFinders
- Registered vs Unregistered Providers — Understand the registration difference
- Questions to Ask a Provider — Use the complete first-conversation checklist
- NDIS Provider Directory Australia — Find providers by category and location
- Get Matched — Let suitable providers come to you