Side-by-side comparison
| Check | Registered provider | Unregistered provider |
|---|---|---|
| NDIS Commission registration | Registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission for approved registration groups. | Not registered with the NDIS Commission. Other professional or business registrations may still apply. |
| Who can generally use them | Agency-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants, subject to the support and plan rules. | Generally plan-managed and self-managed participants; agency-managed funding generally requires registered providers. |
| Audit and practice standards | Must meet applicable NDIS Practice Standards and audit requirements for their registration groups. | Not subject to the registered-provider audit framework, but still subject to applicable Australian laws and the NDIS Code of Conduct. |
| Choice and availability | May be required for particular supports and can accept agency-managed funding. | Can increase choice for plan-managed and self-managed participants, especially in areas with limited registered options. |
| Your checks | Check registration scope, worker qualifications, experience, service agreement and fit. | Check professional registration, qualifications, screening, insurance, experience, complaints process and fit with extra care. |
A safer decision process
- 1Check how the support budget is managed: agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed.
- 2Confirm whether the support itself must be delivered by a registered provider.
- 3Check the provider’s NDIS registration group if they say they are registered.
- 4Verify the individual worker’s qualification, registration or professional membership where relevant.
- 5Compare experience, communication, availability, price, cancellation terms and cultural fit.
- 6Use a written service agreement and keep copies of important documents and conversations.
Important: registration is not a rating
Registration shows that a provider is approved for specified registration groups and subject to relevant requirements. It does not guarantee that every worker, approach or service arrangement is the right fit for you.
Questions about registered and unregistered providers
Funding and registration rules can change. Confirm current requirements for your plan and support.
Can plan-managed participants use unregistered providers?
Generally, yes. Plan-managed participants can usually use registered and unregistered providers, provided the support is reasonable, necessary and claimable under the plan. Some specialised supports or circumstances may require a registered provider, so confirm before engaging.
Can agency-managed participants use unregistered providers?
Agency-managed funding generally requires providers registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission for the relevant support. Check your plan and current NDIA rules if you are unsure.
Does registered mean the provider is automatically the right fit?
No. Registration is one trust signal, not a personal recommendation. You should still check qualifications, experience, communication style, availability, service terms and whether the worker understands your goals.
Are unregistered providers unsafe?
Not necessarily. Many are qualified professionals or small businesses. However, they are not operating under the registered-provider audit framework, so participants should make careful independent checks before choosing them.
How do I check whether a provider is registered?
Search the NDIS Commission’s public register or use a directory sourced from that register. Confirm the legal provider name and the registration groups relevant to the support you need.
Related resources from MyCareFinders
- Check Provider Qualifications — Know what evidence to ask for
- Questions to Ask a Provider — Prepare for your first conversation
- Browse Therapeutic Supports — Search listed providers
- Get Matched — Let providers with availability come to you