Top FAQs for Unregistered Providers

On a regular basis, Provider+ supports several providers who are about to embark on their NDIS registration process as well as providers who are currently providing services as an Unregistered provider registering for the very first time. During these stages of a provider’s NDIS journey, we have captured several of the most commonly asked questions that unregistered providers are seeking support with. 

This blog runs through those most commonly asked questions with supporting answers to assist unregistered providers for what to expect as they embark on their provider journey.  

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Can I operate as an unregistered NDIS Provider?

Registration is mandatory for some providers (like Plan Managers, Behaviour Support and Specialist Disability Accommodation). Registration is increasingly important if you want to grow your business or work with agency managed participants.

If you are not providing these high risk supports to participants, then you are able to operate unregistered, supporting plan managed and self-managed participants. 

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Will the upcoming mandatory registration changes impact me?

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Yes, if you are currently an unregistered support coordinator, platform provider or Supported Independent Living (SIL) provider, then you will need to start preparing for registration. At this point in time there has been no announcement from the NDIS Commission on when this will commence, we just know that it is happening. 

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What are the benefits of registering?

Unregistered providers are limited to supporting plan-managed and self-managed participants. Registration allows you to support agency managed participants. With the focus on upcoming mandatory registration, registering ensures you meet the NDIS Commission’s compliance requirements and allows you to continue delivering safe, quality services to NDIS participants.

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I’m worried about the registration process — how difficult is it?

The registration process can be complex, but at Provider+ we work alongside you to build

everything you need in a way that aligns with your business, step by step. Our goal is to make the process clearer, smoother, and to help you feel confident — with fewer surprises when it’s time for audit.

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Can I keep providing services while I prepare for registration?

Yes, you can continue operating as an unregistered provider while you go through the registration process. We can help you map out what’s required and when, so you’re ready without any last-minute stress.

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What if I don't register — what are the risks?

If you need to be registered for certain services or funding types, failing to register could limit your ability to work with some participants or attract new clients. Our role is to help you understand the practical steps to transition confidently and avoid operational or compliance headaches.

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How can you support me through registration?

We partner with you at every step — from assessing readiness, building compliant systems, preparing documentation, to audit coaching. We’re your team, working with you to make sure registration is a step forward, not a barrier.

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How often do I need to update the Medication Administration Certificate?

Although the NDIS Commission does not directly regulate or specify renewal periods for medication competency certificates, typically, in healthcare and disability support settings, medication competency certificates or training are subject to renewal at regular intervals, to ensure that practitioners and support workers stay updated on best practices, safety protocols, and any changes in regulations. It is therefore recommended that staff refresh their medication competency training every 12 months.

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It is recommended to use training.gov.au to find the most relevant Medication Competency course for your organisation. 

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What is a Stage 1 Audit? 

The Stage 1 Audit is a high-level document review of the providers system, including policies, procedures, forms and key personnel information. The Stage 1 audit is to

confirm that systems are in place to meet the requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards to then proceed to the Stage 2 audit.

The Stage 1 Audit may identify non-conformances that the provider is required to address prior to the Stage 2 Audit.

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What is a Stage 2 Audit? 

The Stage 2 Audit is an onsite audit and is an assessment of the implementation of the system (policies, procedures, forms, registers) against the NDIS Practice Standards. The Stage 2 audit will include interviews with key personnel, workers and participants, review of participant and staff files, and a more in-depth look at the providers documentation.

The Stage 2 audit will include site visits if there are other sites besides Head Office, including any property managed under 0115 and SDA.

The Stage 2 Audit is conducted within three months of the Stage 1 Audit.

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How can I link a worker in the NDIS Worker Screening Portal?

If you are unregistered where your participants have requested that you obtain a NDIS Worker Screening Check, it will require you to request access to the worker screening database for unregistered providers, you can select the worker screening portal for unregistered providers in PRODA Enter the portal and click 'My Workers' then 'Link Worker'

If you are registered, enter the NDIS Commission Provider Portal (with the green banner). Log in as a worker screening officer, click the 'Worker Screening' tile, click 'My Workers' then 'Link Worker'.

The inbox in PRODA is found in the MyPlace Portal for registered providers only. 

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Can I add registration groups or specialist modules whilst I wait for my registration? 

Yes, but we recommend waiting for the NDIS Commission to issue their registration decision and then complete an extension of scope audit. If you have already completed an audit and an audit recommendation has been submitted to the NDIS Commission, your Auditor will need to remove their audit recommendation and then re-submit the updated audit report, which will then delay your initial registration.

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Where can I find the New Worker NDIS Induction Module and Infection Control/PPE training?

Access all worker training modules by clicking here, including: 

• NDIS Worker Orientation Module: Quality, safety and you
• New worker - NDIS induction modules 
• Supporting effective communication
• Supporting safe and enjoyable meals

National Hand Hygiene Initiative - The Basics of Infection Prevention and Control https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/national-hand-hygiene-initiative 

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What is a Professional Body of Membership?

A professional membership body is an organisation with individual members from a particular profession or occupation. The organisation maintains an oversight of the knowledge, skills and training of that profession or occupation. 

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What and who is in a Risk Assessed Role? 

A Risk Assessed Role is the position and/or task of a worker who has a level of involvement which poses a potential risk to the safety and well-being of participants. This includes any workers who have face-to-face contact with a participant, have access to participant information via files and those with incidental contact. 

Some examples include; 

• Support workers providing direct care to participants
• Plan managers involved in managing participants’ finances
• Registered nurses or allied health professionals working with participants
• Behaviour support practitioners who are involved in working with participants with complex needs
• Directors who have access to participant information
• Administrators/Receptionists who may have incidental contact with a participant who visits the organisations office space and have access to participant information

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How long does it take to get registered?

The registration process can be quite lengthy, even though we are now seeing reduced wait times from the NDIS Commission on registration decision timeframes. Remember, you are still required to invest your time to ensure you are ready for audit and ready to start supporting participants, so ensure that you have realistic expectations about how long this process will actually take. For reference the NDIS Commission’s Registration decision timeframes report as per below:

Provider+ can step you through the registration process which will save you time and stress. This will allow you to reach your registration goals sooner. 

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