Registered vs Unregistered NDIS Providers: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

If you're new to the NDIS space, you might be asking yourself:
Do I need to become a registered NDIS provider, or can I start working without registering?

This is a common question for sole traders and small businesses. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, who can work unregistered, and when it makes sense to go through the registration process.

What is a registered NDIS provider?

A registered NDIS provider is an individual or organisation that has applied to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, completed a quality audit, and been formally approved to deliver NDIS supports.

Registered providers must:

• Submit an application through the NDIS Commission portal

• Undergo a quality audit (verification or certification)

• Comply with the NDIS Practice Standards

• Maintain required insurances, worker screening, and policies

• Follow the NDIS Code of Conduct

Once approved, you're listed on the NDIS Provider Register and can deliver supports to a broader group of participants.

What is an unregistered NDIS provider?

An unregistered NDIS provider is someone who delivers NDIS-funded supports without going through the formal registration process.

Unregistered providers:

• Can only work with participants who are self-managed or have a plan manager

• Cannot deliver supports to NDIA-managed participants

• Are not listed on the NDIS Provider Register

• Must still follow the NDIS Code of Conduct

• May still need to meet participant expectations around insurance, police checks, or worker screening

Key differences between registered and unregistered providers

• ➤ Can support NDIA-managed participants

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ❌ No

• ➤ Listed on NDIS Provider Register

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ❌ No

• ➤ Required to undergo a quality audit

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ❌ No

• ➤ Must meet NDIS Practice Standards

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ❌

• ➤ Can claim payments directly from the NDIA

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ❌ No

• ➤ Must follow NDIS Code of Conduct

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ✅ Yes

• ➤ Must have NDIS Worker Screening clearance

  Registered providers: ✅ Yes
  Unregistered providers: ⚠️ Sometimes required by participants

Should I register or stay unregistered?

Whether to register depends on your goals.

You may choose to become registered if you:

• Want to work with all participants (including NDIA-managed)

• Are aiming to grow your business

• Want to build trust and credibility with referrers and support coordinators

• Plan to deliver higher-risk or specialised services

You may stay unregistered (for now) if you:

• Only plan to work with self-managed or plan-managed participants

• Are just starting out and want to keep things simple

• Want to test the waters before investing in registration

Can I start unregistered and register later?

Yes — many providers begin as unregistered while they get their business off the ground, and then apply for registration once they’re ready to grow.

If you do want to register later, it’s important to understand the steps involved. You can read our guide on How to Become a Registered NDIS Provider to learn what’s required.

Final thoughts

Operating as an unregistered provider may be suitable when you're starting out, but becoming registered opens up more opportunities, gives participants greater confidence, and sets your business up for long-term success.

At Provider Partners Consulting, we support sole traders and small businesses to become registered NDIS providers — guiding you through the process and helping you get audit-ready in just 4–6 weeks.

👇 Next steps:

• Want help getting registered? Book a free discovery call with our team.