Registered vs unregistered
NDIS providers
Registered providers are approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and audited against the NDIS Practice Standards. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers.
The short version: NDIA-managed participants must use registered providers. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can choose either. All providers, registered or not, must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.
The difference at a glance
| Registered provider | Unregistered provider | |
|---|---|---|
| Approved by the NDIS Commission | Yes, for specific registration groups | No |
| Audited against the NDIS Practice Standards | Yes | No |
| Can support NDIA-managed participants | Yes | No |
| Listed on the public NDIS Provider Register | Yes | No |
| Must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct | Yes | Yes |
| Formal complaints and incident systems required | Yes | Not to the same standard |
What registration actually means
A registered provider has applied to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, been audited by an approved auditor, and been approved for particular registration groups — categories such as daily personal activities or community participation. Registration runs for a set period and can carry conditions, which are shown on the public register.
Registered providers must have proper systems for complaints, incidents, risk and worker screening, and they can be audited again. Some supports can only ever be delivered by registered providers — for example specialist disability accommodation, and supports involving regulated restrictive practices.
How to check a provider is registered
- Search the provider’s name, ABN or registration number on the NDIS Commission’s Provider Register.
- Check that their registration groups cover the support you want.
- Check the registration dates and any conditions listed.
Anchor & Aim’s registration
Anchor & Aim is a registered NDIS provider (registration ID 4-MBOQFEG), so NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants can all use our services. See exactly what we’re registered for — and what we’re not — on our NDIS registration page.
This guide is general information, not advice about your individual plan. NDIS rules change from time to time — check ndis.gov.au and the NDIS Commission for the latest, or ask your support coordinator.
Common questions
Can a self-managed participant use a registered provider?
Yes. Registered providers can support NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed participants.
Is a registered provider always better?
Not automatically, but registration means the provider has been audited and must meet the NDIS Practice Standards. It’s a useful baseline when choosing.
Do unregistered providers have to follow any rules?
Yes. All NDIS providers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and the NDIS Commission can act on complaints about registered and unregistered providers.