A person who plans to become a provider must first understand that the registration of NDIS process is important. And before stepping in for NDIS registration, you must know every detail about the audit, including the type of audit your organisation needs to undergo. Both Verification and Certification are parts of the NDIS Registration process. The main difference is that they apply to different kinds of providers and services.
If you are unsure what they both are, read this quick article to get the breakdown of the key differences between verification and certification audits. This simple and clear comparison will help you choose the right path.
NDIS Registration
Providers who want to offer paid services to NDIS participants must officially go through the registration of NDIS. It is a complete process that requires the providers to meet specific quality and safety standards that are set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. You have to undergo either a verification audit or a certification audit. The choice between the two depends on two things: 1. The type of services you plan to offer; 2. The level of risk involved.
Verification Audit: For Lower-Risk Providers
A verification audit is a simpler process, suited for providers offering low-risk and low-complexity services. These are often sole traders or small businesses such as:
- Allied health professionals
- Cleaners
- Gardeners
- Equipment suppliers
- Plan managers
- Community nurses
Key Features:
- Conducted off-site (desktop audit)
- No on-site visits or interviews
- Assesses four key standards: human resource management, complaints, incidents, and risk management
- Takes about half a day
- Cost: $800 to $1,200
- Audit cycle: Every three years
Verification is ideal for providers who want to enter the NDIS space without handling complex care responsibilities.
Certification Audit: For Higher-Risk Providers
A certification audit is required for providers delivering more complex and higher-risk supports. This includes services like:
- Disability support work
- Support coordination
- Behaviour support
- Supported Independent Living (SIL)
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Complex nursing care
Key Features:
- Involves on-site visits
- Interviews with staff and participants
- Assesses 24+ standards, including governance, operational management, and participant outcomes
- It can take months to complete and is done in two parts
- Cost: $2,500 to $5,000 (plus extra if specialist modules are needed)
- Audit cycle: Every 18 months
Certification is more demanding, but it is necessary for providers looking to offer a broader range of essential support.
Main Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Verification Audit | Certification Audit |
| Risk Level | Low-risk services | High-risk, complex services |
| Process Type | Off-site, desktop review | On-site with interviews and file reviews |
| Number of Standards | 4 key standards | 24 or more standards |
| Participants/Staff Interviews | No | Yes |
| Time Frame | Half a day | Several weeks to months |
| Audit Frequency | Every 3 years | Every 18 months |
| Cost | $800 – $1,200 | $2,500 – $5,000+ |
Why It Matters
Choosing the right type of audit during your registration of NDIS is crucial. A verification audit offers a quicker, more cost-effective path if you plan to offer simple services. On the other hand, a certification audit gives your organisation the ability to provide higher-level care and can lead to greater opportunities.
While certification requires more preparation, it comes with benefits such as:
- Stronger credibility and trust with participants
- A more participant-focused approach
- Access to a wider market and more complex services
- Detailed feedback for continuous improvement
Final Thoughts
So, you now understand the key differences between the two types of audits. You must always strive to turn your NDIS Registration process into a very smooth affair. The choice between verification and certification audits is completely yours. You will decide what type of services you plan to offer, and you will only set your long-term goals as a provider. These two things count, and they will advocate for the audit you choose.
It is possible for providers to start with verification and move into certification later. But the thing to remember is that both are helpful for high-quality, safe, and effective services for NDIS participants.
Taking a decision without any information can bring loss or rejection. So, assess your business, understand the audit requirements, and choose the path that aligns with your services and capabilities.
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