NDIS Practice Standards
To achieve registration as an NDIS provider, the NDIS Commission requires assurance that certain standards of quality and safety in the delivery of services and supports are met. Providers will require either verification or certification of their services to achieve registration.
NDIS PRACTICE STANDARDS
Registered NDIS providers offering supports and services to participants must meet the quality and safety requirements contained in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013.
The NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators set out the standards and expectations of registered NDIS providers relevant to the supports or services that they provide. Detailed information about these standards is available on the NDIS Commission website here.
While all registered providers are required to undertake an audit against the NDIS Practice Standards, there are two different pathways which are dependent on the nature of your business and the services you are offering to participants.
- A Verification audit is required by individuals and organisations delivering lower risk, less complex services to participants.
- A Certification process is necessary for all other organisations who provide higher risk, more complex services and supports to NDIS participants.
IHCA Certification will guide you through the right pathway. Our business exists to support human services organisations Australia-wide in achieving their quality improvement objectives and we have 30 years’ experience in assessing disability service providers. Our people genuinely care about our customers and we do all that we can to support you to do what you do best.
NDIS PRACTICE STANDARDS
NDIS Certification and Verification
Becoming a registered NDIS provider demonstrates your commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and accountable services. IHCA Certification is here to guide you through every step of the certification process with expertise and sector insight.
Certification vs Verification: Which One Applies to You?
Key differences:
Verification audits
- For lower risk, less complex services (e.g., cleaning, gardening)
- Desktop audit only focused on qualifications, policies, and documentation
Certification audits
- For higher risk or more complex supports (e.g., SIL, SDA, Personal Care, Behaviour Support)
- Two-stage process: document review + on-site audit with interviews and service observation
Unsure which applies to you? Contact IHCA Certification for tailored advice based on your Initial Scope of Audit (ISoA).
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Understanding the Certification Audit
Certification audits are required for providers offering high risk support and must be completed by an Approved Quality Auditor (AQA) like IHCA. The process involves:
Stage 1: Documentation Review
- Assessment of your policies and procedures
- Identifies readiness and highlights improvement areas
Stage 2: On-Site Audit
- Interviews with staff, interviews with participants and reviews of their files, and observation of service delivery
- Assesses practical implementation of the NDIS Practice Standards
- Recommendation to the NDIS Commission regarding certification
The Certification Process: Step by Step
- Apply to the NDIS Commission
- Submit your application and receive your Initial Scope of Audit (ISoA)
- Request a Proposal from IHCA
- Send us your Initial Scope of Audit for a tailored quote
- Ask about timelines, support, auditor expertise, and travel costs
- Stage 1 Audit – Document Review
- Submit required documentation for review
- Receive constructive feedback and recommendations
- Stage 2 Audit – Schedule and Prepare
- Must occur within 3 months of Stage 1
- You’ll receive a full audit plan in advance
- Respond to Any Findings
- Address any non-conformities and provide evidence of improvement
- Audit Report & Registration Decision
- IHCA submits your final report and recommendation to the NDIS Commission
- You’ll be notified once your registration is approved
If you’re unsure which type of audit applies to your organisation we encourage you to contact the IHCA Certification team. We can help you interpret your Initial Scope of Audit (ISoA) and ensure you’re on the correct path for your services and registration goals.
Certification Audit
High and Medium Risk & Complexity
The certification pathway operates over a three-year cycle that encourages your organisation to focus on continuous quality improvement and organisational learning.
Stage 1
Stage 2
18 months
Audit
This is a review of your NDIS provider registration application or renewal self-assessment responses, documents you have uploaded to the Commission’s system, and any prior certification or verification outcomes. This process is conducted off-site.
The Audit Team will determine your organisation’s readiness to proceed to the Stage 2 certification audit. Your organisation will be provided with advice on areas of potential nonconformity with the Standard that should be addressed prior to the Stage 2 audit.
Certification Audit
This is generally an on-site assessment where the audit team reviews your policies, procedures and records, conducts interviews with management, staff, participants and other stakeholders as appropriate and observes the conduct of your business activities.
If you operate across a number of sites, the sites to be visited will be agreed prior to the commencement of the Stage 2 audit.
At the conclusion of the on-site audit the findings will be presented to your organisation’s management and other interested parties (e.g. staff and participants), in relation to conformity with the Standard’s requirements.
At the closing meeting, the lead auditor will explain what follow-up action is required to develop a corrective action plan and ‘close out’ any nonconformities.
IHCA Certification will provide a written report to your organisation for your feedback, prior to submitting to the Commission. Following completion of our quality assurance processes, we will make a recommendation to the Commission for consideration in making the registration determination.
Mid-Term Audit
An onsite mid-term audit will be undertaken approximately 18 months after your registration has been granted by the NDIS Commission. This audit will ensure that your organisation’s work practices are being maintained and reviewed to ensure continuous improvement. A report will be provided to you with feedback regarding the results of this audit. The NDIS Commission will also be advised of the outcome.
NDIS Resources and Checklists
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