One of the first decisions participants face is whether to use registered or unregistered providers. Both can deliver quality services — the difference is mostly about oversight and access.

Registered providers

Registered providers have been assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards and are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers.

Unregistered providers

Unregistered providers are not formally audited by the Commission, but they must still meet the NDIS Code of Conduct. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use them freely, which opens up a much wider pool of choice.

Which should you choose?

If you value the assurance of independent auditing, registered providers offer peace of mind. If flexibility and choice matter most, unregistered providers can be an excellent option — provided you do your own due diligence.