NDIS Practice Standards
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Practice Standards
QIP – Approved quality auditors in
NDIS certification and verification
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s national disability support system. It is implemented by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission).
The Commission works with NDIS participants, service providers, workers and the community to introduce a nationally consistent approach to disability support. This is so participants can access NDIS supports and services that promote choice, control and dignity.
The Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of supports and services. They accomplish this by ensuring registered disability service providers are audited against the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators (NDIS Practice Standards).
NDIS certification or verification?
Every NDIS service provider is different. The Commission needs providers to be grouped, so they are nationally consistent. When applying for registration, providers let the Commission know which registration groups they deliver. The pathways are certification or verification.
Certification is required for providers delivering more complex and/or higher-risk supports and services. Providers completing certification are assessed against NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators.
Verification applies to providers that deliver lower risk/lower complexity services and supports. Providers completing verification are assessed against the Verification Module – Required Documentation.
Below we break down what a certification audit is, what a verification audit is and the differences between them. We also show how the Commission determines which pathway (registration group) a provider should take.
QIP – your trusted partner for NDIS verification audits
Expert guidance, streamlined processes, and tailored client services to guide you through the NDIS Practice Standards verification audit and achieve NDIS Provider Registration.
NDIS verification audits with QIP – fixed cost, expert guidance, and efficient processes.
The NDIS verification audit doesn’t have to be complicated. With QIP, you’ll experience a seamless, stress-free process – so you can focus on what truly matters: delivering high-quality, safe services to your NDIS clients.
Take advantage of our end-of-financial-year special!
For a one-off, all-inclusive fee of $999*, you’ll receive personalised client service, expert knowledge, and clear, easy-to-follow resources to guide you every step of the way. Sign up now – from 1 July 2025, our verification audit price will increase.
We’ve helped hundreds of providers across Australia successfully complete their NDIS verification audit, and we’re here to help you too.
As a QIP client, you’ll receive:
- Personalised assistance – our knowledgeable Client Liaison Team is just a call or email away and ready to step you through the verification audit process.
- Clear guidance – a step-by-step verification evidence guide with examples to help you provide the right documentation for your evidence submission.
- User-friendly online tools – access to AccreditationPro, our secure online auditing platform.
- Professional review – a thorough audit by experienced disability and human services professionals.
- Transparency and confidence – your Audit Findings Report undergoes a detailed third-party review to ensure accuracy and fairness. QIP then finalises and submits it, along with a verification recommendation, to the NDIS Quality and Safety Commission.
With QIP by your side, you’ll have the knowledge and guidance needed to navigate the verification audit with confidence.
From 1 July 2025, the price will increase so act now to lock in the lower rate and start your verification audit journey with QIP today!
*QIP’s fixed GST-inclusive price of $999 includes the mandatory $308 JAS-ANZ fee. JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation Scheme for Australia and New Zealand) is the official certifying body that accredits and regulates all NDIS-approved quality auditors in Australia. If any evidence documentation you submit for your verification audit does not meet the relevant NDIS Practice Standard (e.g. if it is incorrect or incomplete), a fee of $82.50 (GST included) will apply for each item requiring re-auditing. From 1 July 2025, the price for QIP’s verification audit will return to a one-off, all-inclusive fee of $1049. Sign up before 30 June 2025 to secure QIP’s special price of $999.
Learn more about an NDIS verification audit with QIP
Certification
Certification is required for NDIS providers delivering more complex and/or higher risk supports and services. Providers completing certification are assessed against the NDIS Practice Standards.
A certification audit has two parts. The first is a desktop self-assessment (completed by the provider at their place of work), called ‘initial stage 1 audit’.
This is followed by a stage 2 audit, which is on-site at the place of work. After this, if the provider meets all requirements, they will be awarded certification for three years. This three-year period is known as a cycle. Halfway through the cycle, a mid-term audit occurs, which is similar to the initial state 1 audit.
Provider differences – the size of the organisation, number of sites, types of services (known as registration groups) – are what makes up QIP's obligation free quote.
Verification
Verification applies to NDIS service providers (including corporate bodies and companies) delivering lower risk/lower complexity services and supports. Verification audits are assessed against the Verification Module – Required Documentation.
A verification audit is a desktop self-assessment which is completed by the provider at their place of work. It includes reviewing documents for their workers’ qualifications and expertise, processes, policies, and complaints and risk management.
After this audit has been reviewed, if the provider meets all requirements, they will be awarded verification for three years. This three year period is known as a cycle.
Verification fees are a one-off flat rate for clients with up to five employees. For clients with more than five, a small fee per employee is added.
QIP Auditing Services
QIP is an approved quality auditor under the NDIS Commission. We audit disability service providers of all shapes, sizes and services.
We work with each of our clients to provide transparent, impartial and streamlined certification and verification in accordance with the NDIS (Approved Quality Auditors Scheme) Guidelines 2018.
Our systems and processes guide our clients through their audit, in line with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Provider Registration and Practice Standards) Rules 2018.
QIP complies with the Quality and Safeguarding Framework and applies relevant NDIS Practice Standards when conducting a certification or verification audit.
From time-to-time, QIP Auditing Services undergoes a 'JAS-ANZ-witnessed audit' to validate the capability and suitability of our auditors, audit methods, systems, and processes. Client consent to participate in a witnessed audit is sought and confirmed during the audit planning phase.
Our QIP Auditors undergo annual performance reviews, competency assessments and bi-annual witnessed audits to ensure they comply with the requirements under the AQA Guidelines 2018 and remain knowledgeable and competent in the areas they are auditing.
For further details about QIP’s NDIS Audit Program, please click here.
The NDIS Auditing Process
The QIP Auditing Team provide guidance during the certification or verification process which is complemented by our QIP accreditation hub, an online platform tailored to each client’s individual timelines and requirements.
QIP Auditors
QIP’s experienced Auditors are qualified in the disability and human services industry as well as the NDIS Practice Standards.
Whistleblower policy
At QIP, we uphold integrity and transparency. Our Whistleblower Policy provides a safe and confidential way to report misconduct, fraud, or ethical concerns. We ensure fair handling, legal protection, and no retaliation for whistleblowers. Reports can be made anonymously and will be thoroughly investigated. View our Whistleblower Policy here.
