Plain-English guides to NDIS audits.
How audits work, verification vs certification, the Practice Standards, incidents and worker screening, checked against the current NDIS rules. Free to read.
Start here.
How NDIS audits work
Who audits you, how the registration cycle runs, what the auditor actually tests and what the possible findings mean.
Audit basicsVerification or certification: which audit is yours?
The two audit pathways, which supports fall into each, and what the auditor does differently.
Audit basicsThe NDIS Practice Standards in plain English
How the Core Module, Verification Module and supplementary modules fit together, and how to read an outcome and its quality indicators.
SafeguardingIncidents and reportable incidents
What counts as an incident, the six types of reportable incident, notification timeframes and what to do in the first hour.
Running your businessWorker screening and HR records
Risk-assessed roles, the NDIS Worker Screening Check, staff files, induction, training and supervision.
16 more in-depth lessons for members.
Each with key takeaways, what the auditor looks for, a knowledge check and a practical checklist. The free trial includes a preview; every lesson is included in both plans.
- Your scope of audit, explainedAudit basics · 6 min
- Writing your self-assessmentAudit basics · 6 min
- Complaints done wellSafeguarding · 7 min
- Rights, privacy and choice in everyday supportSafeguarding · 7 min
- Restrictive practices: the basicsSafeguarding · 8 min
- Medication managementSafeguarding · 7 min
- Risk management that works for a small providerRunning your business · 8 min
- Emergencies, safe environments and infection controlRunning your business · 7 min
- Service agreements that hold upRunning your business · 7 min
- Continuous improvement and internal auditRunning your business · 7 min
- Record keeping and keeping your policies aliveRunning your business · 7 min
- Participant files and support planningParticipants · 8 min
- SIL and the supplementary modulesSpecialist supports · 9 min
- Preparing your team for audit interviewsAudit day and after · 7 min
- Audit day: what to expectAudit day and after · 7 min
- After the audit: non-conformities and corrective actionsAudit day and after · 8 min
About audits and preparation.
What is the difference between verification and certification?
Verification is for lower-risk supports and is usually a desktop audit against the Verification Module: risk, complaints, incidents and human resources. Certification is for higher-risk or more complex supports and assesses you against the Core Module and any supplementary modules, usually in two stages including interviews and file sampling. Your scope of audit confirms which one applies.
Who carries out my audit?
An approved quality auditor, which is an independent body approved by the NDIS Commission. You choose the auditor and pay them directly. The auditor reports to the NDIS Commission, which makes the registration decision.
What is a scope of audit?
A document issued by the NDIS Commission through the Portal when you apply. It lists your registration groups, the audit type and the modules that apply. Auditors quote and plan from it.
What are major and minor non-conformities?
A minor non-conformity is an isolated lapse or partial gap, closed through an agreed corrective action plan. A major non-conformity is a systemic or serious gap or a risk to participants. It must be fixed and verified, and can stop the auditor recommending registration until resolved. The auditor sets timeframes under the Commission's requirements.
How often will I be audited?
Every provider has a renewal audit before their registration period ends. Certification providers also have a mid-term audit during the registration period. Your audit planner and compliance calendar keep track of the dates you enter. Rules change from time to time, so check the current guidance on the NDIS Commission website.
Will the auditor talk to my participants?
In certification audits the auditor usually asks to interview some participants and their supporters. Taking part is voluntary and needs their consent. Never coach a participant on what to say.
Check where you stand.
Know where you stand.
Before the auditor asks.
Start free, answer the set-up questions and see exactly where you stand today. Your tailored policies and procedures in about an hour.