13/05/2026
Quick PSA for anyone thinking about NDIS registration as a sole trader.
The single most expensive misunderstanding in the whole registration process is the difference between verification and certification audits. People mix them up constantly and it costs them thousands.
Verification — for lower-risk supports (household tasks, transport, group activities, some allied health). Desktop audit. Around $900–$2,000. Takes 3–4 months.
Certification — for higher-risk supports (personal care, SIL, behaviour support, support coordination). On-site audit, two stages. $3,000–$5,000+. Takes 6–10 months.
Two things that catch people out:
Your registration groups determine which one you need. Not your preference. Not your budget. Look up the registration group codes you're applying for and check which audit type applies.
If you're providing personal care of any kind, you're almost certainly looking at certification — even if you only have one or two participants. People assume "small business = small audit" and that's not how it works.
If you're not sure which one you need, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission has a list on their website. Twenty minutes of reading there could save you thousands.
Hope this helps someone.
