Using your NDIS plan
Registered and unregistered NDIS providers: what's the difference?
Registration tells you a provider has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Here's what that means for you.
Last checked against ndis.gov.au: 2 October 2026. The NDIA is updating its website for new legislation, so details may change.
In short
- Registered providers are approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and must meet the NDIS Practice Standards.
- NDIA-managed participants can only use registered providers.
- You can check any registered provider on the NDIS Provider Register.
What registration means
Registered providers have been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, usually after an audit. They must meet the NDIS Practice Standards and other conditions, and they're registered for specific groups of supports.
All providers, registered or not, must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Who can use unregistered providers?
If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed, you can usually use either. If it's NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers. Some supports always need a registered provider, including specialist behaviour support, plan management, Specialist Disability Accommodation and supported independent living.
How to check a provider
Search the NDIS Provider Register on the Commission's website. It lists each provider's registration status and the groups of supports they're registered for.
ARG Care is a registered NDIS provider, Registration ID 4-JD7AZTC. See our listing on the NDIS Provider Register (opens in a new tab)