Verification vs Certification: Understanding Your Audit Pathway
One of the first questions every prospective NDIS provider asks is: "Which audit do I need?" The answer depends on what services you want to deliver, and getting it right is crucial for budgeting and planning.
This guide explains the two audit pathways, what determines which you need, and what each involves.
The Two Audit Pathways
The NDIS Commission uses two different audit approaches based on the risk level of the services you want to provide.
Verification Audit
What it is: A desktop-based review of your documentation and evidence, without an on-site visit.
Cost: $800 - $1,500 Duration: 1-2 weeks typically Format: Remote/desktop review plus phone or video interviews
Certification Audit
What it is: A comprehensive review including desktop assessment plus on-site visits, staff interviews, and participant interviews.
Cost: $3,000 - $6,000+ Duration: 2-4 weeks typically Format: Desktop review plus physical site visit
Which Audit Do You Need?
Your audit pathway is determined by your registration groups, not by your preference or organisation size.
Registration Groups Requiring Verification Only
If all your registration groups are in this list, you qualify for verification audit:
Support Coordination and Plan Management:
- Support coordination
- Plan management
Allied Health and Therapeutic Supports:
- Therapeutic supports (most)
- Behaviour support (implementing only, not developing BSPs)
- Assessment, recommendation, and therapy
Daily Living Supports (Lower Intensity):
- Assistance with daily life (lower intensity)
- Community participation
- Household tasks
- Innovative community participation
Other:
- Assistive technology
- Home modifications
- Vehicle modifications
Registration Groups Requiring Certification
If ANY of your registration groups are in this list, you need certification:
Accommodation:
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
- Medium Term Accommodation
- Short Term Accommodation
High-Risk Personal Supports:
- High intensity daily personal activities
- Assistance with daily life (high intensity)
Specialist Services:
- Specialist behaviour support (developing BSPs)
- Specialist positive behaviour support
Early Childhood:
- Early childhood supports (some categories)
Key Rule: If even ONE of your registration groups requires certification, your entire audit is certification. You don't get separate audits for different groups.
Verification Audit: What's Involved
The Process
Step 1: Auditor Engagement
- Get quotes from approved auditing bodies
- Select your auditor
- Sign engagement agreement
- Provide documentation access
Step 2: Desktop Review
- Auditor reviews your application and self-assessment
- Reviews all policies and procedures
- Examines evidence you've provided
- Identifies any gaps or questions
Step 3: Interview
- Phone or video call (typically 1-2 hours)
- Discuss your services and approach
- Explain how policies work in practice
- Answer questions about your evidence
- Clarify any gaps identified
Step 4: Additional Information (if needed)
- Auditor may request additional documents
- You provide requested evidence
- Auditor reviews and confirms
Step 5: Report
- Auditor compiles findings
- Identifies any non-conformances
- You address non-conformances if any
- Final report submitted to Commission
What Auditors Review
Policies and Procedures:
- All required policies against Practice Standards
- Procedures for implementing policies
- Forms and templates you use
Evidence:
- Worker screening clearances
- Insurance certificates
- Training records
- Service agreements
- Complaints and incident records (if you have existing operations)
Your Understanding:
- Can you explain your policies?
- Do you understand Practice Standards?
- Can you demonstrate how you'll implement requirements?
Timeline
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Auditor selection | 1-2 weeks |
| Desktop review | 3-5 days |
| Interview scheduling | 1 week |
| Interview | 1-2 hours |
| Additional information (if needed) | 1-2 weeks |
| Report preparation | 1 week |
| Total | 3-6 weeks |
Costs Breakdown
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Base audit fee | $800 - $1,200 |
| Additional registration groups | $100 - $200 each |
| Re-audit (if major issues) | $400 - $600 |
| Typical Total | $800 - $1,500 |
Certification Audit: What's Involved
The Process
Step 1: Auditor Engagement
- Get quotes from approved auditing bodies
- Select your auditor
- Sign engagement agreement
- Agree on site visit dates
Step 2: Desktop Review (Stage 1)
- Similar to verification
- Review of documentation
- Identification of focus areas for site visit
Step 3: Site Visit Planning
- Auditor advises what they want to see
- You prepare your site and staff
- Schedule participant interviews
Step 4: Site Visit (Stage 2)
- Auditor visits your premises
- Tours your facilities
- Reviews documents on-site
- Conducts staff interviews
- Conducts participant interviews
- Observes service delivery (if possible)
Step 5: Findings and Report
- Auditor compiles findings
- Non-conformances identified
- You address non-conformances
- Final report submitted
What Happens During Site Visits
Facility Review:
- Physical environment safety
- Accessibility
- Privacy considerations
- Equipment and resources
Document Review:
- Participant files
- Staff records
- Incident and complaint registers
- Meeting minutes
- Quality improvement evidence
Staff Interviews:
- Understanding of policies
- Knowledge of participant needs
- Response to scenarios
- Awareness of rights and responsibilities
Participant Interviews:
- Experience with your services
- Feeling of safety
- Choice and control
- Knowledge of complaint processes
- Overall satisfaction
Observation:
- How staff interact with participants
- Service delivery quality
- Environment in practice
Timeline
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Auditor selection | 1-2 weeks |
| Stage 1 (desktop) | 1-2 weeks |
| Site visit scheduling | 1-2 weeks |
| Site visit | 1-2 days |
| Additional information | 1-2 weeks |
| Report preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Total | 6-10 weeks |
Costs Breakdown
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Base audit fee | $3,000 - $4,500 |
| Additional registration groups | $200 - $500 each |
| Travel costs (if applicable) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Multiple sites | $1,000 - $2,000 per site |
| Re-audit (if major issues) | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Typical Total | $3,500 - $6,000+ |
Preparing for Each Audit Type
Verification Audit Preparation
Documentation Focus:
- Ensure all policies are complete and current
- Have evidence organised and accessible
- Prepare explanations for how you'll implement policies
- Know your policies well enough to discuss them
Interview Preparation:
- Practice articulating your approach
- Be ready to explain policy-to-practice connections
- Prepare examples (even hypothetical for new providers)
- Know where to find information quickly
Certification Audit Preparation
Everything for verification, PLUS:
Site Preparation:
- Ensure premises are audit-ready
- Check safety and accessibility
- Have documents accessible on-site
- Clean and organised environment
Staff Preparation:
- Brief all staff on the audit
- Review key policies together
- Practice responding to auditor questions
- Ensure staff can access policies
Participant Preparation:
- Inform participants about the audit
- Explain what to expect from interviews
- Ensure participants can opt out if they prefer
- Don't coach specific answers
Common Questions
Can I choose verification if I want certification services later?
Yes, but you'll need another audit when you add certification-level registration groups. Many providers start with verification-level services and expand later.
What if I'm unsure which audit I need?
Check your registration groups carefully against the Commission's list. If you're still unsure, the Commission or your auditor can advise.
Can I have some services at verification level and others at certification?
No. If any registration group requires certification, your entire audit is certification. All your services are assessed together.
What happens if I fail the audit?
You don't "fail" - you receive non-conformances that must be addressed. Minor issues are resolved with evidence submission. Major issues may require a follow-up audit activity.
How long does registration last?
Three years for both pathways. You'll have a mid-cycle review (Year 2) and renewal audit (Year 3).
Making Your Decision
Start with Verification-Level Services If:
- You're new to NDIS provision
- You want to minimise initial costs
- Your core services don't require certification
- You want to gain experience before expanding
Plan for Certification If:
- You want to provide SDA, SIL, or high-intensity supports
- You're developing behaviour support plans
- Your business model requires certification services
- You have the budget and infrastructure
Cost Comparison Summary
| Factor | Verification | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Audit cost | $800 - $1,500 | $3,000 - $6,000+ |
| Preparation complexity | Moderate | High |
| Time to complete | 3-6 weeks | 6-10 weeks |
| Ongoing compliance | Standard | Enhanced |
| Mid-cycle review | Desktop | May include site visit |
| Services accessible | Lower-risk only | All services |
The Bottom Line
Your audit pathway is determined by what you want to deliver, not what you prefer. Understand your registration groups, budget appropriately, and prepare thoroughly for whichever pathway applies to you.
Both pathways are achievable with proper preparation. Verification is simpler and cheaper; certification is more comprehensive but opens access to the full range of NDIS services.
