NDIS Audit: Your 10-Step Readiness Checklist
Is your next NDIS audit creeping up faster than expected? With nearly 1 in 3 providers failing to meet core requirements during their first audit, it’s no wonder many feel overwhelmed by what’s at stake. But here’s the good news: passing your NDIS audit doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you’re preparing for a certification, verification, or mid term audit, having a clear, step-by-step checklist can turn anxiety into confidence.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a practical 10-step NDIS audit checklist to help you impress your auditor, meet all requirements, and stay audit-ready year-round.
What is an NDIS Audit and Why It Matters
An NDIS audit is a formal review process conducted by an approved quality auditor to assess whether your organisation meets the standards set out by the NDIS Commission. These audits are mandatory for all registered NDIS providers and ensure that your services are safe, high-quality, and compliant with the NDIS Practice Standards.
There are two types of audits depending on the nature of your services:
Certification Audit: Required for providers delivering more complex or high-risk supports (e.g., daily personal activities, behaviour support). It involves a comprehensive review, including an on-site assessment and interviews.
Verification Audit: For lower-risk providers (e.g., plan management or therapeutic supports). This is a desktop audit, focusing on documentation and policy compliance.
In addition to these, all certified providers must also undergo a mid term audit, usually around 18 months after their initial certification. This shorter review ensures ongoing compliance and checks that improvements have been maintained.
Understanding these audit types is crucial. While the process can feel intimidating, audits are ultimately designed to protect participants and uplift quality across the sector. With preparation, they can also be an opportunity to strengthen your business and gain trust with clients and stakeholders.
Understanding NDIS Audit Requirements
To pass an NDIS audit, your organisation must demonstrate that it meets a range of requirements set out in the NDIS Practice Standards. These standards are grouped under four key outcomes:
Rights and Governance - You must show evidence of ethical service delivery, participant rights, and effective leadership.
Operational Management - This includes incident management, risk mitigation, financial systems, and human resources.
Provision of Supports - Auditors look for person-centred service delivery that respects participant choice and dignity.
Support Environment - Your physical or virtual environments must be safe, accessible, and fit-for-purpose.
The specific evidence you need to provide depends on your registration group, so requirements may vary. For example, a sole therapist will need different documentation than a large SIL provider. Having tailored policies, clear records, and trained staff is essential.
Preparing for these requirements early ensures a smoother audit experience and helps you deliver more consistent, high-quality care.
"Labour Care made our audit process feel so manageable. Their guidance helped us get all our documentation in order. I couldn’t recommend their support enough!"
- Jamie S.,
Meet the NDIS Auditor: What They’re Looking For
The NDIS auditor isn’t there to catch you out, they’re there to assess whether your organisation is delivering services in line with the NDIS Practice Standards. Their role is to evaluate how well you meet core requirements around safety, quality, governance, and participant outcomes.
Auditors review documentation, observe your processes (in certification audits), and may speak directly with staff or participants. They look for evidence, not just that policies exist, but that they’re being actively followed. Transparency and preparedness go a long way here.
To foster a smooth audit experience:
Be open and cooperative, treat the auditor as a partner, not a threat.
Ensure all requested documentation is accessible and well-organised.
Empower your team to answer questions confidently and honestly.
Auditors are bound by ethical standards and confidentiality agreements, so you can expect professionalism throughout the process. If something isn’t perfect, they may offer improvement suggestions rather than penalise you outright, especially if you show a proactive attitude toward compliance.
Your NDIS Audit Checklist - 10 Steps to Be Ready
Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure you're fully prepared, whether it’s your first audit or a mid term audit.
1. Review Your Policies Against the NDIS Practice Standards
Check each policy aligns with the standards for your registration group.
2. Conduct a Mock Audit
Simulate the process to spot gaps early.
3. Update Staff Training Records
Ensure all mandatory training is current, especially first aid and infection control.
4. Check Participant Files and Consent Forms
All records should be complete, signed, and accessible.
5. Confirm Incident Reporting Procedures
Show your process for managing and learning from incidents.
6. Prepare for Mid Term Audit Reviews
Occurs ~18 months after certification, don’t let it sneak up on you.
7. Organise Feedback and Complaints Logs
Keep a record of all input from participants and your response actions.
8. Ensure Financial and Risk Management Compliance
Present risk registers, budgets, and insurance documentation.
9. Prepare for the On-Site or Virtual Interview
Be ready for key NDIS audit questions, from rights to recordkeeping.
10. Assign Roles for Audit Day
Nominate who will meet the auditor, access files, and answer questions.
Want expert eyes on your documentation? At Labour Care we offer templates for policies, procedures, and organisational documents. Customizable documents tailored to NDIS requirements.
Common NDIS Audit Questions You Should Prepare For
During an NDIS audit, especially the on-site or interview phase, auditors will ask questions to assess how well your policies are applied in practice. These aren’t designed to trip you up, they’re an opportunity to show how your organisation lives out the NDIS Practice Standards.
Here are some typical NDIS audit questions to prepare for:
How do you ensure your team understands participant rights?
What is your process for managing incidents or complaints?
How do you monitor and improve the quality of supports?
How do you ensure staff meet ongoing training and qualification requirements?
Your responses should reflect real examples, not just policy wording. Empower your team to speak confidently about their role in compliance and quality care.
Navigating Your NDIS Mid Term Audit With Confidence
The NDIS mid term audit occurs approximately 18 months after your initial certification audit. While it’s shorter and more focused, it still plays a crucial role in confirming your continued compliance.
Key areas of focus include:
Ongoing service delivery quality
Risk management improvements
Incident handling and continuous improvement
Evidence of client feedback and action taken
Unlike your initial audit, the mid term won’t revisit every standard, but it will assess your commitment to quality and responsiveness. Treat it as a checkpoint, not a chore, it’s your chance to showcase how your organisation is evolving and improving.
How Labour Care Supports You Through Every NDIS Audit
At Labour Care, we partner with you at every stage of the audit process, from preparation to post-audit improvement. Through our Consultant Connect program, you’ll receive personalised support that includes:
1-on-1 audit readiness planning with a compliance expert
Customised document reviews and feedback
Ongoing updates to align with NDIS Practice Standards
Tailored strategies for addressing unique business challenges.
Whether you’re facing your first certification or a mid term audit, we make sure you’re fully prepared and confident, so audits feel less like a hurdle and more like an opportunity to shine.
Your Path to a Stress-Free NDIS Audit Starts Here
Preparing for an NDIS audit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a clear 10-step checklist, an understanding of audit requirements, and the right guidance, you can approach every audit, whether it’s certification or a mid term, with confidence. At Labour Care, we specialise in helping NDIS providers like you stay compliant, save time, and focus on delivering exceptional care. If you want expert support tailored to your business, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to simplify your audit preparation? Book your free consultation today and let’s get your organisation audit-ready with confidence.
NDIS Audit Facts Every Provider Should Know
1. How much is an NDIS audit?
The cost of an NDIS audit varies depending on the size and complexity of your organisation, as well as whether you’re undergoing a verification or certification audit.
Verification audits generally cost between $1,000 to $1,500.
Certification audits can range from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on how many sites, participants, and staff you have.
Note: Prices are set by the approved quality auditor and may include follow-up costs for mid term audits or corrective actions.
2. How often is an NDIS audit required?
NDIS providers must complete an audit:
Before registration or re-registration (every 3 years),
And a mid term audit approximately 18 months after the initial certification for providers undergoing certification audits.
3. How often do NDIS auditors review participants?
NDIS auditors don’t audit individual participants directly. However, they sample participant files during your audit to assess documentation, consent, and how services align with participant goals. This usually involves:
Reviewing 2-6 participant files depending on the size of your service.
Speaking with participants (with consent) during certification audits to verify service quality and compliance.
