How long does a NDIS verification audit take? Here’s what you need to know

One of the most common questions we receive from prospective NDIS verification audit clients is: “How long will the audit take?”

It’s a fair question and one that deserves more than a generic answer because there are a couple of different – but equally valid – ways we could answer it.

What is for certain is that from client to client, the timeline varies. While there are some fixed timeframes set by the NDIS Commission that QIP must comply with, the overall duration depends on your previous audit experience and how prepared your evidence is.

So, as openly and honestly as possible, we’re going to walk through the steps and the timeframes you can expect when working with QIP for a verification audit.

Some of these timeframes may appear longer than what other Approved Quality Auditors claim – but that’s because ours reflect real-world experience gained from auditing thousands of NDIS providers. We’re being transparent so you can understand the process, stay on track, and give yourself the best chance of a successful audit.

And one more thing before we begin – If you have a non-negotiable deadline, QIP will work with you and your organisation as much as possible to ensure you meet it.

But if you’re following the usual pathway, here’s what the timeline typically looks like.

1. Purchase and onboarding (same day to one business day)

Once you complete your verification audit purchase via the QIP website, your Client Liaison Officer will contact you by email with onboarding and welcome information, including access to our secure online auditing platform.

2. Evidence gathering (varies – you set the pace)

You’ll need to collect and upload documented evidence showing your compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards – Verification Module. This includes:

• Human resource management
• Incident management
• Complaints management
• Risk management

We find this takes people anything from one day up to several weeks (and occasionally, months). There’s no judgement though as it all depends on how audit-ready your documentation is and – of course – your schedule. That said, we’ll send you helpful prompts along the way to keep you on track if needed.

Tip! Take the time to double-check your evidence before submission. Once you click ‘submit’, it’s locked in and marked ‘ready for audit’. It cannot be retrieved or amended.

Use the QIP NDIS Evidence Guide as your reference. Your Client Liaison Officer provides this with your onboarding email and it’s designed to help you understand what evidence is required.

3. Audit planning (typically five business days)

Once you’ve submitted your evidence this indicates you’re ready for your audit. Your Client Liaison Officer will then allocate your audit to a QIP Auditor who is an appropriately experienced disability and human services professional.

You’re required to review the Auditor’s bio and complete and return an ‘Auditor acceptance declaration form’. If you perceive a conflict of interest, you have the option of vetoing your allocated auditor and we’ll find you another.

4. The verification audit and preparation of your Audit Findings Report (audit: one day, writing the report: up to three days)

Your QIP Auditor undertakes the audit – that is an in-depth desktop review of your submitted evidence – and prepares your Audit Findings Report, which outlines the audit outcomes (including any evidence that has not met the NDIS Practice Standards).

5. Independent technical review (up to five business days)

To ensure fairness, accuracy and compliance with the NDIS Practice Standards, your Audit Findings Report is independently reviewed by another qualified and experienced NDIS expert.

While this step adds up to another five days to the process, it’s a requirement set by the NDIS Commission and a crucial safeguard that ensures your audit report is fair and accurate. This impartial check also strengthens the integrity of the process and gives you peace of mind that your compliance efforts are properly recognised.

6. Your review window (up to seven calendar days)

You’re given the opportunity to review and respond to your Audit Findings Report. You have up to seven calendar days to do so, but you’re welcome to complete this step sooner if you wish.

7. Finalisation and submission to the NDIS Commission (one business day)

QIP finalises your report and submits your audit outcome and a recommendation to the NDIS Commission regarding your NDIS provider registration.

What slows down the process?

Audits can be delayed when submitted evidence does not meet the NDIS Practice Standards. This may be due to incomplete, inconsistent, or inaccurate documentation – known as ‘non-conformities’. These are flagged in your Audit Findings Report.

When this happens, you are required to re-submit evidence to be re-audited.

This not only adds time but also additional fees (currently $82.50 GST-inclusive) for each item that requires re-auditing. That’s why providing accurate and complete information at the outset is key to a smooth, timely audit, and keeps your audit costs to our one-off, all-inclusive fee.

The QIP difference

What sets QIP apart is our commitment to quality, integrity, and the long-term sustainability of the NDIS – for providers, participants, carers, and families alike.

We’ve worked alongside service providers across metro, regional, and remote Australia for more than 27 years – and we bring that experience to every audit.

Here’s what you can expect from QIP:

• Exemplary client services – our Client Liaison Team is just a phone call or email away.
• A clear and easy-to-follow Evidence Guide with examples of documentation that typically meet audit requirements.
• A secure, user-friendly online audit platform.
• Professional auditing services by experienced disability and human services experts.
• A rigorous independent review of audit findings to ensure fairness and transparency.
• A process that is thorough, dependable, and respectful of your time and obligations.

We may not promise the fastest turnaround, but we will work with you to meet your required timeframes wherever possible – delivering a reliable, transparent and caring audit experience that safeguards your business and upholds the trust Australians place in the NDIS.

Contact QIP

Contact QIP to learn about our one-off, flat-rate fee for your verification audit and how we can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

W QIP | NDIS Verification| P 1300 888 329 | E ndis@QIP.com.au