CIDB Grading Designations and Classes of Construction Works

CIDB Grading Designations and Classes of Construction Works

A contractor registered under the contractor grading designation shown in Column 1 of Table 8 below is deemed capable of undertaking contracts within the tender value range specified in Table 1 for the corresponding class of construction works associated with that category of registration.

1. TABLE 1: Contractor Grading Designations


Contractor Grading Designation


Range of Tender Values Less than or equal to

1
R500 000
2
R1,000,000
3
R3,000,000
4
R6,000,000
5
R10,000,000
6
R20,000,000
7
R60,000,000
8
R200,000,000
9
No limit
As at 22 April 2025.

2. CIDB Classes of Works (Category Suffixes)

Each cidb-registered contractor is classified according to the type of construction work they are competent to perform. Below are the main classes of works (sometimes called “category suffixes”):

CodeDescription
GBGeneral Building
CECivil Engineering
MEMechanical Engineering
EBElectrical Engineering (Building)
EPElectrical Engineering (Infrastructure)
SWSteel Security Fencing or Burglar Proofing
SHSpecialised Works: Building
SFFire Prevention & Protection Systems
SKLandscaping, Irrigation and Horticulture
SLTimber Building and Structures
SMWaterproofing, Roofing and Glazing
SNWater Supply and Drainage
SOBuilding Excavations, Earthworks
SQAccess Control, Lifts and Escalators
SEDemolition
SCCorrosion Protection
SGGlazing
SIInterior and Shopfitting
SNPlumbing and Drainage
SSStructures
STStructural Steelwork
SUCeilings, Partitions & Drywalling
SYRoad Markings
SZOther (Specialised)

3. Grade 1 Requirements

Registering for Grade 1 is the simplest and most common entry point for new or emerging contractors. The basic documentation often includes:

  1. Identification & Business Details (sub-regulation 7.4.d);

    • Individuals: Valid South African ID (or passport if foreign national)
    • Companies (Close Corporations, Pty Ltd, etc.):
      • Company registration documents (CIPC)
      • Share certificates (if applicable)
      • Company directors’/members’ IDs

  2. Tax Compliance (sub-regulation 7.4.e);

    • A valid SARS Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) or Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN

  3. Banking & Financial Details (sub-regulation 7.4.a);

    • Proof of payment for the cidb administration fee

  4. Completed cidb Application Forms including the signed declaration(s) (sub-regulation 7.1);

    • Ensure all fields are filled out accurately
    • Sign where required
  5. Valid electrical contractor’s certificate issued by the Department of Labour if the application is for Electrical Engineering works (EB)) (sub-regulation 7.4.i.).

Important Note:

  • No prior construction experience is required for Grade 1.
  • You do not typically need to submit financial statements or a track record of completed projects at this level.
  • The primary focus is ensuring the business is legally registered and tax-compliant.

4. Requirements for Grades 2–9

As you move beyond Grade 1, cidb registration focuses more on a contractor’s track record, financial capacity, and technical capabilities. Requirements include everything from Grade 1 plus additional documentation:

  1. Work Experience / Track Record (sub-regulation 7.4.l);

    • Evidence of completed projects or contracts (relevant to the class of works you’re applying for)
    • Client references and Completion Certificates (or appointment letters)
    • Project value(s) to demonstrate your capacity

  2. Financial Statements / Audited Accounts (sub-regulation 7.4.b);

    • Latest audited or independently reviewed financial statements
    • Potentially, a letter from a professional accountant confirming your financial standing

  3. B-BBEE Compliance (if applicable)

    • While not strictly required for cidb grading itself, many public and private clients will request a valid B-BBEE Certificate or sworn affidavit for preferential procurement

  4. Higher cidb Fee Structure

    • Application and annual fees increase with higher grades (due to higher project-value thresholds)
    • Proof of payment for the correct fee for your grade

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