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
R200 000
2
R650 000
3
R2 000 000
4
R4 000 000
5
R6 500 000
6
R13 000 000
7
R40 000 000
8
R 130 000 000
9
No limit
Construction Industry Development Regulations, 2004 (as amended) as at 14 November 2008.

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”):

  1. CE – Civil Engineering Works
  2. GB – General Building Works
  3. EB – Electrical Engineering Works (Building)
  4. EP – Electrical Engineering Works (Infrastructure)
  5. ME – Mechanical Engineering Works
  6. SW – Specialist Works (with multiple subcategories, such as: SF for Fire Prevention, SG for Glazing, SH for Landscaping, etc.)

Note: Specialist Works (SW) has further subdivisions depending on specific trades, but many companies simply register under the main “SW” category if they do specialized trades.

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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