With CIDB Contractors, we strive to empower local contractors. We know that navigating the scene can often feel overwhelming, that’s why we encourage you to reach out to us at any point for assistance or clarification. Herewith a brief overview of contractor requirements:
- Any contractor can register on our cidb Register of Contractors.
- Subcontractors do not yet need to register.
- Joint Ventures (JV) do not need to register. All partners to a JV must be individually registered in their own right. Their combined grading may be determined using the cidb Joint Venture Calculator.
- Home builders are regulated by the National Home Building Council (NHBRC). They are therefore exempted from the Register of Contractors.
- Labour only contractors are exempted from registration with the cidb.
Overview of the Register of Contractors
For contractors who wish to work in the public sector, the Register of Contractors helps clients in infrastructure procurements and grades contractors from 1-9.
Purpose of the Register of Contractors
Applying to all contractors who wish to complete work in the public sector, the Register of Contractors (RoC) supports clients in infrastructure procurement, and categorises and grades contractors from 1-9, according to financial and works capability.
The Construction Industry Development (CID) Regulations of 2004, as amended, bind public sector clients to only award construction contracts to cidb registered contractors.
Who must register
Any contractor can register on our cidb Register of Contractors.
Please review the below for further details:
- Subcontractors do not yet need to register.
- Joint ventures (JV) do not need to register. All JV partners must however be individually registered. The combined grading can be determined using the cidb Joint Venture Calculator.
- Home builders are regulated by the National Home Building Council (NHBRC). They are exempted from the cidb Register of Contractors.
- Labour only contractors are exempted from the cidb Register of Contractors.
About the cidb grading system
The Register of Contractors has 9 grading levels. Nine is the highest. There are no qualifying criteria for grade 1, however, contractors need to meet financial and track record criteria for grades 2 to 9.
A grade is represented by one digit and two letters. These reflect the maximum level at which the contractor is permitted to execute projects and the class of works they are certified capable of executing projects in. An example is Grade 4GB. A contractor may also be classified as emerging on request, in which case their grade will be represented by one digit and four letters, e.g 4GBPE.
A grading level carries a maximum tender value limit beyond which public sector clients may not award a contractor construction projects. Exception to this rule is where a contractor is categorised as potentially emerging (PE). PE contractors may be awarded construction projects one level above their grading level, provided that the client has a development project in place and will be providing the contractor with support to ensure that they succeed.
cidb registered companies are each assigned a unique identify known as the CRS number. A contractor only gets assigned one CRS number, regardless of the number of gradings they may be registered in on the cidb Register of Contractors.
Period of validity of registration
A cidb grade is valid for three years, which expires on the anniversary of registration. After three years the contractor must apply to the cidb for renewal. After six years the contractor must prove that they still meet the qualifying criteria to remain in the grade by submitting new supporting documentation. The cidb has however, temporarily relaxed the requirements for 3-year renewal to help contractors maintain their grades in the current economic crisis.
A contractor may apply for an upgrade on their existing grade, anytime they believe their circumstances have changed to the extent that they qualify for a higher grade.
During the three-year validity period, a grade must be updated annually, and the contractor must pay the applicable annual fee. A grade that has not been updated for two consecutive years gets suspended on the cidb register. Annual updates do not apply to Grade 1 contractors.
It is important for contractors to notify the cidb of any changes in their contact details or company particulars. The cidb mails reminders to contractors for annual updates as well as three-year renewals.
Register of Contractors
Contact Details
Tel: 086 100 2432 or 012 482 7200
Anonymous Fraud Line: 0800 112 432
Postal Address
PO Box 2107, Brooklyn Square, 0075
Physical address:
Block N&R, SABS Campus, 2 Dr Lategan Rd, Groenkloof, Pretoria, South Africa