CIDB grading explained: which grade do you need for a tender?

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) keeps the Register of Contractors. Public sector construction work usually requires you to be registered with a grade that matches the size and type of the job.

What the grade means

• The number (1 to 9) is the size of contract you may take on. Grade 1 is for the smallest jobs; grade 9 has no upper limit.
• The letters are the type of work, for example GB (general building), CE (civil engineering), EB (electrical building), EP (electrical engineering), ME (mechanical engineering).
• So 6CE means civil engineering work up to the value limit for grade 6.

How tenders use it

A tender might say "CIDB 5GB or higher". If you are lower, or registered for a different class of work, your bid can be rejected. Some tenders also accept one grade lower if you are a "potentially emerging" contractor; it says so in the tender.

How to register or upgrade

1. Register online on the CIDB portal.
2. Upload company documents: CIPC registration, tax status, proof of address and director IDs.
3. For higher grades, show your financial capability (turnover and assets) and past work done.
4. Pay the yearly fee for your grade.
5. Renew every year. An expired registration is one of the most common reasons construction bids fail.