CIDB Grading Explained: Grades 1 to 9 for South African Construction Tenders (2026)

What is a CIDB grade and what do Grades 1 to 9 mean?

CIDB grading is run by the Construction Industry Development Board (established under the CIDB Act No. 38 of 2000) and is governed by the Construction Industry Development Regulations of 2004. Under those regulations, public-sector clients may only award construction contracts to contractors registered on the CIDB Register of Contractors. The board grades contractors from 1 to 9 based on their financial capability and works (track-record) capability. Grade 1 is the entry level for new and small contractors, with the lowest contract-value ceiling and no qualifying financial or track-record criteria. Grade 9 is the highest level, with no upper contract-value limit. A grading designation is written as one digit plus a two-letter class code, for example '6CE' meaning Grade 6 in Civil Engineering. A contractor can hold several gradings in different classes of works under a single registration. The grade tells a client the maximum size of project you are permitted to be awarded; it is a ceiling, not a guarantee of work.

How does a CIDB grade relate to the contract (tender) value?

Each grade sets the maximum tender value a public-sector client may award a contractor in that class of works. As you move up the grades the ceiling rises steeply, and Grade 9 has no upper limit. As a rough orientation only, the bands have historically run from around R500,000 at Grade 1, roughly R1 million at Grade 2, around R3 million at Grade 3, climbing through the tens of millions at Grades 6 and 7, into the hundreds of millions at Grade 8, and unlimited at Grade 9. IMPORTANT: these rand figures are reviewed and adjusted by the CIDB from time to time, so do not rely on a band you read online — always confirm the current value limits and grading table on cidb.org.za before you bid. If a tender specifies, say, '7CE or higher', it means you must hold at least a Grade 7 Civil Engineering designation to be eligible; submitting against a tender above your grade ceiling will normally have your bid disqualified.

What are the CIDB classes of works?

A grade is always tied to a class of works, because being capable of a R20 million road job does not make you capable of a R20 million electrical job. The main classes are: GB (General Building) for houses, offices, schools and similar structures; CE (Civil Engineering) for roads, bridges, water and earthworks; ME (Mechanical Engineering); EB (Electrical Engineering - Building); and EP (Electrical Engineering - Infrastructure). Alongside these there are specialist classes (codes beginning with S) covering trades such as SO (water supply and drainage, plumbing), SL (structural steelwork), SN (waterproofing), SJ (piling and specialised foundations), SI (lifts and escalators), SF (fire prevention and protection systems) and others. You register and are graded separately in each class you want to tender in, so your CIDB record can show, for example, 5GB and 3CE at the same time. Match your registered class to the tender's required class exactly, because a client will check the specific class code, not just the grade number.

How is my CIDB grade calculated?

For Grades 2 to 9, your grade is determined by the lower of two assessments: financial capability and works capability. Financial capability looks at your available capital and your best annual turnover over the relevant two-year period, supported by financial statements. Works capability looks at the largest single contract you have completed in that class of works within the five years before you apply, evidenced by the project award letter, a completion certificate and a payment certificate. You are awarded the grade your weaker measure supports, so strong turnover will not lift you past a grade your track record cannot justify, and vice versa. Grade 1 is the exception: it has no financial or track-record requirement, which is why it is the starting point for new contractors. A key current rule: any project awarded on or after 1 April 2021 must be registered on the CIDB Register of Projects for you to use it as track-record evidence. The CIDB also publishes a grading calculator on its website to help you estimate the grade your figures support.

How do I register or upgrade on the CIDB eRoC system?

Registration and upgrades are done online through the CIDB eRoC (electronic Register of Contractors) portal. Before you start you need: a CSD number (you must first be registered on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database at csd.gov.za, which gives you a MAAA supplier number), a reliable email address, a cellphone number to receive a verification PIN, and a bank card with at least the application fee available (a minimum balance of around R450 per class of works has applied for the entry application). You will also need your standard compliance documents on hand: company registration, certified ID copies of the directors or members, and a valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN obtained through SARS eFiling (the old printed Tax Clearance Certificate is no longer issued). First-time users create an online profile using their CSD number, and login details are emailed to the registered contact. To register a new grade or class, log in, verify your company and ownership details, select the class of works and grade you are applying for, upload the required documents, and pay. Grade 1 applications are typically activated within about 48 hours once payment clears, while Grade 2 to 9 applications are assessed and generally finalised within about 21 days when the application is complete and compliant. Upgrading works the same way: you apply for the higher grade and submit the financial and track-record evidence that supports it.

How long does CIDB registration last and how do I keep it active?

A CIDB registration is valid for three years. During that period you must submit annual updates to keep each grading current (Grade 1 does not require the annual update), and annual fees apply. A grading that is not updated for two consecutive years is suspended, which will knock you out of eligibility on tenders. At the end of the three-year cycle you apply to renew, and after six years you are required to submit fresh supporting documentation to prove you still meet the qualifying criteria for the grade. Plan ahead: let your registration lapse or fall out of date and you cannot be awarded public-sector work in that class until it is restored, even if you previously held the right grade.

Is the South African CIDB the same as the Malaysia or Mauritius CIDB?

No. Several countries operate a 'CIDB', and they are entirely separate bodies with different laws and grading systems. The South African CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board, cidb.org.za) uses the Grade 1 to 9 designation described in this guide. Malaysia's CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia / Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia) uses a different contractor grading running roughly G1 to G7 and is unrelated to South African tenders. Mauritius also has its own Construction Industry Development Board. If you are bidding on South African public-sector construction work, the only relevant register is the South African CIDB at cidb.org.za, and any grade, fee or document requirement from another country's CIDB does not apply.

Step by step

1. Register on the CSD first. Register your business on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (csd.gov.za) and obtain your CSD number (and MAAA supplier number). The CIDB eRoC system requires it before you can create a profile.
2. Create your eRoC profile. Go to the CIDB website, open Online Registration for Contractors (eRoC), and register using your CSD number. Confirm your company details and contact person. Login details are emailed to you, and a PIN is sent to your cellphone.
3. Choose your class of works and grade. Log in, verify your company and ownership information, then select the class of works (for example GB or CE) and the grade you want. For Grade 1 there are no financial or track-record criteria; for Grades 2 to 9 you apply for the grade your finances and track record support.
4. Upload supporting documents. Provide your company registration, certified ID copies of directors/members and a valid SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN obtained via SARS eFiling. For Grades 2 to 9, also upload financial statements (financial capability) and, for works capability, your largest qualifying project's award letter, completion certificate and payment certificate. Remember any project awarded on or after 1 April 2021 must be on the CIDB Register of Projects to count.
5. Pay the application fee. Pay online with a bank card (debit or credit). Ensure the card has at least the required balance available (a minimum of around R450 per class of works has applied to the entry application; confirm the current fee on cidb.org.za).
6. Wait for assessment and activation. Grade 1 is usually activated within about 48 hours once payment clears. Grades 2 to 9 are assessed and generally finalised within about 21 days when the application is complete and compliant. Your grading then reflects on the public Register of Contractors.
7. Keep it active and upgrade when you grow. Submit your annual update (required for Grades 2 to 9) and renew before the three-year validity expires. When your turnover and completed projects grow, apply through eRoC to upgrade to a higher grade by submitting the stronger financial and track-record evidence.

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