Grading assessment
We assess which CIDB grade and class of works you qualify for based on your business.
CIDB construction
Get your CIDB registration certificate.
Construction and infrastructure tenders require a CIDB grading. Smartbook registers your company with the Construction Industry Development Board and gets you graded so you can bid for public-sector work.
What you get
- CIDB contractor registration handled
- Graded in the correct class of works
- Application managed through the CIDB portal
- Certificate ready for construction tenders
From
R1 750
Turnaround
10 days
For
South African contractors bidding for construction and infrastructure work
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grades every contractor that wants to do public-sector construction work in South Africa. Your grading — from 1 up to 9 — tells clients the size of project you're allowed to tender for, based on your financial capacity and track record. No CIDB registration, no public construction tenders.
Registering means choosing the right class of works, meeting the requirements for your grade, and getting the application through the CIDB portal cleanly. Smartbook handles it end-to-end: we register your company, apply for the correct grading and class, and get your certificate issued so you can start bidding.
When you need this
Register with the CIDB when you:
- Want to tender for government construction or infrastructure work
- Are a contractor needing a recognised grading
- Are asked for a CIDB number by a client or main contractor
- Are expanding into a new class of construction works
- Need to upgrade to a higher grade for bigger projects
What's included
Class selection
We help you register in the correct class(es) — such as general building or civil engineering.
CIDB application
We prepare and submit your contractor registration through the CIDB portal.
Document review
We check your supporting documents so the CIDB doesn't reject the application.
Follow-up
We manage the process and any CIDB queries until your registration is confirmed.
Certificate delivered
We deliver your CIDB registration certificate so you can tender for construction work.
How it works
Tell us your work
Share your company details and the type and size of construction work you do.
We register and grade
We select the right class, submit the application and manage it through the CIDB portal.
You can tender
We deliver your CIDB certificate so you can bid for public-sector construction projects.
What we need from you
- Registered company (CIPC certificate)
- Company SARS tax number and tax compliance status
- Business bank account details
- Details of construction work and experience (for grading)
- Director's certified ID and proof of business address
Common questions
What is CIDB registration?
It's registration with the Construction Industry Development Board, which grades contractors so they can tender for public-sector construction work. Your grade reflects your financial and works capacity, and clients use it to decide which projects you can bid for.
What are the CIDB grades?
Grades run from 1 to 9. Grade 1 covers the smallest projects and is the entry point for new contractors; higher grades allow you to tender for progressively larger works, based on your capacity and track record.
What is a class of works?
The CIDB registers contractors in classes such as general building (GB) and civil engineering (CE), among others. You register in the class that matches the work you do, and can hold registrations in more than one.
How long does registration take?
Around 10 working days once we have your documents, depending on the CIDB and the grade you're applying for. Higher-grade applications with more supporting evidence can take a little longer.
Do I need to be tax compliant first?
Yes. The CIDB checks that your company is registered and tax compliant. If your tax status needs sorting, we can handle your tax clearance alongside the CIDB registration.
Can you help me upgrade my grade later?
Yes. As your turnover and completed projects grow, we can apply to upgrade your CIDB grade so you can tender for bigger contracts.
Related services
Last reviewed: June 2026. Smartbook keeps this page current with CIPC and SARS rules.
Ready to get this sorted?
Tell us about your company and we'll send a free compliance check.
Register with CIDB