Compliance6 min read

CIDB grading explained: grades, classes of works and tender limits

What a CIDB grade like 4GB means, the current tender value limit for each grade, the classes of works, and when a contractor needs to register.

Updated: 18 Oct 2026
Facts checked: 18 Oct 2026
Sources: 2 listed

In short

If you read nothing else.

01
A CIDB grade is a number from 1 to 9 plus a class of works code, for example 4GB.
02
The grade sets the largest public-sector contract you can be awarded in that class.
03
Registration is needed for public-sector work. Home builders and labour-only contractors are exempt.

In this guide4 sections +

01Reading a grade
02Tender value limits
03Classes of works
04Do you need to register?

Reading a grade

The Construction Industry Development Board registers contractors by grade and class of works. A grading of 4GB means grade 4 in General Building. You can hold different grades in different classes, for example 4GB and 2EB.

Tender value limits

Grade	Upper tender value limit
1	R500,000
2	R1,000,000
3	R3,000,000
4	R6,000,000
5	R10,000,000
6	R20,000,000
7	R60,000,000
8	R200,000,000
9	No limit

Gazetted in July 2019 and effective from 7 October 2019. Still the published table when checked.

Contractors registered as potentially emerging (PE) can in some development programmes be awarded work one grade above their own.

Classes of works

Code	Class of works
GB	General building
CE	Civil engineering
EB	Electrical engineering works: building
EP	Electrical engineering works: infrastructure
ME	Mechanical engineering
SB	Asphalt works
SC	Building excavations, shaft sinking and lateral support
SD	Corrosion protection
SE	Demolition and blasting
SF	Fire prevention and protection systems
SG	Glazing, curtain walls and shopfronts
SH	Landscaping, irrigation and horticulture
SI	Lifts, escalators and travellators
SJ	Piling and specialised foundations
SK	Road markings and signage
SL	Structural steelwork
SM	Timber buildings and structures
SN	Waterproofing
SO	Water supply and drainage for buildings (plumbing)
SQ	Steel security fencing or precast concrete

Do you need to register?

Yes, if you want to be awarded construction contracts by public-sector clients: national, provincial and local government and state-owned entities.
Not currently as a subcontractor. Subcontractors are not yet required to register.
Not for home building regulated by the NHBRC, or for labour-only contracting.
Joint ventures do not register as a JV, but each partner must be registered.

Grade 1 has no qualifying criteria and can be done online. Higher grades are assessed on financial capability and track record. Registration lasts three years, with annual updates above grade 1.

Sources

Sources checked 18 Oct 2026. Rules and thresholds change; confirm before you rely on them.

General information, not advice. This guide explains the general position for South African businesses. It is not tax, legal or accounting advice. For your specific situation, speak to your accountant, registered tax practitioner or attorney.