cidb Standards
cidb Standards
Contractor Standards
Contractor standards assist in professionalising the local construction industry, creating performance measures to which all stakeholders can align for development and transformation purposes. Centred around key areas such as skills, competence, health, safety, ethics and enterprise sustainability, these standards ensure that global expectations are not only met, but exceeded.
B.U.I.L.D Programme Standards
B.U.I.L.D Programme Standards are targeted at large construction projects, guiding development and transformation, by focusing initiatives on priority needs.
The B.U.I.L.D Programme was introduced in September 2020, requiring two priority standards on qualifying construction projects. These standards were revised on 31 March 2026, updating the qualifying criteria to a cidb grading designation of grade 7 or higher, or professional and service contracts of R5 million or more. Contractors must implement the Standard for Indirect Targeting for Enterprise Development through Construction Works Contracts and the Standard for Developing Skills through Infrastructure Contracts, funded by the client.
Standard for Indirect Targeting for Enterprise Development
A minimum of 30% of the contract value (Contract Participation Goal) must go to developing emerging contractors (cidb Grades 1-6). This applies to cidb Grade 7+ contractors in General Building or Civil Engineering, on contracts of six months or longer. The goal is real, lasting SMME growth, not just participation. That means subcontracting opportunities, structured mentorship, business development support and targeted, long-term skills transfer for smaller, growing contractors.
Standard for Developing Skills through Infrastructure Contracts
Infrastructure contracts of R5 million or more, awarded to cidb Grade 7 and above contractors, must meet a Contract Skills Development Goal (CSDG). This creates structured, workplace-based learning for TVET college learners, university students and professional registration candidates. It strengthens the entire construction skills pipeline. Hands-on site experience is paired with formal classroom education, so every graduate is genuinely job-ready from their very first day.
Standards linked to the Register of Contractors
The cidb Competence Standard supports contractors in building their enterprise capacity to operate sustainably in the delivery of projects, focusing on skills for business management and for supervising building and construction. In future, the cidb Competence Standard will become a criteria for registration on the Register of Contractors. Contractors will be supported to meet the standard before it becomes a registration criteria.
Standards Recommended for Contractors to Adopt As Good Practice
- BS 10500 Specification for an Anti Bribery Management System (ABMS). Thisstandard is recommended for Grade 9 contractors.
- Certification to SANS ISO 9001 Quality Management System, SANS ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and SANS OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System; or b) certification to SANS 1393 Construction Management System. These standards are recommended for cidb Grades 5 – 9.
