What does a building contractor need in South Africa?
The CIDB keeps a Register of Contractors and says contractors must obtain a grading to be listed. It offers a public contractor search and a grading calculator, and it requires government institutions to register their projects. Each point links to the CIDB.
By Horn Dev. Background, not legal advice. Last checked 24 Oct 2026. How we check our pages.
What applies, and where it comes from.
Every point quotes its source and shows when we last checked it. If a source has changed, the source wins, and we want to know.
Get graded to be listed
The CIDB states that contractors must obtain a grading from the CIDB to be listed in the Register of Contractors.
The source says: The CIDB states that contractors must obtain grading from the CIDB to be listed in the Register of Contractors.
Source: CIDB home page · checked 24 Oct 2026
Let clients check you
The CIDB links a public search of registered contractors from its home page. Linking to it from your website lets a client verify your registration themselves.
The source says: The CIDB links a public Registered Contractors search from its home page, at registers.cidb.org.za and portal.cidb.org.za.
Source: CIDB Register of Contractors · checked 24 Oct 2026
Use the grading calculator
The CIDB offers a public grading designation calculator. Use it to see which designation fits your situation before you chase work.
The source says: The CIDB links a public grading designation calculator from its home page.
Source: CIDB grading designation calculator · checked 24 Oct 2026
Public projects are registered too
The CIDB states that all government institutions must register their projects in the Register of Projects, so public work runs through CIDB systems.
The source says: The CIDB states that all government institutions must register their projects in the Register of Projects (RoPs).
Source: CIDB home page · checked 24 Oct 2026
What to put in front of customers.
- Your CIDB grade and registration number, only if you hold them
- A link to the CIDB public contractor search
- Projects you can show, with the client's permission
- A way to request a quote
Check with
Asked most often.
Do all contractors need CIDB registration?
The CIDB's own page says contractors must obtain grading to be listed in its register. Whether your work requires it depends on the type of work and the client, so ask the CIDB before you assume either way.
How do I find out which CIDB grade applies to me?
The CIDB publishes a public grading designation calculator. Use it with your own figures, and check the CIDB's requirements for grading before you apply.
Can a client verify that I am registered?
Yes. The CIDB links a public search of registered contractors, so give clients the link and your registration details, and keep them current so what a client finds matches what you say.
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