CIDB Grading Explained: The Complete 2026 Guide
Confused by Grade 1GB vs 4CE? We break down the CIDB grading system, financial requirements, and what tenders you qualify for.
Decoding the Code: What is 4GB?
A CIDB grade consists of a number (1-9) and two letters (Class of Work). The number tells you HOW MUCH (value) you can build. The letters tell you WHAT you can build.
The Classes of Work
| Code | Description | Typical Projects |
|---|---|---|
| GB | General Building | Schools, Houses, Clinics |
| CE | Civil Engineering | Roads, Bridges, Dams |
| ME | Mechanical | HVAC, Pumps, Steel Works |
| EP | Electrical | Wiring, Substations, Lighting |
Grading Levels and Values (2026)
| Grade | Tender Value Limit | Required Turnover |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | R500,000 | None |
| 2 | R1,000,000 | R150,000 |
| 3 | R3,000,000 | R450,000 |
| 4 | R6,000,000 | R900,000 |
| 5 | R10,000,000 | R1,500,000 |
| 6 | R20,000,000 | R3,000,000 |
| 7 | R60,000,000 | R9,000,000 |
| 8 | R200,000,000 | R26,000,000 |
| 9 | Unlimited | R78,000,000 |
How to Move Up a Grade
To upgrade, you cannot just show money in the bank. You must show a 'Track Record'. This means producing a Completion Certificate for a project you successfully finished. The size of that past project determines your next grade.
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Based on this article's topics, here are some current tenders that might interest you
RE-ADVERT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A PANEL OF MAXIMUM OF 10(TEN) CONTRACTORS FOR THE REFURBISHMENT AND REPLACEMENT OF CIVIL WORKS,MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AT WATER,WASTE WATER TREATMENT WORKS AS AND WHEN REQUIRED FOR NKOMAZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY-SIX (36) MONTHS.TENDERES SHOULD HAVE A CIDB CONTRACTOR GRADING OF 5CE,5EP AND 5ME(A COMBINATION OF ANY 2 CONTRACT GRADING OR HIGHER)
Bid to detail design, manufacture, supply, delivery, construction, commissioning of a HVAC system for the PTFE Filter Destruction Facility, complete with a one-year guarantee on the installation and all aspects thereof.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF 3 CELL 2,4 M X 2,4 M BOX CULVERT ON DISTRICT ROAD 295 AT KM 1,090 IN THE HLANGANANI AREA
Request for Extension of Validity RFP05-2026
DRIEDORP BOESMANSKOP 22KV LINE TO WORKSHOP SUBSTATION KORIA 11KV LINE FROM WORKSHOP SUBSTATION WELBEDACHT DAM - VAN STADENSRUST 11KV CAPACITOR BANK FOR A PERIOD OF 13 WEEKS
ELECTRIFICATION OF HOUSEHOLDS AND INFILLS IN NORTHWEST OPERATING UNIT (NWOU) WITHIN THE GEMMA CLUSTER FOR A FOUR (4) YEAR PERIOD.
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CIDB Grading Explained: The Complete 2026 Guide
Confused by Grade 1GB vs 4CE? We break down the CIDB grading system, financial requirements, and what tenders you qualify for.