How to get Common Assessment Standard certification

Since being launched in 2019, the Common Assessment Standard has made waves in the construction industry and is now the preferred assessment scheme by organisations such as Clancy, Balfour Beatty and Skanska. You’re probably wondering how to get the Common Assessment Standard certification.

You may have been led here because you’re applying for a tender, and your client has specified that you must have Common Assessment Standard to place your contract bid. Or you may be here because you’ve heard all about the benefits of the Common Assessment Standard and are ready to start reaping the rewards.

Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place.

CHAS are industry-leading providers of the Common Assessment Standard and experts in construction certifications, assessments and prequalification. Today our experts will guide you through the process of getting Common Assessment Standard certification.

Quick introduction to the Common Assessment Standard

Covering 13 modules of essential regulatory compliance, information governance and risk assessment, the Common Assessment Standard is a prequalification process purpose-built to help clients assess contractors’ eligibility for construction job bids. Many major construction companies, including Multiplex, Costain and Mace, use the Common Assessment Standard certification to vet potential subcontractors and verify their ability to work on projects.

The Common Assessment Standard is a universal certification scheme backed by BuildUK and developed through guidance from both clients and contractors. It is a standardised approach to prequalification within the construction industry, building on areas assessed under the SSIP and PAS 91 systems.

Because the Common Assessment Standard is not designed or created by a single assessment scheme, contractors are not bound to a single assessment scheme if they need to obtain it.

Related reading: Powerful benefits of the Common Assessment Standard

Where can you get Common Assessment Standard certified?

Most prequalifications are unique to an assessment scheme; oftentimes, there will only be subtle differences between one prequalification and another. Still, clients will require a specific certification for their tenders, and thus contractors can only go to the assessment body that offers that exact certification.

The Common Assessment Standard is different.

Because it is not governed by a single assessment body but instead the industry as a collective, the Common Assessment Standard is not tied to the same restrictions as most prequalifications. You can currently obtain the Common Assessment Standard from a handful of assessment schemes, including CHAS.

There is a big benefit to the Common Assessment Standard working in this way. By having a choice in who they go to for certification, contractors can create a more attractive market for their business. Assessment schemes offering the Common Assessment Standard need to provide a competitive and enticing certification service, as contractors are not forced to use their services to prequalify for jobs and can go elsewhere.

Rated five-star Platinum FEEFO for Trusted Services, CHAS can help your construction company gain Common Assessment Standard certification. Our transparent pricing and industry-leading customer care, combined with our exclusive cloud-based platform for finding work, training and business discounts, promises an unbeatable service for any contractor looking to acquire Common Assessment Standard certification.

How to get the Common Assessment Standard

To get the Common Assessment Standard certification, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Find an assessment scheme offering Common Assessment Standard certification, such as CHAS.
2. Purchase your Common Assessment Standard certification package. At CHAS, this is known as CHAS Premier and starts at £539 per year. Prices can vary depending on a few factors, so get in touch for a bespoke quote!
3. Fill out the Common Assessment Standard prequalification application. This is available inside of your MyCHAS Portal. You must attach all relevant documentation requested to qualify.
4. Submit your application for assessment.
5. You’ll be awarded your Common Assessment Standard certification once you pass the assessment. Now, you can start applying for work that requires this certification. The process can take as little as 48 hours from sign up to completion (for fast-tracked applications).
6. If you do not pass the assessment, our assessors will advise you on what you need to change. You can then make the necessary amendments in your own time and reapply for assessment approval.

It’s important to note that if you get the Common Assessment Standard through one assessor — CHAS, as an example — you can work with other assessors to connect with opportunities for data sharing and finding work. Working with CHAS does not place any restrictions on taking advantage of other opportunities provided by other assessors through the Common Assessment Standard.

The purpose of the Common Assessment Standard is that, if you get it, you open your contractor enterprise to all available opportunities through the certification scheme, no matter how you got your Common Assessment Standard certification.

Related reading: Why is the Common Assessment Standard important in construction?

What questions are included in the Common Assessment Standard?

The Common Assessment Standard covers:

• Identity
• Financial
• Insurance
• Corporate and professional standing
• Health and safety management
• Environmental
• Quality
• Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
• Corporate social responsibility
• Information security
• Information management
• Anti-bribery and corruption
• Modern slavery

Within each module, you can expect to find questions relating to how your contractor business deals with information management and risk assessment for each activity. You will also be required to provide supporting documentation for claims made, particularly where certifications, licensing and insurance are concerned.

For example, under health and safety management, you will be asked to confirm your health and safety position by providing your policy documents. Under environmental and sustainability, questions include whether or not you have access to a competent environmental advisor and require you to provide contact details for verification.

Why contractors need the Common Assessment Standard

The Common Assessment Standard is essential for ensuring eligibility for work, both now and in the future.

The HS2, the UK’s largest-ever single construction project, is making the Common Assessment Standard a focal point of its qualification process. It is expected that this will impact many other construction projects and industries, and the Common Assessment Standard will become more widespread.

But it’s not just HS2 that’s having an impact.

The Crown Commercial Service now requires contractors connecting its seven-year framework to access supply chains through Common Assessment Standard, and it’s also expected to become part of the next edition of the government’s Construction Playbook.

Securing the Common Assessment Standard now sets contractors up for future success. Get your Common Assessment Standard certification with CHAS by becoming a CHAS Elite member. Sign up to access our wide range of CHAS membership features, including discounted business services and training, access to job opportunities and more.