Everything you need to know about the Common Assessment Standard, the recommended pre-qualification questionnaire for the construction industry and how Constructionline can help with this.
Developed by Build UK in partnership with Constructionline, the Common Assessment Standard is a standardised pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) for the construction sector. It aims to streamline the construction procurement process by providing a unified set of questions for assessing suppliers. This standardisation of construction PQQs improves efficiency by reducing duplication, and saving time and resources for both construction buyers and suppliers.
The Common Assessment Standard also promotes transparency by ensuring all construction suppliers are aware of the requirements. This fosters a more competitive and informed working environment.
It provides a comprehensive framework that expands beyond PAS 91’s scope – which has now been withdrawn by the British Standards Institution (BSI). The Common Assessment Standard asks a more detailed set of pre-qualification questions for construction projects. The result? Greater levels of quality and safety for building projects.
Did you know?
Over 80% of all UK suppliers get their Common Assessment Standard accreditation from Constructionline.
In March 2024, the Government issued its Procurement Policy Notice (PPN) 03/24. This clarified its recommendations regarding the Common Assessment Standard accreditation and PQQs for public sector procurement in the construction industry:
For pre-qualification in public sector projects exceeding £5.337 million, the Common Assessment Standard is now the preferred method.
The Government recommends using the Common Assessment Standard instead for builds over certain thresholds.
Our Gold and Platinum memberships are specifically tailored to meet Common Assessment Standard requirements. They also conduct a number of further validation checks that we know are of interest to many clients. We assess a company’s credentials for environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, Modern Slavery Act adherence, and anti-bribery and corruption policies. As well as enhanced construction pre-qualification questionnaires, Gold and Platinum members are assessed for SSIP accreditation.
All of these benefits are aligned to the Common Assessment Standard, allowing verified Constructionline members even greater opportunities within the construction industry.
Inefficient buying practices can amount to huge amounts of wasted time and money for construction buyers and suppliers alike.
By delivering a standardised approach to construction PQQs, the Common Assessment Standard:
Helps buyers identify suitably qualified contractors with less time and resources, particularly via Constructionline’s online Marketplace
Establishes itself as the government’s recommended standard for construction procurement in public sector procurement projects exceeding £5.337 million – we recommend it for all construction projects
Assists buyers with more sustainable construction procurement processes, simplifies the construction tendering process for more suppliers and encourages them to apply for more projects
Gives construction buyers more time to focus on the project-specific areas of the pre-qualification process
Completing construction PQQs for multiple clients can be costly and time-consuming. Furthermore, different PQQs in the construction industry often contain similar questions, simply presented in a different format.
The Common Assessment Standard addresses this problem, providing a standard PQQ for the construction industry.
Benefits include:
Improve your business profile and professional standing by demonstrating that you align to the Common Assessment Standard
Develop standard responses to the ‘core’ questions, which can be used in response to any buyer
Exemptions from sections if you hold industry-recognised accreditations, such as SSIP accreditation
A faster, more cost-effective construction pre-qualification process, giving you more opportunities to win more work
You already have access to our Common Assessment Standard tools.
You’ll need to upgrade by visiting our Membership Centre.
To request to have your data shared with us from another assessment body and imported into Constructionline, please fill out the form.
