CIDB Contractor Registration Malaysia: Grades G1-G7, SPKK & Requirements Guide 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on the Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520) and official CIDB information as of February 2026. Requirements may change. Always verify current registration criteria with CIDB or through the CIMS portal before submitting applications.

You can't bid for construction projects in Malaysia without a CIDB contractor registration. Your grade determines the project value you can handle. Your SPKK determines whether you can bid for government projects. And your CCD points determine whether your licence gets renewed.

This guide covers everything you need to register, upgrade, and maintain your CIDB contractor licence, from G1 to G7.

This guide covers:

• CIDB grades G1-G7: project limits, paid-up capital, and technical staff requirements
• SPKK registration for government project procurement
• CCD points: what they are and how many you need
• Registration fees and processing timelines
• How to upgrade your grade
• Insurance requirements tied to CIDB registration

CIDB Grades G1-G7: The Complete Breakdown

CIDB classifies Malaysian contractors into seven grades. Each grade has specific requirements for paid-up capital, technical personnel, and project experience. Your grade sets the ceiling on what project values you can tender for.

Grade	Project Value Limit	Paid-Up Capital	Technical Staff
G1	Up to RM200,000	RM5,000 (RM10,000 with SPKK)	1 Technical Certificate holder (if available)
G2	Up to RM500,000	RM25,000	1 Technical Certificate holder (if available)
G3	Up to RM1,000,000	RM50,000	1 Technical Certificate holder (if available)
G4	Up to RM3,000,000	RM150,000	1 Diploma holder
G5	Up to RM5,000,000	RM250,000	1 Diploma (5 years exp.) or 1 Degree (1 year exp.)
G6	Up to RM10,000,000	RM500,000	1 Degree (3 years exp.) + 1 Diploma
G7	No limit	RM750,000	2 Degree holders (1 with 5 years exp.) or 1 Diploma + 1 Degree (both 5 years exp.)

G7 is the only grade with no project value ceiling. This is why G7 is the target for most serious construction companies. It unlocks government mega-projects, infrastructure tenders, and multi-billion ringgit developments.

Registration Fees

CIDB charges a one-off application processing fee plus an annual licence fee based on your grade.

Grade	Application Fee (One-Off)	Annual Licence Fee	Total First Year
G1	RM50	RM500	RM550
G2	RM50	RM1,000	RM1,050
G3	RM50	RM1,500	RM1,550
G4	RM50	RM2,500	RM2,550
G5	RM50	RM3,500	RM3,550
G6	RM50	RM4,500	RM4,550
G7	RM50	RM5,500	RM5,550

SPKK: Government Project Procurement Registration

SPKK (Sijil Perolehan Kerja Kerajaan) is a separate registration that allows CIDB-registered contractors to bid for government construction projects. Having a CIDB licence alone doesn't qualify you for government tenders. You need SPKK on top of it.

SPKK Requirement	Details
Prerequisite	Valid CIDB contractor registration (any grade)
Application platform	CIDB CIMS portal (online)
Application fee	RM50 (new application) / RM30 (renewal)
Validity	Tied to CIDB licence validity period
Key requirement	Bumiputera status may be required for certain government projects
G1 special note	Paid-up capital increases from RM5,000 to RM10,000 if SPKK is added
Downgrade restriction	Can't downgrade to G1 if you hold SPKK (SPKK will be cancelled)

SPKK opens the door to JKR, MOF, and other government agency tenders. Without it, you're limited to private sector work. For most contractors targeting growth, SPKK registration is a priority immediately after obtaining the CIDB licence.

For a detailed guide on SPKK registration and renewal, see our CIDB SPKK registration guide.

CCD Points: The Renewal Requirement

CCD (Continuous Contractor Development) is CIDB's system for ensuring contractors stay current with industry knowledge. You need CCD points to renew your licence.

Grade	CCD Points Required (Annual)	Mandatory Courses
G1	10 points	Business Management + Integrity Course
G2	10 points	Business Management + Integrity Course
G3	20 points	Business Management + Integrity Course
G4	20 points	Integrity Course
G5	30 points	Integrity Course
G6	30 points	Integrity Course
G7	40 points	Integrity Course

Don't leave CCD points to the last minute. If you fail to accumulate enough points before renewal, your licence won't be renewed. Plan your training calendar early in the year to avoid scrambling before the deadline.

For a detailed breakdown of how to earn CCD points, see our CIDB CCD points guide.

How to Register with CIDB: Step by Step

All CIDB applications go through the Construction Industry Management System (CIMS) portal at cims.cidb.gov.my.

Step	What to Do	Documents Required
1. Create CIMS account	Register on cims.cidb.gov.my with company details	SSM registration (Form 9/24/49), company profile
2. Select grade and specialisation	Choose your target grade based on paid-up capital and technical staff	Latest audited accounts, bank statements
3. Upload supporting documents	Submit all required documentation through the portal	Technical staff qualifications, experience letters, EPF records
4. Pay application fee	RM50 processing fee via online payment	Payment receipt
5. CIDB evaluation	CIDB reviews application and may request additional documents	Any additional documents requested
6. Approval and licence issuance	Pay annual licence fee upon approval	Licence fee payment

Processing time: Standard applications typically take 14-30 working days. Incomplete submissions or queries from CIDB can extend this significantly. Make sure all documents are complete before submitting.

Upgrading Your CIDB Grade

Most contractors start at G1-G3 and work their way up. Here's what you need to know about upgrading.

Upgrading From	Key Requirements to Move Up	Common Challenges
G1 to G2/G3	Increase paid-up capital, maintain CCD points	Capital injection, finding technical staff
G3 to G4	Paid-up capital RM150,000, hire Diploma holder	First time mandatory technical staff is required
G4 to G5	Paid-up capital RM250,000, experienced technical staff	Experienced staff requirement (5 years diploma or 1 year degree)
G5 to G7	Paid-up capital RM750,000, two senior technical staff	Significant capital jump, need two experienced professionals

You can skip grades. If you meet the requirements for G5, you don't have to go through G2, G3, and G4 first. But most contractors progress gradually as their business grows.

Insurance Requirements for CIDB Contractors

CIDB registration doesn't exist in a vacuum. As your grade increases, so do the insurance requirements imposed by your contracts.

Insurance Type	When Required	Typical Grade
CAR/EAR Insurance	Required by most construction contracts before site mobilisation	All grades (G1-G7)
Workmen Compensation	Mandatory for foreign workers; required for site access	All grades (G1-G7)
CGL Insurance	Required by government tenders and large private contracts	G4 and above (typically)
SPPI Insurance	Required for design-build contracts and when design responsibility exists	G5 and above (design-build)
Performance Bond	Required for government projects (typically 5% of contract value)	All grades with SPKK

Insurance costs scale with your grade. A G7 contractor bidding for RM50 million projects needs significantly more insurance coverage than a G3 contractor doing RM800,000 jobs. Factor insurance costs into your tender pricing from the start.

For detailed insurance requirements by project type, see our CIDB contractor insurance requirements guide and construction insurance checklist.

Need insurance for your CIDB-registered company? Talk to our construction specialists.

CIDB Levy and Project Declaration

Under the Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia Act 1994, a construction levy of 0.125% is payable on all construction projects valued at RM500,000 and above. The project owner is responsible for declaring the project and paying the levy through CIDB's SPASS system.

For detailed information on project declaration and levy payment, see our CIDB project declaration and levy guide.

Common Mistakes in CIDB Registration

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid
Technical staff leaves without replacement	Grade may be downgraded at renewal	Have backup technical staff; notify CIDB within 30 days of changes
Insufficient CCD points at renewal	Licence not renewed; can't bid for new projects	Plan CCD training early; track points through CIMS
Late renewal application	Licence expires; operating without CIDB is an offence	Start renewal process 3 months before expiry
Paid-up capital reduced below minimum	Non-compliance with grade requirements	Maintain capital above threshold; don't reduce share capital without checking CIDB impact
Using same technical staff for multiple companies	CIDB cross-checks EPF records; application rejected	Technical staff must be exclusive to one CIDB registration

FAQ

Is CIDB registration mandatory for all contractors in Malaysia?

Yes. Under the Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia Act 1994, no person shall carry out or undertake any construction work unless registered with CIDB. This applies to all contractors including subcontractors performing construction-related activities.

How long does CIDB registration take?

Standard processing time is 14-30 working days from submission of a complete application. Incomplete applications or requests for additional documentation can extend this to 2-3 months. Apply well ahead of any project deadlines.

Can I skip grades when upgrading?

Yes. You can apply directly for any grade as long as you meet all requirements (paid-up capital, technical staff, and project experience). A company with RM750,000 paid-up capital and two experienced degree holders can apply directly for G7 without going through G1-G6 first.

What happens if my CIDB licence expires?

You must stop all construction work immediately. Carrying out construction without a valid CIDB registration is an offence under the CIDB Act. Ongoing projects will face compliance issues. Start your renewal process at least 3 months before expiry.

Do I need SPKK to bid for all government projects?

Yes. SPKK (Sijil Perolehan Kerja Kerajaan) is required for all government construction project tenders administered through CIDB. Without SPKK, you're limited to private sector work only. SPKK application costs RM50 and is processed through the CIMS portal.

What are CCD points and how do I earn them?

CCD (Continuous Contractor Development) points are earned through CIDB-accredited training courses, seminars, and conferences. Each activity earns a set number of points. You must accumulate the required points (10-40 per year depending on grade) before your licence renewal date. Check our CCD points guide for detailed information.

Can a foreign company register with CIDB?

Yes, but with additional requirements. Foreign contractors must register under separate provisions of the CIDB Act. They typically need to form a joint venture with a local contractor or register a local subsidiary. Recent regulatory changes have tightened requirements for foreign contractor registration.

What specialisation categories does CIDB offer?

CIDB offers multiple specialisation categories covering building construction, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical works, and specialist trades (piling, scaffolding, waterproofing, etc.). Your registration specifies which categories you're authorised to work in. You can add specialisations at any time by meeting the relevant criteria.

How does CIDB grade affect my insurance costs?

Higher grades mean larger projects, which require higher insurance limits. A G7 contractor on a RM100 million project needs CAR insurance covering the full contract value, CGL with limits of RM5-10 million, and Workmen Compensation for a larger workforce. Insurance is a significant cost component for G5+ contractors.

What is the CIDB levy and who pays it?

The CIDB levy is 0.125% of the contract value for all construction projects worth RM500,000 and above. The project owner (not the contractor) is responsible for paying the levy. However, contractors should be aware of the levy as it's part of the project registration process and affects project documentation.

Foundation Conclusion

CIDB registration is the gateway to Malaysia's construction market. Your grade determines the size of projects you can bid for, your SPKK opens government tenders, and your CCD points keep your licence valid. Getting the grade right and maintaining compliance is foundational to business growth.

As your CIDB grade increases, so do your insurance needs. Foundation works with CIDB-registered contractors from G3 to G7, structuring CAR/EAR, CGL, WC, and performance bond programmes that match your project requirements.

Talk to our construction insurance specialists