CIDB grades G1–G7 explained: which projects can you bid for?
In Malaysia, almost every contractor doing construction work needs to be registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Your CIDB grade — from G1 up to G7 — is more than a badge: it sets the maximum value of the projects you're allowed to tender for. Understanding where you sit, and what it takes to move up, is fundamental to growing a contracting business.
What is CIDB registration?
CIDB registration is the official recognition that your company is a legitimate construction contractor. It records your grade, the categories and specialisations you're registered in, and it ties to the Green Card personnel carry on site. Registration must be renewed and kept valid — letting it lapse can stop you bidding and even hold up payments.
What the grades mean
The grade is essentially a ceiling on the contract value you can tender for. As a widely used guide, the tendering capacities run roughly like this (always confirm the current figures with CIDB, as policy can change):
- G1 — up to about RM200,000
- G2 — up to about RM500,000
- G3 — up to about RM1 million
- G4 — up to about RM3 million
- G5 — up to about RM5 million
- G6 — up to about RM10 million
- G7 — no upper limit
So a G1 contractor is set up for small renovation and repair jobs, while a G7 can tender for the largest projects with no value cap. Your grade is tied to your company's paid-up capital and track record, which is why moving up takes both financial standing and completed work to show for it.
Which grade do you need?
Match the grade to the work you actually chase. If you run home renovations and small fit-outs, a lower grade covers you. If you want to bid for commercial buildings, infrastructure or government tenders, you'll need to climb — and you'll need the capital and completed-project record to support the jump.
Keep your registration current
Whatever your grade, the practical risk is the same: an expired CIDB registration, lapsed insurance or an out-of-date Green Card can cost you a tender or stall a claim. These dates are easy to lose track of when you're busy on site, so the discipline that pays off is simply knowing — at a glance — what's valid and what's about to expire.
How MORTAR helps
MORTAR gives you a simple document box for your CIDB registration, SSM, insurance, licences and permits, each with its expiry date. As a date approaches, the app flags it — green when you're fine, amber when it's getting close, red when it needs action — so a lapsed certificate never quietly costs you work. It's data-entry and reminders, not an official CIDB system, but it keeps the paperwork that wins jobs in one place.
Tired of chasing renewal dates across folders and glove boxes? Join the MORTAR early list and keep every compliance document in your pocket.