Guide
How to get CHAS accredited: a step-by-step guide for first-timers.
Been told you need CHAS for a contract, but never applied before? This guide explains what it is, what you'll need, and how the process works — in plain English.
The basics
What is CHAS accreditation?
CHAS (the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is one of the UK's most widely recognised health and safety accreditations. It's part of SSIP — Safety Schemes in Procurement — which means a CHAS certificate is accepted by thousands of buyers, main contractors and public-sector organisations as proof that your health and safety arrangements have been independently assessed.
For most construction and trade businesses, CHAS isn't a legal requirement — but it is increasingly a commercial one. If the clients you want to work for ask for it, you simply won't get on their tender lists without it.
Step by step
Getting CHAS accredited, from standing start to certificate
1. Work out which level you need
CHAS comes in three levels: Standard, Advanced and Elite. Standard suits many smaller contractors; Advanced and Elite are often requested by larger clients and principal contractors, with Elite covering the Common Assessment Standard used for public-sector work. Check what your target clients actually ask for before you pay for a higher level than you need.
2. Get your health and safety documents in order
This is the heart of the application. You'll typically need a health and safety policy, risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), COSHH assessments, training records and insurance details. The assessors want documents that reflect how your business actually works — copied templates are one of the most common reasons applications stall.
3. Complete the application questionnaire
The questionnaire asks how you manage health and safety day to day: how you plan work, brief your team, manage subcontractors and record what happens on site. Answer honestly and specifically — vague answers invite follow-up questions and delays.
4. Submit and respond to the assessor
Once submitted, an assessor reviews your application and evidence. They may come back with queries. Responding promptly and properly keeps things moving.
5. Keep it current
CHAS is renewed periodically. Diarise your renewal date and keep your documents up to date through the year, so renewal is a formality rather than a scramble.
If you'd rather have someone take you through it, our CHAS application support starts at £299 with no VAT to add — and a free review first, so you know exactly what's needed before you spend anything.
Common questions
First-timer FAQs
How long does it take to get CHAS accredited?
It depends on the level and how ready your documents are. If your policies, RAMS and records are already in good shape, the application itself is straightforward. If you're starting from scratch, allow time to get your documentation right first — that's the part that takes longest, and the part we help with.
Can a small business or sole trader get CHAS?
Yes. CHAS is used by sole traders and small firms as much as larger contractors. The assessment is proportionate to the size of your business, so you won't be expected to have the same systems as a national contractor.
What does CHAS cost?
There are two costs: the scheme's own membership and assessment fee, paid to CHAS, and any support you choose to help you prepare. Our CHAS application support starts at £299 with no VAT to add and no joining fee — see our pricing page for the full list.
Rather have it done with you?
Book a free review and we'll look at where your business is now, which CHAS level you need, and the practical steps to get there — no obligation.