How much does SSIP accreditation cost

How Much Does SSIP Accreditation Cost? – UK Price Guide for Contractors

“How much does SSIP cost?” is one of the most common questions in the UK construction industry.

The short answer:

SSIP costs vary by scheme, but all schemes assess the same core health & safety standards.

So the real question is:

What are you actually paying for?

Quick Answer

SSIP accreditation typically costs between £119 + VAT and £498 + VAT, depending on the scheme, business size, and level. All SSIP schemes assess the same core criteria, so price differences are usually based on brand recognition, administration, and market demand rather than higher standards.

Typical SSIP Accreditation Costs (UK)

Below are entry-level SSIP scheme fees only (excluding consultancy support or document preparation)

These are the base fees charged by the scheme only.

Important: All SSIP Schemes Are Equal

One of the biggest misunderstandings in the industry:

You are not paying for a “better” standard with a more expensive scheme.

All SSIP member schemes:

✔ Assess against the same SSIP core criteria
✔ Review your health & safety systems
✔ Require the same level of compliance

Learn more in our SSIP accreditation explained guide

Why Do SSIP Scheme Prices Differ?

If the standards are the same, why do prices vary so much?

Brand Recognition

Some schemes, like CHAS, are:

• Widely recognised
• Often named in tenders
• Preferred by larger contractors
• Owned by a large US corporation

This drives higher pricing.

Market Demand

Many contractors assume:

“I need CHAS”

But in reality:

Many clients accept any SSIP scheme. This creates artificial demand for higher-cost options, like CHAS, which is owned by a US corporation and keeps raising prices.

Administration & Service Model

Some schemes include:

• Faster review times
• Additional memberships
• Extra services

This can increase cost — without changing the assessment standard.

The Key Point Contractors Miss

You may not need the most expensive accreditation.

Many:

• Main contractors
• Local authorities
• Commercial clients

Accept any valid SSIP scheme.

Always Check First

Before applying:

Ask your client:

“Which SSIP schemes do you accept?”

This simple step can save you hundreds of pounds every year.

The Real Cost of SSIP Accreditation

The scheme fee is only part of the picture.

Most contractors also need:

• Site-specific RAMS
• A compliant Health & Safety Policy
• Training and competency records
• Competent Person support
• Ongoing document management

Where Costs Increase

Costs rise when:

❌ Documents are missing
❌ Applications are rejected
❌ Revisions are required
❌ Submissions are delayed

This is where most contractors lose time and money.

How to Save Money: The Cost vs Time Trade-Off

You can:

Option 1: Do It Yourself

• Lower upfront cost
• Higher risk of delays
• More time required

Option 2: Get Expert Support

• Slightly higher upfront cost
• Faster approval
• Less stress
• Higher success rate

See our done-for-you CHAS support service

SSIP Cost vs Value

SSIP isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment.

With accreditation, you can:

✔ Win more contracts
✔ Access new supply chains
✔ Reduce PQQ paperwork
✔ Improve compliance systems

Many contractors recover the cost from one job alone.

Cost Comparison Insight

Lowest cost: PQS (£119 + VAT)
Highest cost: Constructionline Bronze (£498 + VAT)

But remember: Both assess the same core standard.

Top Tips to Save Money on SSIP

1 Ask Your Client First

You may not need the most expensive scheme.

2 Choose the Right Scheme

Match your accreditation to your work and clients.

See our  CHAS vs Constructionline comparison

3 Prepare Documents Properly

Avoid delays and rework.

Read common reasons CHAS applications fail

4 Get Advice Early

The right guidance saves time, money, and frustration.

The Smart Way to Manage SSIP Cost

Most contractors don’t fail because of cost…

They fail because of poor preparation.

✔ Done For You SSIP Support

At Seguro Health & Safety, we help you:

✔ Choose the right scheme
✔ Prepare compliant documents
✔ Complete your application
✔ Handle assessor queries

This reduces delays and avoids repeat costs.

Get SSIP Accredited Without Overspending

If you want to:

✔ Choose the right scheme
✔ Avoid unnecessary costs
✔ Get approved first time

Speak to our team today and get expert support

Start here: Done For You CHAS Accreditation

Frequantly Ask Questions

How much does SSIP accreditation cost in the UK?

SSIP accreditation typically costs between £119 + VAT and £498 + VAT, depending on the scheme, business size and level. All SSIP schemes assess the same core criteria, so the price difference is usually due to brand recognition and administration rather than higher standards.

Why do SSIP schemes have different prices?

SSIP scheme prices differ due to brand recognition, market demand and administration models. Although costs vary, all SSIP member schemes assess contractors against the same core health and safety criteria.

Is CHAS more expensive than other SSIP schemes?

CHAS is often more expensive than other SSIP schemes because it is widely recognised and frequently specified in tenders. However, it does not assess a higher standard than other SSIP schemes.

Are cheaper SSIP schemes less valid?

No. All SSIP member schemes are assessed against the same core criteria, meaning lower-cost schemes provide the same level of health and safety compliance as higher-cost options.

What does the SSIP accreditation fee include?

The SSIP fee typically covers the assessment of your health and safety policies, risk assessments, training records and compliance systems. It does not usually include document preparation or consultancy support.

What additional costs should contractors expect?

Additional costs may include preparing risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), updating your health and safety policy, providing training records, and getting competent person support. These are often required to pass the assessment.

Can I reduce SSIP accreditation costs?

Yes. You can reduce SSIP costs by choosing the right scheme for your client’s requirements, preparing your documents correctly the first time, and avoiding repeated submissions or delays.

Do all clients accept any SSIP scheme?

Many clients accept any SSIP member scheme, but some specify particular schemes such as CHAS. It is important to check client requirements before applying to avoid unnecessary costs.

Is SSIP accreditation worth the cost?

SSIP accreditation is often worth the cost because it helps contractors demonstrate compliance, reduce prequalification paperwork, and gain access to more contracts and tender opportunities.

Can Seguro help reduce the cost of SSIP accreditation?

Yes. Seguro Health and Safety can help you choose the right scheme, prepare compliant documents, complete your application and avoid costly delays or failed submissions.