How to Get CHAS Accreditation: Complete Guide (2026)
What is CHAS?
CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a UK accreditation that proves your business meets recognised health and safety standards. It is widely used in construction, facilities management, and public-sector procurement.
CHAS accreditation helps you:
- Win more tenders
- Demonstrate compliance with health and safety law
- Reduce contractor onboarding checks
- Build credibility with clients
- Align with CDM 2015 competency requirements
Quick Answer: How to Get CHAS Accreditation
To get CHAS, you must:
- Choose your CHAS level (CHAS Basic, CHAS Advanced, or CHAS Elite).
- Register your business on the CHAS portal.
- Upload evidence of your health and safety management systems.
- Provide policies, training records, insurance, RAMS, and competence documentation.
- Wait for CHAS assessors to review your application.
- Respond to any improvement requests.
- Receive your certificate and listing once approved.
If you’re looking to apply, here’s a full guide to what CHAS is.
CHAS Accreditation Levels (2026)
1. CHAS Basic (Core H&S)
Covers:
- Health & safety policy
- Risk assessments & method statements
- Training & competence
- Accident reporting
- First aid
- Basic legal compliance
Suitable for small contractors or sole traders.
2. CHAS Advanced (PAS 91 Compliant)
Includes everything in Basic PLUS:
- Environmental management
- Quality management
- Equal opportunities
- Anti-bribery & corruption
- Financial standing
Often required in public-sector tenders.
3. CHAS Elite (SSIP + Common Assessment Standard)
Highest level covers:
- Health & safety
- Quality
- Environmental
- Financial
- Sustainability
- GDPR/data protection
- Modern slavery & corporate responsibility
Often required for major contractors, councils, housing associations.
Step-by-Step: How to Get CHAS Accreditation
Step 1 – Choose Your CHAS Level
The level you need depends on the clients you want to work with.
Construction companies usually require:
- Basic for subcontractors
- Advanced or Elite for principal contractors or tender-heavy work
Step 2 – Register on the CHAS Portal
Go to the CHAS portal and create an account.
You’ll enter:
- Company name
- Address
- SIC code
- Number of employees
- Sector (construction, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
Step 3 – Gather Your Evidence
This is the most important part. Check out the CHAS criteria you will need.
Required Documents for CHAS Basic
You must upload:
- Health & Safety Policy (signed & dated)
- Risk Assessments
- Method Statements
- COSHH assessments (if relevant)
- Accident/incident reporting process
- Training certificates (CSCS, asbestos awareness, manual handling, etc.)
- Proof of competence for workers
- Subcontractor management process
- Insurance documents (EL/PL)
Additional Documents for CHAS Advanced
- Environmental Policy
- Waste management
- Equality & Diversity Policy
- Quality Policy
- Anti-bribery Policy
Additional Documents for CHAS Elite
- GDPR processes
- Modern slavery statement
- Corporate social responsibility policy
- Supply chain compliance processes
Step 4 – Upload Everything to the Portal
CHAS guides you section by section.
You will tick off each compliance requirement as you upload evidence.
Step 5 – Assessment Begins
A CHAS assessor reviews your documents for compliance with:
- HSE requirements
- CDM 2015 duties
- SSIP standards
- PAS 91 (Advanced)
- CAS standard (Elite)
Typical review time: 3/10 days
Step 6 – Respond to Any Actions
If something is missing or incorrect, CHAS will send an “Action Request.”
Most common reasons for rejection:
❌ Out-of-date H&S policy
❌ Missing risk assessments
❌ Insurance expired
❌ No evidence of training
❌ No subcontractor management system
Once you fix the issues, resubmit.
Step 7 – Receive Your CHAS Certificate
Once approved, you get:
- Certificate (PDF)
- Digital logo for your website
- Listing on the CHAS contractor search
CHAS is valid for 12 months.
How much does CHAS cost?
CHAS costs vary depending on the size of your business and the level you require. All the CHAS costs are detailed here.
CHAS Renewal
Your CHAS registration lasts for 12 months; after that, you will need to renew it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get CHAS accreditation?
To get CHAS accreditation, you need to choose the correct CHAS level, complete the online application, upload your health and safety evidence, respond to any assessor queries and wait for approval. Alternatively, Seguro can do it for you.
What documents do I need for CHAS accreditation?
Typical documents needed for CHAS accreditation include a health and safety policy, RAMS, training records, insurance certificates, accident reporting procedures, first aid arrangements and evidence of competent health and safety advice.
How long does CHAS accreditation take?
CHAS accreditation timescales depend on how complete and accurate your documents are. Applications can be delayed if information is missing, policies are outdated, RAMS are too generic or insurance details do not match the application.
What is the difference between CHAS Standard, Advanced and Elite?
CHAS Standard focuses on core health and safety compliance. CHAS Advanced includes broader checks, including environmental, quality, and financial information. CHAS Elite is aligned with the Common Assessment Standard and is the most comprehensive level.
Why do CHAS applications get delayed?
CHAS applications are often delayed because documents are missing, policies are unsigned or out of date, RAMS are not suitable, training records are incomplete, insurance documents are incorrect, or assessor queries are not answered quickly.
How can I pass CHAS the first time?
To improve your chances of passing CHAS the first time, make sure all documents are complete, current, consistent and relevant to your work. Check RAMS, training evidence, insurance, accident procedures and competent person details before submitting.
Can Seguro help me get CHAS accredited?
Yes. Seguro Health and Safety can help contractors get CHAS accredited by preparing documents, checking evidence, completing the application, uploading information to the CHAS portal and responding to assessor queries. Learn more about how Seguro can support you with the complete service.
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Related CHAS Guides
- How to get CHAS accreditation
- What is CHAS?
- CHAS assessment criteria checklist
- CHAS accreditation cost
- Common reasons CHAS fails
- CHAS v constructionline
- Do I need to be a CHAS-accredited contractor
- CHAS registration
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- SSIP accreditation and CHAS
- CHAS deem to satisfy
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- Quick guide to CHAS
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