How to Get SSIP Accreditation

How to Get SSIP Accreditation – Step-by-Step Guide for UK Contractors

Getting SSIP accreditation is one of the fastest ways to prove your health and safety compliance, meet client requirements, and win more work.

This guide breaks down the SSIP accreditation process, the schemes available, costs, and how to get approved without delays.

Quick Answer

To get SSIP accredited, you choose an approved scheme such as CHAS, PQS, Constructionline, SMAS, or SafeContractor, submit your health and safety documents for assessment, respond to any feedback, and once approved, your certification is recognised across other SSIP schemes.

The SSIP Accreditation Process

SSIP does not carry out assessments directly.

Instead, you apply through an approved SSIP member scheme, which will assess your business against the SSIP core criteria.

Step 1: Choose an SSIP Scheme

The most common schemes include:

• CHAS
• Constructionline
• SafeContractor
• SMAS
• PQS
• CQMS
• Builder’s Profile
• Avetta

Not sure which to choose? See our CHAS vs Constructionline comparison guide.

Important: All SSIP Schemes Are Equivalent

All SSIP schemes assess against the same core criteria.

The difference is usually:

• Price
• Brand recognition
• Client preference

For example:

• CHAS → widely recognised but higher cost
• PQS → lower cost option

Deem to Satisfy

SSIP includes a system called Deem to Satisfy (DTS).

This means:

✔ One accreditation can be recognised by another scheme
✔ You avoid repeating the full assessment
✔ You can upgrade or switch schemes easily

Learn more in our CHAS Deem to Satisfy guide.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

To pass your SSIP assessment, you must provide clear evidence of compliance.

This includes:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
• Training and competency records
• Insurance documentation
• Accident reporting procedures
• Evidence of monitoring and review

See the full requirements in our CHAS assessment criteria guide.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once your documents are ready:

• Complete your application through your chosen scheme
• Upload all supporting evidence
• Provide accurate company information

This is where most contractors make mistakes — incomplete or inconsistent submissions lead to delays.

Step 4: Respond to Assessor Feedback

Most applications are not approved immediately.

Assessors often request:

• Additional evidence
• Clarification on procedures
• Improved documentation

Fast and accurate responses are critical to avoid delays.

Avoid common issues by reading why CHAS applications fail.

Step 5: Get Approved

Once your submission meets the SSIP criteria:

✔ You receive your accreditation certificate
✔ You demonstrate compliance to clients
✔ You can access more work opportunities

What Does SSIP Accreditation Cover?

All SSIP assessments are based on the SSIP Core Criteria, which include:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Competent advice
• Training arrangements
• Monitoring, audit and review
• Workforce involvement
• Accident reporting and enforcement
• Subcontractor management
• Risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Cooperation with others
• Welfare provision
• Hazard identification and control

The assessment is tailored to your business size and type of work.

How Much Does SSIP Accreditation Cost?

Costs vary depending on the scheme and business size.

Typical differences:

• CHAS → higher cost
• PQS / smaller schemes → lower cost

Important: All SSIP assessments are equal, they are based on the same standard.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

The biggest costs usually come from:

❌ Poor documentation
❌ Failed applications
❌ Delays in approval

See our full CHAS cost breakdown guide.

How Long Does SSIP Accreditation Take?

Typical timelines:

• Initial assessment → around 10 working days
• With revisions → 1–3 weeks

The biggest factor is how prepared your documents are.

Benefits of SSIP Accreditation

Getting SSIP accredited allows you to:

✔ Demonstrate compliance with H&S legislation
✔ Reduce time spent on PQQs
✔ Use Deem to Satisfy to avoid duplication
✔ Improve internal health & safety systems
✔ Win more work and access new clients

Many contractors find the process acts as a full audit of their business.

Not Sure Which Scheme to Choose?

Choosing the wrong scheme can cost you time and money.

Start here:

• What is CHAS accreditation?
• CHAS vs Constructionline
• SSIP and CHAS explained

The Fastest Way to Get SSIP Approved

Most contractors try to complete SSIP themselves first…

Then experience delays, rework, or rejection.

✔ Done For You SSIP Accreditation

At Seguro Health & Safety, we:

✔ Prepare all documents
✔ Complete your application
✔ Handle assessor queries
✔ Get you approved faster

Documents ready in as little as 5 working days
Fixed fee — no hidden costs

Get SSIP Accredited Without the Stress

If you want to avoid delays and get approved the first time:

Speak to our team today, and we’ll handle the full process for you.

Start here: CHAS support and done-for-you accreditation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get SSIP accredited?

To get SSIP accredited, you choose an approved SSIP member scheme, prepare your health and safety documents, submit your evidence for assessment, respond to any assessor feedback and receive approval once your submission meets the SSIP core criteria.

Does SSIP carry out the assessment directly?

No. SSIP does not carry out assessments directly. You apply through an approved SSIP member scheme such as CHAS, SMAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline, PQS, CQMS, Builder’s Profile or Avetta.

Which SSIP scheme should I choose?

The best SSIP scheme depends on your client requirements, budget and the type of work you are tendering for. CHAS is widely recognised, while other schemes such as PQS may offer a lower-cost route to SSIP accreditation.

Are all SSIP schemes equivalent?

Yes. Approved SSIP member schemes assess against the same SSIP core criteria. The main differences are usually price, brand recognition, client preference and any additional membership benefits.

What documents do I need for SSIP accreditation?

Typical documents include a Health and Safety Policy, RAMS, COSHH assessments, training and competency records, insurance documentation, accident reporting procedures, evidence of monitoring and proof of competent health and safety advice.

How much does SSIP accreditation cost?

SSIP accreditation costs vary depending on the scheme, business size and level of accreditation. Some schemes are more expensive due to brand recognition or additional membership benefits, but all SSIP assessments are based on the same core standard.

How long does SSIP accreditation take?

Many SSIP schemes aim to complete an initial assessment within around 10 working days, but the total timescale depends on how prepared your documents are and whether the assessor asks for further evidence.

What does SSIP accreditation cover?

SSIP accreditation covers core health and safety management areas including policy, competent advice, training, risk assessments, safe systems of work, monitoring, workforce involvement, accident reporting, subcontractor management, welfare and hazard control.

What is SSIP Deem to Satisfy?

SSIP Deem to Satisfy allows one recognised SSIP accreditation to be accepted by another SSIP member scheme, helping reduce duplicate assessments, save time and lower administration costs.

Can Seguro help me get SSIP accredited?

Yes. Seguro Health and Safety can prepare your documents, complete your application, upload supporting evidence, respond to assessor queries, and help you get SSIP-accredited without unnecessary delays.