CHAS vs Constructionline
Both CHAS and Constructionline are SSIP-registered, so the honest answer is rarely “which is better”. It’s which one your clients ask for. Here’s how they line up, and when one is the clearer choice.
| CHAS | Constructionline | |
|---|---|---|
| SSIP-registered (Deem to Satisfy) | Yes | Yes |
| Common Assessment Standard | Yes | Yes |
| What it primarily is | Health & safety pre-qualification (with wider Common Assessment Standard tiers) | Procurement & pre-qualification database; its Acclaim assessment provides the SSIP H&S step |
| Most requested by | One of the most widely requested accreditations across UK main contractors and housing. | The most-requested membership for public-sector and large framework tenders (Gold tier). |
| Good fit if… | You want the most broadly recognised name and your clients tend to ask for CHAS by default. | You bid for public-sector, local-authority or framework work that lists Constructionline. |
Which should you choose?
Start with whichever scheme your main contractors and clients actually name on their PQQs. Because CHAS and Constructionline are both SSIP members, holding one is recognised in place of the other for the health-and-safety assessment under Deem to Satisfy, so you rarely need both. For public-sector and framework tenders, Constructionline (with Acclaim) is the membership most often requested.
Frequently asked questions
Is CHAS or Constructionline better?
Neither is universally better. Both are SSIP-registered, so they're mutually recognised under the SSIP "Deem to Satisfy" agreement. Hold whichever your main contractor or client asks for, and it's accepted in place of the other for the health-and-safety step.
Do I need both CHAS and Constructionline?
Usually not. Because both are SSIP members, one assessment is recognised by the other under Deem to Satisfy. You only need a second if a specific client insists on a named scheme you don't already hold.
Are CHAS and Constructionline recognised under the Common Assessment Standard?
Yes. Both are available under the Common Assessment Standard, the industry-backed single PQQ standard, so a CAS certification carries across.
Other scheme comparisons
Not sure which you need at all? Read the accreditation guides.
Whichever you choose, it expires in twelve months
CHAS and Constructionline both renew annually, on their own clock, with the same certificates uploaded again. TradeComply keeps every renewal date and document in one place and warns you 60 days before anything lapses. £9.90 a month, cancel whenever you like.
30 days free, then £9.90 a month or £99 a year. Cancel any time. Your documents stay exportable either way.