Cheapest SSIP Accreditation: PQS, CQMS and the Budget Routes Compared
Quick answer: If you only need to satisfy a health and safety prequalification requirement and the client accepts any SSIP member scheme, the cheapest routes are PQS (from £99+VAT for a sole trader) and CQMS (SSIP from around £149+VAT). Both are UKAS-accredited SSIP registered members, so a pass is recognised by other SSIP schemes through mutual recognition. The catch: a budget SSIP scheme only covers core health and safety — if your client specifically demands CHAS, Constructionline Gold, or full Common Assessment Standard certification, the cheaper scheme will not always be accepted.
Most guidance on construction accreditation steers SMEs straight to CHAS, because CHAS is the name buyers recognise. But CHAS is not always the cheapest way to meet an SSIP requirement, and for a small contractor watching every pound, the difference between schemes can be several hundred pounds a year. This guide compares the budget SSIP options against the better-known schemes so you can decide whether the cheaper route actually works for your situation.
Disclaimer: Pricing below is taken from each scheme's publicly listed figures and verified June 2026. Fees change and are often quoted per number of employees or per site — always confirm the current price directly with the scheme before applying. TenderReady is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or formally connected to SSIP or any of its member schemes.
First, Check What Your Client Actually Requires
Before comparing prices, answer one question: what does the contract or PQQ actually ask for? This single check decides whether a budget scheme is an option at all.
- "SSIP accreditation" or "an SSIP member scheme" — Any SSIP registered member satisfies this. The cheapest compliant scheme wins. This is where PQS and CQMS shine.
- "CHAS" (named specifically) — Some buyers name CHAS by habit. It is worth asking whether they will accept any SSIP scheme via mutual recognition — many will. If they genuinely require CHAS, you need CHAS.
- "Common Assessment Standard" or "CAS certification" — This is broader than core health and safety. Budget SSIP-only schemes do not cover the full Common Assessment Standard; you need a scheme that offers CAS (CHAS Elite, Constructionline Gold, or another CAS-recognised body).
- "Constructionline Gold" — A specific tier of a specific scheme. No substitute. See our Constructionline Gold guide.
If the requirement is simply "SSIP", read on — you may be overpaying.
The Budget SSIP Schemes
PQS (Pre-Qualification Scheme)
PQS is one of the cheapest SSIP routes on the market. It is a UKAS-accredited inspection body and a registered SSIP member, which means its certificate carries the same mutual-recognition status as larger schemes.
Publicly listed pricing (verified June 2026):
- £99 + VAT — sole trader (1 person)
- £119 + VAT — 2–4 personnel
- £149 + VAT — 5–99 personnel
- £199 + VAT — 100+ personnel
- £49 + VAT — "deem to satisfy" (if you already hold a valid SSIP certificate from another scheme and want a PQS certificate via mutual recognition)
PQS also offers 24- and 48-hour fast-track assessment for an additional fee, which is useful if you have a tender deadline.
CQMS
CQMS is another SSIP registered member offering a lower-cost route. Its SSIP health and safety assessment starts from around £149+VAT, and unlike PQS it also offers Common Assessment Standard certification, making it a possible budget route to CAS if your client requires more than core health and safety.
CQMS is worth a look specifically when you need CAS but want a cheaper assessment body than CHAS Elite.
SMAS Worksafe
SMAS sits between the budget schemes and CHAS on price, typically from around £299+VAT. It markets a high first-time pass rate and is widely accepted. It is covered in more detail, alongside Acclaim and Achilles, in our guide to SMAS, Acclaim and Achilles.
How the Schemes Compare
| Scheme | Indicative entry price (verified Jun 2026) | UKAS / SSIP | Offers full CAS? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PQS | From £99+VAT (sole trader) | UKAS-accredited, SSIP member | No (SSIP H&S only) | Cheapest core SSIP; deem-to-satisfy at £49 |
| CQMS | SSIP from ~£149+VAT | SSIP member, offers CAS | Yes | Budget route when CAS is needed |
| SMAS Worksafe | From ~£299+VAT | SSIP member | Via CAS option | Widely accepted mid-price scheme |
| CHAS | Standard from ~£279–£349+VAT; Elite higher | SSIP member, CAS via Elite | Yes (Elite) | Name recognition; public sector via Elite |
Prices are indicative entry points and frequently depend on headcount, number of sites, and the specific product tier. CHAS pricing is covered in depth in our accreditation costs guide.
When the Budget Route Is the Right Call
A cheaper SSIP scheme makes sense when:
- The contract asks only for "SSIP" with no named scheme.
- You are a sole trader or micro-business where the per-employee pricing of larger schemes pushes the cost up unnecessarily.
- You already hold one SSIP certificate and a second client wants a different scheme — use deem to satisfy (around £49 with PQS) rather than paying for a full second assessment. This is mutual recognition working in your favour.
- You need core health and safety approval quickly and on a budget, and can upgrade later if a bigger contract demands CHAS or CAS.
When to Pay More
Spend the extra on CHAS, Constructionline Gold, or full CAS certification when:
- A client names the scheme explicitly and will not accept alternatives.
- You are bidding for public sector work above the PPN 03/24 threshold, where the Common Assessment Standard is expected.
- You want the broadest recognition across Tier 1 supply chains, where CHAS and Constructionline are most familiar to procurement teams.
The mistake to avoid is buying the most expensive scheme by default. The mistake in the other direction is buying the cheapest scheme and then discovering it does not satisfy the one client you wanted to win. Match the scheme to the requirement, not to the brand.
Not sure which scheme any of your clients will accept? Our decision guide walks through the questions to ask before you apply.
Sources and References
- SSIP member schemes (registered members list) — ssip.org.uk
- PQS Pre-Qualification Scheme pricing and UKAS status — pqscheme.com
- Common Assessment Standard — Build UK
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available scheme information verified in June 2026 and common industry practice. Pricing changes frequently and depends on your business size and the scheme tier — always confirm current fees with the scheme directly. TenderReady is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of PQS, CQMS, SMAS, CHAS, SSIP, or any other named scheme.