SOA classifications, amounts and requirements
The SOA Certificate is a mandatory document for companies wishing to participate in tenders for public works worth more than €150,000. The certification attests a company’s qualification for specific works categories and classifications, based on the applicable economic, technical and organizational requirements.
SOA certificate classifications and amounts
Companies are qualified in different classifications, each corresponding to a specific maximum value of works that can be carried out. The table below shows the various classifications with their respective economic limits.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| I | up to 258,000 euros |
| II | up to 516,000 euros |
| III | up to 1,033,000 euros |
| III-bis | up to 1,500,000 euros |
| IV | up to 2,582,000 euros |
| IV-bis | up to 3,500,000 euros |
| V | up to 5,165,000 euros |
| VI | up to 10,329,000 euros |
| VII | up to 15,494,000 euros |
| VIII | over 15,494,000 euros |
FAQ
What is the difference between SOA categories, classifications and amounts?
SOA categories identify the type of work a company is qualified to carry out (e.g. building, roads, systems).
SOA classifications, on the other hand, indicate the company’s economic capacity, i.e. the maximum value of works it can carry out.
SOA amounts are the economic limits associated with each classification, from I to VIII
What are SOA categories?
SOA categories represent the different types of work provided for by the Italian Public Contracts Code.
They are divided into OG (General Works) categories and OS (Specialised Works) categories and define the technical scope within which a company is qualified to operate in public procurement.
What are SOA classifications?
SOA classifications indicate the company’s economic and financial capacity.
Each classification (from I to VIII) corresponds to a maximum value of works the company can carry out in the category for which it is qualified.
For example, classification III allows a company to take part in works worth up to approximately 1,033,000 euros.
What is meant by SOA amount?
The SOA amount is the maximum economic value of works a company can carry out with its certificate, determined by the classification held.
What is the difference between “classifiche SOA” and “classificazioni SOA”?
In fact, there is no difference: the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, the correct term according to the legislation is “Classifica SOA”, not “classificazione SOA”.
Classifica SOA = official term
Classificazione SOA = unofficial but widely used synonym
What is a “key project” for SOA qualification?
A key project is a project completed by the company and used to demonstrate the technical capacity required to obtain a specific SOA classification. It proves that the company can carry out works of a certain financial value and complexity in the category for which it is seeking qualification.
How are key projects calculated?
- One project worth at least 40% of the requested classification;
- Or two projects with a combined value of at least 55%;
- Or three projects with a combined value of at least 65%.
These projects are called “key projects” because they represent the company’s most significant contracts during the period considered.
How should SOA classifications be read?
Each SOA classification is identified by a Roman numeral (I–VIII) and corresponds to a value band.
Example:
- I → up to €258,000
- II → up to €516,000
III → up to €1,033,000
How is the maximum amount a company can carry out calculated?
The maximum amount is determined by:
- the SOA classification (e.g. III = up to €1,033,000)
- the category (e.g. OG3 = roads)
→ therefore, an OG3 company in classification III can carry out road works up to €1,033,000.
Can I increase my SOA classification?
Yes
A company can request an increase in classification by demonstrating:
- that it has carried out works of a higher value,
- that it still meets the required economic, financial and technical requirements.
Simulate the cost of SOA certification
To find out the cost and minimum requirements of SOA certification based on category and classification
