SOA
certification for businesses
SOA certification confirms a company’s qualification for specific works categories and classifications. The process covers the contract, supporting evidence, qualification assessment and issuance of the certificate.
What is SOA certification?
SOA certification confirms the company’s economic-financial and technical-organisational requirements. It defines the types of works it can carry out and the corresponding contract values.
Categories: which works
The OG categories cover general works; the OS categories cover specialised works. They specify the types of works for which the company is qualified.
Explore the categoriesClassifications: which amounts
They specify the amount level for each category, including the intermediate classifications III-bis and IV-bis, in accordance with the applicable limits and rules.
View the classificationsFewer documents to resubmit when tendering. Any additional checks required for the individual procedure still apply.
Who issues the certificate
Only Certification Bodies (SOAs): private companies authorised and supervised by ANAC, which are bound by obligations of independence and impartiality.
| Activity | SOA body | Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | Examines the documents and requests the necessary supporting evidence. | Can help the company organise its documents. |
| Verification of requirements | Carries out the preliminary assessment and checks with the relevant bodies. | Can support the company without replacing the SOA’s checks. |
| Issuance | Takes responsibility for issuing the certificate following a successful preliminary assessment. | Does not issue the certificate and cannot guarantee the outcome. |
You can contact an authorised SOA directly. During the preliminary assessment, you will receive clarification on the requirements and the documents to be submitted. The official list of authorised bodies is available on the ANAC website.
Who must hold an SOA
From €150,000
Generally speaking, to participate in tendering procedures and carry out public works, subject to any specific applicable provisions.
- • Subcontractors: the requirement applies when the value of the works awarded reaches the specified threshold.
- • Temporary joint ventures (RTI) and consortia: specific rules on qualification and the allocation of requirements apply. A temporary joint venture does not necessarily need to hold a single certificate.
Services and supplies: separate regulations
Article 100(10) of the Code provides for specific regulatory provisions. The SOA for works does not automatically extend to services and supplies: the scope, requirements and procedures depend on the implementing regulations.
How to obtain the SOA certificate
The procedure can be initiated at the CQOP office nearest to the company.
Estimate the feeApplication
Signing of the contract specifying the categories and classifications requested.
Documentation
Submission to CQOP of all documents required to obtain qualification.
Preliminary assessment
Case taken on and verification of the documentation.
Certification
Issue of the certificate following a successful preliminary assessment and entry into the ANAC system. The certificate is valid for 5 years, subject to verification that the requirements are still met in the third year.
Validity, verification and renewal
The certificate is valid for five years, subject to the three-year review. Planning deadlines is part of the process.
Issuance
The certificate is issued following a successful preliminary assessment and entered into the ANAC system.
Assessment timeframes
The standard timeframe is 90 days from signing the contract. The process may be suspended for clarifications or additional documents, for up to a further 90 days in total. The review must be issued or refused within the overall limit of 180 days.
Three-year review
The continued fulfilment of the requirements is checked by the same SOA that issued the certificate.
When to request it
The review must be requested from the same SOA that issued the certificate, between 90 days before and the three-year expiry date. The process is completed within 45 days of signing the contract, unless suspended for further assessments and checks, for a maximum of another 45 days.
Renewal
A new preliminary assessment evaluates the requirements for the next qualification period.
When to request it
The renewal contract must be signed at least 90 days before the five-year expiry date, with the same SOA or another authorised body.
Continuity requires advance planning. CQOP monitors deadlines and schedules activities with the company. Keep your contact details up to date, respond to requests for documents and report company changes: starting late may jeopardise qualification and participation in tenders.
ANAC Oversight and Quality
- • Regulation and control: ANAC oversees public contracts, carries out inspections of SOAs and conducts spot checks on applications.
- • Measures: it may impose sanctions and take other measures.
- • Databases: it manages the BDNCP, FVOE, the register of certified companies and the list of authorised SOAs.
ISO 9001 and SOA
SOA certification for classifications above Class II requires that the company hold certification for its Quality Management System in sector EA28, in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 9001 standard.
ISO 9001
The certificate is issued by bodies accredited in accordance with the international European EA (European Cooperation for Accreditation) conventions.
SOA CERTIFICATION
This demonstrates the company’s ability to carry out, either directly or through subcontractors, public works contracts with a value of 150,000 euros or more.
The SOA in private construction projects
It may be required by law or valued by the client as proof of the contractor’s qualifications.
Building tax relief · over €516,000
For subsidised works covered by Article 10-bis of Decree-Law 21/2022, the contractor’s SOA is a prerequisite for tax relief.
- Threshold excluding VAT.
- Amount relating to each main contract and subcontract, in accordance with the applicable rules.
Credit-based licence · from Class III
An SOA classified as Class III or higher exempts the contractor from the requirement for a licence on temporary or mobile construction sites. Other health and safety obligations remain in force.
Private clients
Even where it is not mandatory, it may be requested or valued by clients, general contractors and property developers.
SOA for foreign companies
Companies based abroad may also qualify, subject to compliance with Italian legislation and applicable international agreements.
- EU companies: these may access the Italian qualification system.
- Non-EU companies: the agreements and conditions applicable to the country of origin must be checked.
- Documentation: compliance with the requirements is demonstrated using documents from the country of origin. The SOA verifies their suitability and compliance with Italian requirements, requesting any necessary translations and formalities.
Legislative references
The Public Contracts Code and the decrees amending it, as well as decisions and notices issued by the Supervisory Authority.
SOA certification for companies: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SOA attestation and SOA certification?
In everyday language, the terms ‘SOA certification’, ‘SOA certificate’ and ‘SOA attestation’ are used interchangeably; the legislation refers to a ‘qualification attestation’. CQOP SOA issues the attestation upon completion of the preliminary assessment of the requirements; it is valid for five years, subject to verification that the requirements are still met in the third year.
How do I obtain SOA attestation or certification?
To obtain SOA certification, the applicant company must sign a specific contract and demonstrate, through verifiable documents and declarations, that it has met certain (technical/economic) requirements over a specific period of time, as established by the Public Procurement Code and ANAC guidelines.
How long does it take to obtain SOA attestation or certification?
After the contract is signed, the SOA verifies the qualification requirements within ninety days, which may be extended, for additions or missing documents, for a total period not exceeding a further 90 days. Within no more than 180 days from the signing of the contract, the SOA is required to issue or refuse the certificate.
How long is SOA attestation or certification valid?
SOA certification is valid for five years, with a mandatory three-year review. It is issued following a review of the documents submitted by the applicant company in accordance with current Italian legislation and the guidelines issued by the supervisory authority ANAC (Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority).
Who is the technical director for SOA attestation or certification?
The Technical Director is a necessary and essential role for obtaining SOA Certification and may be one or more persons. The Technical Director must hold a suitable qualification or, for classifications below IV, the permitted professional experience. The designated persons may not hold a similar position in other companies.
Can a new company obtain an SOA attestation or certificate?
Yes, a new company can apply for SOA certification, provided it has completed at least one financial year with duly approved and filed financial statements. These financial statements must demonstrate the economic and financial requirements for the requested categories and classifications. In addition, net equity must be positive.
Which categories can it qualify for?
Start the procedure for your SOA certification: download the requirements sheet or contact the nearest CQOP office.
