The role of the CEL in company qualification

The Works Execution Certificate as a key element in obtaining SOA certification.

€150,000Public procurement threshold

100%Mandatory for SOA certification

What is the CEL?

The CEL (Works Execution Certificate) is a certificate that a company requests from a public and/or private client to demonstrate that it meets the technical and organisational suitability requirement: having carried out, within a given period, works of a specified value in one or more categories set out in the Public Procurement Code.

Information to include in the CEL

Client details

  • Company name
  • Identification details
  • Works director

Contract details

  • Contract identification details
  • Contractor
  • Location of the works

Description of the works

  • Type of work carried out
  • Value of the works
  • Categories (OG/OS)

Dates and schedule

  • Works start date
  • Works completion date
  • Works accounting

Subcontracts

  • Subcontractors
  • Works carried out
  • Subcontract values

Disputes

  • Any disputes

CEL for public works

  • Issued by: Contracting authority (RUP + Works Director)
  • Method: Electronically through the ANAC portal
  • Identification: Using the CIG code
  • SOA verification: Direct access to the ANAC database

Standard template: Single format managed by ANAC

Visit the ANAC portal to find out how to obtain the CEL

ANAC portal

CEL for private works

  • Issued by: Client’s legal representative + Works Director
  • Method: Handwritten or digital signatures
  • Documentation: Contract, invoices, drawings, bills of quantities and permits
  • SOA verification: Direct verification of the authenticity and consistency of the documents

Template: Non-standard, based on the SOA’s template

CELs for works abroad

CELMAE (Italian companies working abroad)

  • Issued by Italian diplomatic missions
  • Electronic format through the ANAC procedure
  • Can be used for SOA certification

CELs for foreign companies

  • Must be legalised (Apostille)
  • Sworn translation into Italian
  • Supporting technical and financial documentation
  • More detailed verification by the SOA

CEL: frequently asked questions

What is the CEL (Works Execution Certificate)?

It is the document that a company must submit to the SOA to demonstrate the scope and proper execution of the works it carried out during the period eligible for qualification.

Is submitting a CEL mandatory for a company to obtain SOA certification?

Yes, it is required for all categories and cannot be replaced by other documents relating to the contract.

Who issues the Works Execution Certificate for public works?

The contracting authority, through the RUP, issues it electronically, and it is countersigned by the Works Director.
This document is available on the web platform managed by ANAC.

Who issues the Works Execution Certificate for private works?

The client, through its legal representative, with the countersignature of the Works Director.
The signature may be handwritten or digital.

Is there a standard template for the Works Execution Certificate for private works used to obtain SOA certification?

No. Each authorised SOA has prepared a template that complies with regulatory requirements as part of its certification procedure.

What information must the CEL (Works Execution Certificate) contain?

A CEL must include the following information:

  • Identification of the client and the Works Director.
  • Description of the contract and the contractor;
  • Description of the completed project and the works carried out, with the relevant qualification categories and their values;
  • Works start and completion dates;
  • Details of any permits issued by public authorities;
  • A list of any subcontractors;
  • Confirmation of the proper execution of the works and the absence of disputes.

What is the CELMAE?

The CELMAE is the document that an Italian company must submit to the SOA to demonstrate the works it has carried out abroad. It is available electronically on the platform managed by ANAC.

What are CELs for works abroad?

They are Works Execution Certificates for works carried out outside Italy by foreign companies.

Can CELs for works abroad be used to obtain SOA certification?

Yes, provided they contain the information needed to identify the client, the completed works, their financial value and their proper execution. They must be officially translated into Italian.