What is APL?

The Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) is an initiative for the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) designed for contractors in Grades 2 - 6 to a assess their existing capabilities and identify what training they need to grow. It recognizes what contractors already know and what they’ve already achieved even if they don’t have formal qualifications - so that development is targeted, relevant, and meaningful. The benchmark for the APL is the
CIDB Competence Standard, part of the regulated CIDB

How It Works

1. Apply for APL: submit your application online for the APL assessment.
2. Assessment: our prior learning, experience and capability are reviewed against the cidb Competence Standard
to identify gaps.
3. Training and Development: based on the assessment findings, you’ll be offered top-up training to close the
The Importance of involvement in APL Engaging in the APL program empowers contractors to:
• Acknowledge their strengths while solidifying their expertise and experience.
• Spot and tackle skill gaps before they hinder progress.
• Take advantage of complimentary training opportunities, as cidb covers all expenses.
• Equip themselves to pursue superior contracts, enhance performance, and establish trustworthy track records.
identified gaps, 100% subsidized by the cidb.

How To Apply

To submit, please visit www.cidb.org.za and find the section titled “cidb Programmes for Developing Contractors.”
You can either download the application form for manual submission or request it via email. 

Completed applications may be handed in at the cidb Western Cape Provincial office, emailed, or delivered to the
following municipal representatives: Jean - Claude Ladouce (Oudtshoorn) - Assessment date: 26 November 2025.
Jofre Lottering (Bitou) - Assessement date: 27 November 2025.  Luvo Bomvana (George) -
Assessment date: 28 November 2025.
For inquiries or assistance, please reach out to the cidb: Tel: 086 100 2432 or 021 488 5866
Physical: 4 Dorp Street, cidb provincial office Email: cidbwc@cidb.org.za

The Importance of Involvement in APL

Engaging in the APL program empowers contractors to:
• Acknowledge their strengths while solidifying their expertise and experience.
• Spot and tackle skill gaps before they hinder progress.
• Take advantage of complimentary training opportunities, as cidb
covers all expenses.
• Equip themselves to pursue superior contracts, enhance performance, and establish trustworthy track records.

Who Should Participate?

Construction Contractors cidb grades 2-6. 

Should you be registered with the cidb Register of Contractors with a grade between 2 and 6, the APL is designed
specifically, for you. It’s perfect for aspiring contractors eager to advance their business, enhance their systems,
and boost their competitive edge.