PAS 91 vs Common Assessment Standard: What’s the Difference?

What Is PAS 91?

PAS 91 was a standardised pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) developed to streamline supplier selection in the UK construction industry.

It was designed to:

• Reduce duplication across procurement processes.
• Standardise compliance questions.
• Support fair and transparent contractor selection.

The PAS 91 questionnaire covered areas such as:

• Health and safety
• Financial standing
• Environmental management
• Equal opportunities
• Insurance
• Quality management

For many years, PAS 91 formed the backbone of pre-qualification across public and private sector construction projects.

Why Was PAS 91 Introduced?

What Is the Common Assessment Standard (CAS)?

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

The Common Assessment Standard does not simply replace PAS 91, it strengthens it.

Which Standard Should You Use?

Is PAS 91 Still Used?

This transition was reinforced by the UK Government’s Procurement Policy Note (PPN 03/24), which formally supports the use of the Common Assessment Standard in public sector construction procurement. As a result, most public sector buyers now expect suppliers to demonstrate compliance with the Common Assessment Standard rather than PAS 91.

However, some buyers and procurement teams may still reference PAS 91 terminology. In practice, most recognised assessment providers now align with the Common Assessment Standard.

Contractors who previously held PAS 91 accreditation have typically transitioned to CAS compliance.

Why the Change Matters for Contractors

The shift from PAS 91 to the Common Assessment Standard reflects a broader change in industry expectations.

Today’s procurement process prioritises:

• Demonstrable risk management
• Building safety compliance
• Supply chain transparency
• Financial stability
• Ongoing regulatory alignment

For buyers and suppliers, compliance is no longer just about ticking boxes, it is about evidencing capability and governance.

How Does the Common Assessment Standard Improve Risk Management?

The updated framework strengthens risk management by requiring:

• Clear safety leadership structures
• Defined compliance responsibilities
• Evidence of policy implementation
• Documented procedures
• Accountability across the supply chain

In the context of the Building Safety Act, this enhanced scrutiny helps ensure qualified contractors are involved in the project from the outset.

What Should Contractors Do Now?

If your organisation previously completed a PAS 91 questionnaire UK submission, you should:

1. Confirm your accreditation aligns with the Common Assessment Standard
2. Review policies for Building Safety Act compliance
3. Ensure documentation is regularly updated
4. Monitor changes in procurement expectations

Early preparation prevents delays during tender submissions.

Transitioning From PAS 91 to CAS: 4‑Step Plan

The Future of Pre-Qualification in Construction

Pre-qualification standards will continue evolving as regulatory and industry expectations grow.

We are likely to see:

• Increased digital verification
• Stronger ESG measurement
• Greater focus on competence and safety
• Ongoing reform linked to building safety legislation

The Common Assessment Standard represents a step toward more robust and transparent contractor assessment.

Final Thoughts

PAS-91 played an important role in standardising pre-qualification across the construction industry. However, the Common Assessment Standard now sets the benchmark.

For contractors, buyers and suppliers, understanding this shift is essential to maintaining compliance, protecting reputation and succeeding in today’s procurement landscape.

If you need support managing compliance documentation or navigating evolving assessment standards, our team can help streamline and structure the process efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions