The italian Qualification System

ANAC (Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority) is an independent administrative authority tasked with preventing corruption across all areas of public administration. Its core functions include oversight of public contracts, promotion of transparency, supervision of anti-corruption regulations, and the exercise of inspection and sanctioning powers. ANAC also supervises contracting authorities, companies, and SOAs in the public works sector.

An SOA (Certification Body) is a private-law company, authorised by ANAC, that issues the mandatory certification required for companies wishing to participate in public works tenders exceeding €150,000. The certification confirms a company’s capacity to execute public works based on specific regulatory requirements.

No. ANAC supervises and regulates SOAs but does not issue certifications, which are exclusively issued by authorised SOAs.

Only SOAs authorised by ANAC may issue SOA certification. The official list is published on ANAC’s website.

SOA certification is valid for five years from issuance and publication on the ANAC website.

Yes. In the third year, the certified company must enter into a review agreement with the same SOA that issued the original certification, covering the ongoing compliance with financial, contributory, and general requirements.

SOAs verify that a company meets the economic, technical, and legal-fiscal requirements necessary to participate in public works tenders exceeding €150,000. Certification confirms financial soundness, availability of appropriate equipment, and qualified personnel.

Oversight and supervision of SOAs are entrusted to ANAC, which exercises regulatory and sanctioning powers.

OG (General Works) and OS (Specialised Works) categories are technical classifications used for contractor qualification.

• OG categories  cover general infrastructure works.
• OS categories relate to highly specialised technical works.

The Work Completion Certificate (CEL) is issued by the client and countersigned by the supervising engineer, certifying the proper execution of contracted works. It is a mandatory supporting document for SOA certification and demonstrates the company’s capacity to perform works within the requested categories and class rankings

The FVOE is a digital file managed by ANAC that consolidates the documentation required by contracting authorities and SOAs to verify eligibility requirements for participation in public tenders or for SOA certification.

No. Consultants may support companies in preparing applications, but only authorised SOAs are empowered to verify requirements and issue certification.

Only for contracts with a value below €150,000. For higher-value public works, SOA certification is mandatory.

The rules are set out in the Public Contracts Code (Legislative Decree No. 36/2023) and detailed in Annex II.12. ANAC Resolution No. 413 of 22 October 2025 approved an updated Operational Manual providing guidance and interpretative clarifications on the application of the legislation.

Yes. ANAC has the authority to impose sanctions, suspend activities, and revoke authorisation of SOAs operating in the qualification market.

No. Companies may apply directly to authorised SOAs and prepare the application independently, in coordination with SOA staff.

No. An SOA is a privately owned joint-stock company operating under public procurement legislation and subject to ANAC’s independent oversight.

The official list of authorised SOAs is available on ANAC’s website: servizi.anticorruzione.it/