Pick once, pick right, and don't pay for the same thing twice
With several prequalification schemes on offer, the choice can feel confusing — but it usually comes down to a few practical questions. First, which scheme do your clients require? That often decides it. Second, will it be recognised by Totika, so you can prequalify once for many buyers? Third, what does it cost, demand and renew like? And finally, do you already hold something — like ISO 45001 or a SafePlus assessment — that could qualify you without starting from scratch?
The market usually makes the decision for you.
Before comparing features, ask the businesses you want to work for which prequalification they require. Many large principals and government buyers specify a particular scheme — or accept Totika. If your key clients all accept Totika, the question shifts from “which scheme?” to “which Totika member scheme suits me best?”. If a single major client mandates a specific platform such as ISN or Avetta, that may settle it on its own.
Totika exists to stop you doing the same thing many times.
Totika is New Zealand's cross-industry prequalification standard, governed by CHASNZ. Its whole purpose is to let you prequalify once through a member scheme and be recognised by any buyer that uses Totika — instead of repeating the process for each client. Where your clients accept it, a Totika-recognised route is usually the most efficient choice, because the effort you put in works across multiple buyers rather than just one.
Look past the sign-up price to the ongoing commitment.
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Client acceptance | Do the clients you want actually accept this scheme or Totika recognition? |
| Totika recognition | Is it a Totika member scheme or recognised entry point, so it works across buyers? |
| Cost | Annual fees (usually contractor-paid), setup costs, and whether you'd pay for more than one. |
| Category & effort | The Totika category for your size and risk, and the documentation it requires. |
| Renewal frequency | How often you must re-assess or re-certify (this varies by scheme and category). |
| Support & usability | How easy the platform is to use, and the help available to get over the line. |
Totika categorises suppliers (eg sole trader through to larger businesses) and renewal timeframes differ by scheme and category. Confirm current details with the scheme. Source: CHASNZ / Totika.
You may be closer to qualified than you think.
If you already hold an accredited AS/NZS ISO 45001 certification, or have completed a SafePlus on-site assessment or a Q-Safe assessment, you may already be eligible for Totika recognition without going through a full member-scheme prequalification. Before paying for a new assessment, check whether something you hold is already a recognised entry point — it can save both time and money.
General information, not legal advice. Schemes, categories and recognition arrangements change. Confirm current requirements with the scheme, with Totika/CHASNZ, and with your client before deciding.
Three questions usually get you there.
Get a system that keeps your prequalification evidence current for any scheme you pick. Book a demo and we'll show you how it works — free 30-day trial included.
Start with what your clients require — that often decides it. Then favour a Totika-recognised route so you can prequalify once for many buyers, weigh the cost, effort and renewal frequency, and check whether something you already hold (like ISO 45001 or a SafePlus assessment) already qualifies you.
Not necessarily, but Totika is designed so you prequalify once and are recognised by any buyer that uses it. Where your clients accept Totika, a recognised route is usually the most efficient choice because the effort works across multiple buyers.
Often, yes. Because many New Zealand schemes tie into Totika, a single Totika-recognised prequalification commonly satisfies multiple clients. Check acceptance before signing up to several platforms, since fees are usually contractor-paid and can add up.
It may. An accredited ISO 45001 certification, or a completed SafePlus or Q-Safe assessment, can be a recognised entry point to Totika. Check before paying for a new assessment — you may already be eligible.
