Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Austroads has released the updated National Prequalification System (NPS) Requirements Template, providing road agencies with a consistent framework they can adapt to suit local legislation and operational needs.
The revised template outlines the minimum requirements, assessment processes and standards used to evaluate a contractor’s capability, technical competence and financial capacity to deliver road and bridge construction projects. It supports nationally consistent eligibility criteria, prequalification categories, financial levels and mutual‑recognition pathways across participating jurisdictions.
This new edition incorporates several refinements, including updated guidance on financial assessment timeframes, joint venture arrangements and requirements for overseas contractors, enhancing transparency and improving national consistency.
“The updated template strengthens national alignment while giving jurisdictions the flexibility to adapt the framework to their local operating environments,” said Ross Guppy, Austroads Transport Infrastructure Program Manager.
“By providing a clear, consistent baseline for contractor assessment, the NPS helps agencies manage risk, support fair competition and maintain high standards across the road and bridge construction sector.”
The updated template will assist agencies in administering prequalification and improve comparability between jurisdictions, while reducing duplication for contractors seeking recognition across states and territories.
Please note: This is a template for road agencies only. Companies must not use this version when submitting prequalification or mutual recognition applications. Each road agency has produced a local version of this document that can be downloaded from their website. Links to the agencies’ websites can be found here.
For road agencies only: National Prequalification System for Civil (Road and Bridge) Construction Template