EN 18306:2026

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2026
Zagotavljanje storitev - Smernice za organizacije, ki zagotavljajo sezname
predhodno kvalificiranih, kvalificiranih ali izbranih ponudnikov storitev
Provision of services - Guidance for organizations which provide lists of prequalified,
qualified or shortlisted service providers
Erbringung von Dienstleistungen - Leitfaden für Organisationen, die Listen von
präqualifizierten, qualifizierten oder in die engere Wahl gezogenen Dienstleistern
bereitstellen
Prestation de services - Recommandations pour les organismes qui fournissent des
listes de prestataires préqualifiés, qualifiés ou présélectionnés
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18306
ICS:
03.080.20 Storitve za podjetja Services for companies
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 18306
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2026
ICS 03.080.20
English Version
Provision of services - Guidance for organizations which
provide lists of prequalified, qualified or shortlisted
service providers
Prestation de services - Recommandations pour les Erbringung von Dienstleistungen - Leitfaden für
organismes qui fournissent des listes de prestataires Organisationen, die Listen von präqualifizierten,
préqualifiés, qualifiés ou présélectionnés qualifizierten oder in die engere Wahl gezogenen
Dienstleistern bereitstellen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 447.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 18306:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

prEN 18306 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Recommendations on (pre)qualification . 7
4.1 General . 7
4.2 List of qualifications . 7
4.3 Assessment criteria . 8
4.4 Rules of conduct for the qualified service provider . 8
4.5 Probationary (trial)qualification . 9
5 Recommendations on qualification process . 9
5.1 Introduction . 9
5.2 General provisions . 9
5.3 The award procedure . 10
5.3.1 The application . 10
5.3.2 Verification of file conformity . 11
5.3.3 The processing (3.10) . 11
5.3.4 The qualification decision . 11
5.3.5 Award of the qualification certificate . 12
5.4 The monitoring procedure . 13
5.5 The review procedure . 13
5.6 Appeals and complaints procedure . 13
5.6.1 General . 13
5.6.2 Appeals . 13
5.6.3 Complaints . 14
5.7 Sanction and withdrawal of qualifications . 14
5.8 Trademark and graphic charter . 14
5.8.1 General . 14
5.8.2 Trademark and name . 15
5.8.3 Graphic charter . 15
6 Recommendations on qualification bodies . 15
6.1 General provisions . 15
6.2 Organizational structure . 16
6.3 Subcontracting . 17
6.4 Quality system . 17
6.4.1 Quality manual content . 17
6.4.2 Internal audit and management reviews . 18
6.4.3 Quality system documentation . 18
6.4.4 Quality recording . 19
6.5 Confidentiality . 19
6.6 Qualification body personnel . 19
6.6.1 General considerations . 19
6.6.2 Rules on competence and training . 20
6.6.3 Selection and assignment of the people in charge of the investigation . 20
6.6.4 Recording and retention of information relating to the investigation personnel . 21
Bibliography . 22
prEN 18306 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 18306:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 447 "Horizontal
standards for the provision of services", the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
prEN 18306 (E)
Introduction
Pré-qualification or qualification systems exist to help buyers select service providers capable of
meeting their needs and carry out their projects.
These systems can be established and managed internally by buyers. But buyers can also use systems
for pre qualifying or qualifying service providers which are established and managed by third parties.
The purpose of this document is to give recommendations to harmonize:
— the service providers pré-qualification or qualification process
— the operating of the organizations which provide list of pré-qualifiéd or qualifiéd service providers.
It complements the recommendations of EN 17371-1:2021 [1].
prEN 18306 (E)
1 Scope
This document provides guidance for setting up and operating a service providers pré-qualification,
qualification, or shortlisting process.
This document is applicable to:
a) organizations which provide list of pré-qualifiéd, qualifiéd or shortlisted service providers;
b) any interested parties who are directly or indirectly involved in or affected by a service providers
pré-qualification, qualification, or shortlisting process.
This document is not applicable to business-to-consumer (B2C) service contracts or for works contracts.
NOTE 1 “Works contracts” are contracts that have as their object the execution, or both the design and
execution, of a work and are not covered in this document. Contracts having as their object only the design of a
work are covered.
NOTE 2 “Work” means the outcome of building or civil engineering works taken as a whole which is sufficiént
in itself to fulfil an economic or technical function.
This document is also not applicable for contracts covering employment arrangements (be they of
formal or informal nature).
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and définitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
appeal
contestation on behalf of the applicant against a qualification decision concerning it
3.2
(pre)qualification certificate
document attesting that a service provider meets all the requirements définéd in the list of qualifications
and in the qualification reference spécifications
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
3.3
service buyer
organization that implements a service procurement process and contracts with a service provider
Note 1 to entry: In public procurement, the service buyer may also be known as the contracting authority/
entityEN 17371-1:2021 [1]
3.4
code of ethics
document specifying the rules of conduct and the values which its personnel undertake to abide by
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3.5
applicant
service provider requesting one or more (pré)qualifications, or (pré)qualifiéd party which wishes to
renew its (pré)qualification or to extend it to new sectors
3.6
service provider
organization that offers or supplies one or more services
3.7
appeal authority
competent authority for handling appeals and complaints
3.8
(pre)qualification authority
competent authority for granting, maintaining, extending, reducing, suspending or withdrawing a
(pré)qualification
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
3.9
processor
person who evaluates the applicants' dossiers with regard to the (pré)qualification granting criteria; in
this capacity, he/she is led to be in contact with the applicant
3.10
processing
analysis of the proof that the applicant's activities meet the requirements of the (pré)qualification
spécifications in view of submitting it to the decision-making authority
3.11
list of qualifications
technical document which segments and lists under headings, even sub-headings, the (pré)qualification
fiéld on the basis of the nature of the professions, activities, techniques, missions, taking into account
the level of their technicity or complexity
3.12
service provider (pre) qualification body qualification body (shorten)
body which, whatever its status, conducts the (pré)qualification of service providers according to the
conditions and criteria of a (pré)qualification system
3.13
service provider (pre)qualification body personnel
personnel of organization providing pré-qualification services or internal to an organization pre-
qualifying service providers, the employees, the persons appointed to intervene within the organization
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
3.14
(pre)qualification process
activities on completion of which the service provider (pré)qualification body attests that a service
provider meets the spécifiéd requirements, including the candidature, the processing, the
(pré)qualification decision, the follow-up
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification
3.15
qualifier
person, organization providing (pré)qualification services or internal to an organization (pre)qualifying
service providers taking part in the decision-making process or an appeal process
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3.16
(pre)qualification
recognition of the ability of a service provider, on the basis of définéd criteria, to demonstrate its capacity
to provide the services that are entrusted to it
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
Note 2 to entry: (Pré)qualification and qualification can be used interchangeably depending on the context of
usage in countries.
3.17
(pre)qualified service provider
service provider who holds one or more (pré)qualifications
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
3.18
complaint
contestation filéd by a service buyer or a third party with regard to a (pré)qualifiéd service provider
3.19
(pre)qualification reference specifications
document drawn up by the service provider (pré)qualification body describing all of the criteria and
requirements applicable to the applicant.
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
3.20
rules of the conduct of the (pre)qualified service provider
document drawn up by the service provider (pré)qualification body specifying the obligations which
commit the (pré)qualifiéd service provider with regard to its buyers and with regard to the service
provider (pré)qualification body
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
3.21
(pre)qualification system
collection of procedures, reference systems and means intended to implement the (pré)qualification
process according to a pre-established criterion resulting in the issue of one or more (pré)qualifications,
including the follow-up
Note 1 to entry: In the document, the term (pré)qualification has been simplifiéd to qualification.
4 Recommendations on (pre)qualification
4.1 General
The qualification body should draw up within its sector of activity a list of the (pré)qualifications which
it issues and should définé the requirements applicable to the applicant.
4.2 List of qualifications
The qualification body should draw up a list of the qualifications which segments and lists under
headings, even sub-headings, its fiéld of qualification based on the nature of the professions, activities,
techniques and missions. It should take into account the level of their technicity or complexity (skills,
levels etc.)
prEN 18306 (E)
Each heading, or sub-heading, of the list comprises a text in plain language and is accompanied by a
detailed description of its contents. The list should be periodically updated in order to take into account
the changes in the professions, technical activities, scope of services.
Each heading or sub-heading can result in separate qualifications.
Certain qualifications can concern several sub-headings.
4.3 Assessment criteria
The qualification should be assessed at least according to the criteria définéd inEN 17371-1:2021 [1] :
a) Legal capacity criteria;
b) Economic and financial capacity criteria;
c) Human resources criteria;
d) Materials, equipment and infrastructure criteria;
e) Reference-related criteria;
f) Credential related criteria;
Depending on the fiéld of services other criteria could be définéd for example:
g) Sustainability criteria;
h) Accessibility criteria;
i) Criteria related to information and physical security, data protection and confidéntiality, document
and data retention.
4.4 Rules of conduct for the qualified service provider
The qualification body should establish and document the rules of conduct for the qualifiéd service
provider (3.6) to follow:
a) to comply at all times with the qualification criteria and requirements;
b) to only declare that it is qualifiéd only for those activities for which it has been qualifiéd;
c) when it uses subcontractors in the activity for which it has been qualifiéd,
1) to subcontract to either a qualifiéd service provider for the relevant activity or to a service
provider that has the appropriate competences and resources recognized by the qualifiéd
service provider;
2) to verify that the service provider to which it has subcontracted its activity is insured for the
services provided;
3) to inform the service buyers (3.3) of the use of subcontractors;
d) not to refer to its qualification in a manner which can damage the reputation of the qualification
body and not to make any declaration concerning its qualification which can be considered to be
abusive and unauthorized by the qualification body;
e) to immediately cease, on suspension or withdrawal of the qualification, all publicity which makes
reference to it;
f) to ensure that documents, qualification marks and cértificatés are not used in any abusive or
fraudulent manner;
prEN 18306 (E)
g) to comply with the requirements of the qualification body when it mentions its qualification in
communication means such as documents, brochures or advertisements.
4.5 Probationary (trial)qualification
A trial qualification can be issued in the case the applicant (3.5) does not yet have any references, in
particular for creation or extension of activity.
The assignment of a trial qualification can be applied in the case where the references presented are
considered to be insufficiént.
This provision cannot apply once the applicant meets all of the requirements and produces references
which are quantitatively and qualitatively sufficiént.
The trial qualification should be granted on condition that the applicant meets the following criteria:
a) Legal capacity criteria;
b) Human resources criteria;
c) Materials, equipment and infrastructure criteria.
The period during which a service provider (3.6) can conserve the trial qualification should not exceed
2 years.
NOTE This duration can be extended by an additional year according to the procedures définéd by the
qualification body.
If the references presented by the applicant (3.5) do not allow a trial qualification to be transformed
into a qualification, the qualification body may decide on a waiting period before a new trial qualification
may be assigned.
5 Recommendations on qualification process
5.1 Introduction
The qualification body should définé the qualification process.
This process should include at least the following steps: application, vérification of the conformity of
the filé, investigation, qualification decision, award of the qualification cértificaté, monitoring and
review of the qualification.
5.2 General provisions
The qualification body should définé and communicate the procedures for the award, maintenance,
extension and reduction of the qualification, as well as the conditions governing the partial or total
suspension or withdrawal of the qualification(s).
In particular, the qualification body should require the applicant (3.5) or qualifiéd provider to notify it
of any significant change affecting in whole or in part its compliance with the qualification criteria.
NOTE A significant change can be, for example, a change of owners or managers, changes in key personnel
(executive leadership team) , equipment, etc.
The qualification body should require the applicant (3.5) or qualifiéd provider to provide evidence
corresponding to the fulfilmént and maintenance of the qualification criteria.
The qualification body should have procedures to :award, maintain, suspend or withdraw the
qualification(s);éxténd or reduce the scope of the qualification(s);conduct a reassessment if changes
significantly affect the activity and operation of the qualifiéd provider or if the analysis of a complaint
prEN 18306 (E)
or of any other information indicates that the qualifiéd provider no longer meets the requirements of
the qualification body.
The qualification body should have and make permanently available documents describing :
a) the requirements applicable to the applicant (3.5) described in qualification reference
spécifications;
b) the procedures for awarding and monitoring the qualification on a periodic and continual basis, to
ensure continued compliance with the applicable requirements;
c) the conditions under which the applicant (3.5) can refer to its qualification and the procedures
applicable in the event of incorrect or improper use of the information relating to the qualification.
5.3 The award procedure
5.3.1 The application
5.3.1.1 Information for applicants
To ensure that the applicant (3.5) has access to complete information, the qualification body should
make permanently available to it any document giving a precise description of its system.
This description should include at least the following elements:
a) the professional fiéld covered by the qualification body;
b) the list of qualifications (3.11);
c) the complementary information system, if applicable, established by means of classification;
d) the qualification criteria and requirements;
e) the body’s commitment to confidéntiality with respect to the information provided by the applicant
(3.5);
f) the cost of qualification, if applicable.
5.3.1.2 Submission of the application
The qualification body should send the applicant (3.5) the qualification filé(s) accompanied by the list
of qualifications (3.11) and the qualification reference spécifications défining the requirements
applicable to it, and all elements necessary to understand the procedures for the investigation (such as
steps, financial conditions, investigation periods, etc.), award, monitoring and review, as well as the
procedures for appeals, complaints and any sanctions.
The applicant (3.5) should submit the completed qualification request filé accompanied by a letter of
commitment, dated and signed by its legal or mandated representative, recognizing that it:
a) has received and examined all the documents necessary for its qualification or review request;
b) undertakes to comply with the administrative and financial conditions of the qualification body;
c) undertakes to comply with and ensure compliance by its stakeholders, partners and its personnel
with the rules of conduct for the qualifiéd service provider (3.6) définéd in 4.4;
d) undertakes to inform the qualification body of any modification liable to affect the qualification(s)
obtained;
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e) authorizes the publication of information concerning itself in accordance with the rules spécifiéd
by the qualification body;
f) attests to the accuracy of the information provided and the authenticity of the documents produced;
g) undertakes, once qualifiéd, to comply with the provisions concerning use of the trademark and the
graphic charter définéd by the qualification body in accordance with 5.7, if applicable.
The request and the application should be written in the language of the country of the qualification
body.
The qualification body should acknowledge receipt of the application by return and record it.
5.3.2 Verification of file conformity
The qualification body should examine the application in order to verify the conformity of the
information and documents with respect to the list of qualifications (3.11) and the qualification
reference spécifications, and in particular that:
a) the application filé is complete;
b) the language of the application is that of the qualification body;
c) the applicant (3.5)’s area of activity is in accordance with the list of qualifications (3.11);
d) the response to the requirements of the list of qualifications (3.11) and the qualification reference
spécifications is precise and documented.
If the filé is incomplete, the qualification body should inform the applicant (3.5) within a period not
exceeding three months and request the necessary supplements.
5.3.3 The processing (3.10)
The purpose of the processing (3.10) is to assess the applicant (3.5)’s professionalism and competence
in the area(s) of activity that is (are) the subject of the requested qualification(s), in relation to the list
of qualifications (3.11) and qualification reference spécifications.
For each area of activity, the qualification body appoints a processor (3.9) to assess the suitability of
the elements collected from the applicant (3.5).
If necessary, the qualification body can call upon an expert to obtain a technical opinion. The conditions
for the expert’s intervention should be définéd by the qualification body in compliance with the rules
on subcontracting.
The processing (3.10) is based on a document review. The qualification body can supplement this
documentation review with other measures, including: an interview with the applicant (3.5), a customer
satisfaction survey, on-site controls, expert appraisals, audits, etc.
The qualification body should draw up a dated processing (3.10) report which should be submitted to
the qualification authority. This report should specify the name(s) of the processor (3.9)(s), and of any
experts, their observations on the compliance of the filé with the requirements of the qualification
reference spécifications, the deviations observed and an opinion on the decision.
5.3.4 The qualification decision
The qualification body has six months from the moment the filé is deemed to be complete to take a
decision. Should it fail to do so, it should explain why to the applicant (3.5).
The qualification decisio
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