What EMR do most GCs require?

Most GCs require an EMR at or below 1.0 (industry average). Top-tier GCs often require under 0.85. Your EMR is calculated by your workers compensation carrier based on your claims history relative to expected losses for your classification code.

What if I fail on one or two factors?

One or two concern-level factors rarely disqualify you. GCs evaluate the full picture. If you fail on a critical factor like EMR or bonding, address it before applying — or target GCs whose project sizes match your current capacity.

How often should I reassess my prequal readiness?

Reassess annually or whenever a key metric changes — new EMR mod, increased bonding capacity, revenue growth, or resolved citations. Keep your prequal packet updated so you can respond to GC requests quickly.

What counts as a similar project?

GCs want projects similar in scope, size, and complexity to the work you are bidding. A $2M hospital electrical job is not similar experience for a $500K retail tenant improvement. Count projects from the last 3 years that genuinely match the target project type.

Sub Prequal Self-Assessment | Free Scoring Tool

The Sub Prequal Self-Assessment grades a subcontractor's business metrics against typical GC prequalification thresholds across 10 factors including EMR, bonding capacity, revenue, safety record, and project experience. It produces pass/concern/fail grades with improvement recommendations.

Business Profile

Years in Business

Annual Revenue

EMR (Experience Modification Rate)

1.0 = industry average. Below 1.0 = better safety. Most GCs require under 1.0

Single-Project Bonding Capacity

Aggregate Bonding Capacity

OSHA Recordable Incident Rate

Recordable incidents per 200,000 work-hours. Industry avg ~3.0

Active OSHA Citations

Similar Projects Completed (Last 3 Years)

Banking Reference Available

Trade License Current

Enter your EMR or years in business above to see your prequalification assessment.

Example

A 7-year-old concrete sub with $4M annual revenue, 0.82 EMR, $2M single-project bonding, $5M aggregate, no OSHA citations, 3.1 incident rate, 12 similar projects, banking reference available, license current.

Years in Business7 years — Pass

Annual Revenue$1M–$5M — Concern

EMR0.82 — Pass

Single-Project Bonding$1M–$5M — Concern

Aggregate Bonding$5M–$10M — Concern

OSHA Incident Rate3.1 — Concern

OSHA CitationsNone — Pass

Similar Projects (3 yr)12 — Pass

Banking ReferenceYes — Pass

Trade LicenseYes — Pass

Overall GradeCompetitive with Gaps — 7 pass, 3 concern (revenue, single bond, OSHA rate)

How to Use This Tool

1Enter your years in business and select your annual revenue tier.
2Enter your current EMR and select bonding capacity tiers.
3Fill in safety metrics: OSHA incident rate and active citations.
4Review the factor-by-factor grades and overall assessment.

How to Apply the Results

For passing factors, highlight them prominently in your prequal packet. For concern areas, include context (trending improvement, mitigating circumstances). For failing factors, either address them before applying or target GCs with lower thresholds for that metric.

Frequently Asked Questions

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