How to Get Certified
The Complete Guide to Supplier Diversity Certification
Everything you need to know about getting certified as a diverse supplier. Compare certifications, understand eligibility, and follow our step-by-step process to unlock billions in corporate and government contracts.
Which Certification Do I Need?
Your path depends on your ownership and your target customers
Want Government Contracts?
Federal certifications from the SBA give you access to set-aside contracts and sole-source opportunities.
- All federal certifications are FREE
- Apply through certify.sba.gov
- 3% of federal contracts reserved for each category
Want Corporate Contracts?
Third-party certifications are recognized by Fortune 500 companies and major corporations.
- Fees range from $300 - $1,250
- Required for most corporate supplier programs
- Annual or multi-year renewal required
Want Transportation Contracts?
DOT DBE certification opens doors to highway, transit, and airport construction projects.
- DBE certification is FREE
- Apply through your state DOT
- One certification accepted nationwide
Quick Finder: Certifications by Ownership Type
Minority-Owned
African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American
Woman-Owned
51%+ owned and controlled by women
Veteran-Owned
Honorably discharged veteran(s)
LGBT-Owned
51%+ owned by LGBT individual(s)
Disability-Owned
51%+ owned by person(s) with disability
Located in HUBZone
Office + 35% employees in HUBZone
Not Sure Which Certifications You Qualify For?
Take our free 2-minute eligibility quiz to get personalized recommendations.
Federal Certifications (Free)
Administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) - All applications at certify.sba.gov
8(a) Business Development Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s)
- Qualifying groups: Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian Pacific, Subcontinent Asian American
- Personal net worth ≤ $850,000 (excluding home & business)
- Adjusted gross income ≤ $400,000 (3-year average)
- Total assets ≤ $6.5 million
- In business at least 2 years
Key Benefits
- Sole-source contracts up to $4.5M ($7M for manufacturing)
- Set-aside contracts exclusively for 8(a) firms
- Joint ventures with established contractors
- Business development training and mentorship
HUBZone Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Eligibility Requirements
- Principal office must be in a designated HUBZone
- At least 35% of employees must reside in a HUBZone
- 51%+ owned by U.S. citizens, CDC, agricultural cooperative, or Indian tribe
- Must meet SBA small business size standards
Key Benefits
- 10% price evaluation preference in full and open competition
- Set-aside contracts for HUBZone firms
- Sole-source contracts up to $4.5M ($7M manufacturing)
Women-Owned Small Business Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
WOSB Eligibility
- 51%+ unconditionally owned by U.S. citizen women
- Women must control management and daily operations
- Must meet SBA small business size standards
EDWOSB Additional Requirements
- All WOSB requirements, plus:
- Personal net worth ≤ $850,000
- Adjusted gross income ≤ $400,000
- Total assets ≤ $6.5 million
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
SBA VetCert Program
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned by service-disabled veteran(s)
- Service-connected disability documented by VA (any rating qualifies)
- Veteran must control daily operations
- Must meet SBA small business size standards
Corporate Certifications
Recognized by Fortune 500 companies and major corporations
Minority Business Enterprise
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned, operated, and controlled by minority individual(s)
- Qualifying groups: African American, Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Hispanic, Native American
- Must be a for-profit enterprise operating at least 6 months
Cost by Revenue
Women's Business Enterprise
Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned, controlled, operated, and managed by woman or women
- Women must be U.S. citizens or Legal Resident Aliens
- Women must hold highest officer position
- Must be a for-profit business in operation in the U.S.
Cost by Revenue
LGBT Business Enterprise
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned by LGBT person or persons
- LGBT ownership reflected in operating documents
- Management and daily operations controlled by LGBT owner(s)
- Independent business (not subsidiary of non-LGBT company)
Disability-Owned Business Enterprise
Disability:IN
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned by person(s) with a disability
- Disability as defined by ADA (physical or mental impairment substantially limiting major life activities)
- Disabled owner(s) must control management and daily operations
- Must be a for-profit business
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Department of Transportation (via State DOT)
Eligibility Requirements
- 51%+ owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s)
- Qualifying groups: Women, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Pacific, Subcontinent Asian American
- Personal net worth ≤ $1.6 million (updated May 2024)
- Average gross receipts ≤ $30.4 million
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare all certifications at a glance
| Certification | Certifying Body | Cost | Processing Time | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Government Certifications | |||||
| 8(a) | SBA | Free | 90 days | 9 years | Disadvantaged minorities seeking federal contracts |
| HUBZone | SBA | Free | 60-90 days | 3 years | Businesses in economically distressed areas |
| WOSB/EDWOSB | SBA | Free | 10-15 days | 3 years | Women-owned businesses seeking federal contracts |
| SDVOSB | SBA VetCert | Free | 60-90 days | 3 years | Service-disabled veterans |
| Corporate / Third-Party Certifications | |||||
| MBE | NMSDC | $300-$850 | 60-90 days | 1 year | Minority-owned seeking Fortune 500 contracts |
| WBE | WBENC | $350-$1,250 | 60-90 days | 1 year | Women-owned seeking corporate contracts |
| LGBTBE | NGLCC | $400 | 30-60 days | 3 years | LGBT-owned businesses |
| DOBE | Disability:IN | $300 | 45-60 days | 2 years | Disability-owned businesses |
| VBE | NVBDC | $500 | 30-45 days | 1 year | Veteran-owned seeking corporate recognition |
| Transportation | |||||
| DBE | State DOT | Free | ~90 days | No expiration | Construction, engineering, transit projects |
Step-by-Step Certification Process
Follow these steps to get certified
Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, verify you meet all requirements for your target certification(s). Key factors include:
- Ownership percentage (must be 51%+ by qualifying individual)
- Control and management by qualifying owner(s)
- Personal net worth and income thresholds (for some certifications)
- Business size standards
Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documentation before starting your application:
- Business documents: Articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreement
- Ownership proof: Stock certificates, partnership agreements
- Financial records: Tax returns (3 years), financial statements
- Personal documents: ID, resumes of owners, DD-214 (veterans)
- Contracts and licenses: Business licenses, sample contracts
Complete the Application
Submit your application through the appropriate portal:
- Federal (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB): certify.sba.gov
- MBE: Through your regional NMSDC affiliate
- WBE: Through your regional WBENC partner organization
- LGBTBE: NGLCC website
- DBE: Through your state DOT's Unified Certification Program
Complete Site Visit (If Required)
Many certifying bodies require an in-person or virtual site visit to verify:
- Business location and operations
- Owner's day-to-day involvement
- Equipment, inventory, and capabilities
Be prepared to demonstrate that the qualifying owner(s) truly control the business.
Receive Certification & Register
Once approved, maximize your certification:
- Update your SAM.gov registration with certification codes
- Register in corporate supplier databases
- Create your capability statement
- Attend networking events and matchmaking sessions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't let these issues delay or derail your certification
Incomplete Applications
Missing documents are the #1 cause of delays. Use our checklist tool to ensure you have everything before submitting.
Inconsistent Information
Information in your application must match your legal documents exactly. Check names, addresses, and ownership percentages carefully.
Control Issues
The qualifying owner must demonstrably control the business. Avoid arrangements where non-qualifying parties have veto power or excessive influence.
Waiting Too Long to Renew
Most certifications require annual renewal. Start the renewal process 60-90 days before expiration to avoid gaps.
Not Using the Certification
Certification alone doesn't bring contracts. Actively market your certified status, attend events, and pursue opportunities.
Applying for Wrong Certifications
Choose certifications that match your target market. Federal certs for government work, third-party certs for corporate contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common certification questions
How much does supplier diversity certification cost?
Federal certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, DBE) are completely free. Third-party certifications have fees that vary by organization and your company's revenue. MBE certification through NMSDC costs $300-$850, WBE through WBENC costs $350-$1,250, LGBTBE through NGLCC costs $400, and DOBE through Disability:IN costs $300.
How long does it take to get certified?
Processing times vary by certification and completeness of your application. SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB) typically take 60-90 days. WOSB certification through SBA is faster at 10-15 business days. Third-party certifications (MBE, WBE) take 60-90 days, while LGBTBE takes 30-60 days. DBE certification through state DOTs takes approximately 90 days.
Can I get multiple certifications?
Yes, and it's often recommended! Many businesses qualify for multiple certifications. For example, a minority woman-owned business could obtain both MBE and WBE certifications. A service-disabled veteran who is also a minority could obtain SDVOSB and MBE. Having multiple certifications increases your visibility to both corporate and government buyers.
What's the difference between federal and third-party certifications?
Federal certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) are issued by the SBA and are required for federal government contracting set-asides and sole-source opportunities. Third-party certifications (MBE, WBE, LGBTBE, DOBE) are issued by national nonprofit organizations and are primarily used for corporate supplier diversity programs. Most Fortune 500 companies recognize third-party certifications. Many businesses obtain both types to access both markets.
Do I need to be certified to sell to the government?
No, certification is not required to sell to the government. Any business registered in SAM.gov can bid on federal contracts. However, certification provides significant advantages: access to set-aside contracts (only certified businesses can compete), sole-source opportunities (contracts awarded without competition), and preference points in evaluations. Without certification, you're competing in full and open competition against all businesses.
What if my business is owned by multiple people?
The qualifying owner(s) must own at least 51% of the business. For example, if you're applying for MBE certification, minority individuals must own 51% or more of the business. Additionally, the qualifying owner(s) must control the management and daily operations of the business. Joint ventures and partnerships are scrutinized carefully to ensure the qualifying owner has real control.
How do I maintain my certification?
Most certifications require annual renewal or recertification. You'll need to submit updated financial information, confirm continued eligibility, and pay renewal fees (for third-party certifications). Federal certifications through SBA require annual updates in certify.sba.gov. DBE certification requires an annual affidavit. Always start the renewal process 60-90 days before expiration to avoid gaps in certification.
Can I use a consultant to help with my application?
Yes, many businesses work with certification consultants who specialize in the application process. A good consultant can help you gather documents, prepare for site visits, and avoid common mistakes. However, be cautious of anyone who guarantees approval or suggests misrepresenting information. The owner must be actively involved and truthfully represent the business.
Find Your Certifications
Take our 2-minute quiz to discover which certifications you qualify for.
Take the QuizGet Your Document Checklist
Generate a personalized list of documents you'll need for your applications.
Generate ChecklistNeed Expert Help?
Get matched with certification consultants who can guide you through the process.
Find a ConsultantSources & Verification
All certification requirements, costs, and processing times in this guide have been verified from official sources as of January 2026. Requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the certifying body before applying.