Your ISNetworld® grade dropped: why it happens and how to fix it

An ISNetworld® grade measures your account against criteria each Hiring Client sets, so it drops when something in the account stops meeting those criteria ^[1][2]. Causes include an insurance certificate that expired or no longer matches, a missed annual upload, a new requirement, or a document that did not pass review ^[1][3]. To fix it, open the Scorecard for that Hiring Client, list each deficient item, correct it, and resubmit ^[4].

How does an ISNetworld® grade work?

ISN®'s review terms describe components "that are viewed, evaluated, or graded by ISN Hiring Clients" ^[1]. Hiring Clients publish their own scales:

• SDG&E's contractor safety manual (Version 2020.1) states: "ISN uses an “A,” “B,” “C,” and “F” grading system to measure Contractors’ safety performance against criteria established by SDG&E." A or B is approved. A C or F, or a drop from A or B to C or F, must go through SDG&E's Variance Request Process ^[2].
• Worthington's grading guide (March 2020) says it "has ISN assign points to the items within each grade component based on criteria we set." An A needs 90 of 100 points, a B 80 and a C 70. Contractors should keep a C or better to work onsite ^[3].
• The University of Calgary prefers contractors "who have attained a C or better grade through the ISN grading process" ^[5].

The passing line depends on the Hiring Client. Check the grade for the one that flagged you.

Why did my ISNetworld® grade drop?

Causes described in ISN® and Hiring Client sources:

• Insurance. ISN's insurance review checks items such as policy limits, insured parties, carrier ratings, and effective and expiration dates ^[1]. In one manufacturer's guide, a certificate of insurance that is not accepted costs 100 points, and any deficiency rejects the whole certificate ^[3].
• Annual injury logs. ISN's 2022, 2023 and 2024 posts each said Hiring Clients require "their 300A Summary and 300 Log into ISNetworld by March 1" ^[6]. The same manufacturer scores three-year TRIR and DART rates from those logs ^[3].
• New or changed requirements. ISN sends Hiring Client updates "about new or changing requirements and important compliance deadlines" ^[7]. Some RAVS requirements are triggered by your MSQ (Management System Questionnaire) answers and can take up to 24 hours to show up and affect your RAVS scores ^[1][8].
• Written programs. RAVS reviews written programs against regulatory and Hiring Client requirements ^[7]. One manufacturer scores each program by the share of required standards it meets ^[3].
• Training. RAVS checks training records for items such as course name, employee name, and issue and expiration dates ^[1].
• Outside data. ISN runs periodic searches of public regulatory databases for citations. Third-party data "may be incorporated into and affect components" that Hiring Clients grade ^[1].

How do I find what caused my ISNetworld® grade to drop?

Start with the Scorecard. ISN® says the redesigned Scorecard, released in October 2025, is available to all subscribers and helps "Hiring Clients and contractor companies to more effectively identify performance gaps and take appropriate actions" ^[4]. For account help, ISN's Customer Service Team and the help menu in your account are the first stop ^[9]. ISN's review terms urge contractors to review result details and contact ISN to report concerns ^[1].

In what order should I fix my ISNetworld® account?

1. Confirm the subscription is current. Each ISN® term is one year. You renew by paying on or before the anniversary of your start date ^[10].
2. List every deficient item on the Scorecard for that Hiring Client.
3. Clear all-or-nothing items first. One manufacturer calls an accepted certificate of insurance and its signed Contractor Safety Requirements document "showstoppers" ^[3]. Get a corrected certificate from your agent. Your agent or broker can submit it in ISNetworld® for no additional fee ^[11].
4. Upload missing annual items, such as the 300A Summary and 300 Log ^[6].
5. Correct MSQ answers. Allow up to 24 hours for triggered requirements to appear ^[1].
6. Revise and resubmit written programs that did not pass review.
7. Update expired training records.
8. Ask about a variance if you cannot pass in time. Both Hiring Clients above describe one ^[2][3]. One says variances are temporary and are not given for items that are easy to fix, such as missing documents ^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What grade do I need in ISNetworld®?
It depends on the Hiring Client. SDG&E approves A or B ^[2]. Worthington's 2020 guide calls for C or better ^[3]. The University of Calgary prefers C or better ^[5].

How fast will my grade update after I fix it?
It varies by item. ISN® says MSQ-triggered requirements can take up to 24 hours to appear ^[1]. One Hiring Client's guide says certificate reviews can take several days ^[3].

Does a passing grade mean I am approved to work?
Not by itself. ISN's review terms say each Hiring Client "retains ultimate liability and responsibility" for evaluating and approving contractors ^[1].

Do I need a consultant to fix my grade?
No. The steps above can be done in-house with ISN's support tools ^[9]. Outside help is optional.

Want a second set of eyes on your Scorecard? Request a free compliance review through our quote form.