TYPO3 is one of the leading open-source CMS platforms in German-speaking countries. It is particularly popular among public institutions, universities, and government agencies – often used for large-scale web portals, information platforms, or internal systems. However, when drafting tenders for TYPO3 projects, uncertainties frequently arise – especially when it comes to specific terminology: What, for example, does “TYPO3 Platinum Member” mean? How relevant is a TCCI certification? And what exactly does a TYPO3 Solution Partner do?
Incorrect or unclear requirements in tenders can, in the worst case, lead to legal objections or even the cancellation of the entire procedure. This guide is designed to help you correctly classify TYPO3-specific features, distinguish between them, and integrate them clearly and understandably into your TYPO3 tender. Note: This article does not constitute legal advice but is based on our practical experience with TYPO3 tenders in the public sector.
The TYPO3 Association is the central organization behind the CMS. It coordinates the ongoing development, security, and strategic direction of TYPO3. Organizations and individuals can become members of the Association — with different membership levels, primarily distinguished by the annual contribution amount. Membership comes with certain rights as well as increased visibility within the TYPO3 community.
A high membership status — such as Platinum Member — signifies that a company significantly contributes to the funding and further development of TYPO3. Companies with this status receive a personal contact within the TYPO3 Association and are prominently listed on the official typo3.org website. In principle, every member has voting rights within the TYPO3 Association, participates in electing the board, and is consulted on budget matters.
The highest level within the TYPO3 Association is the Platinum Membership. Companies with this status not only make a significant financial contribution (€12,500 annually) but also take an active role in the TYPO3 ecosystem. Platinum members have a substantial influence on the development and strategic direction of the CMS — whether through direct contributions to the core, involvement in committees, or supporting key projects. Their commitment goes beyond just financial support and demonstrates a deep connection with the system.
Relevance for TYPO3 Tenders: The Platinum membership can be seen as an indication that a provider is highly integrated within the TYPO3 ecosystem and has direct access to the development of the CMS. This can be a significant advantage, particularly for complex or long-term projects. Important: The TYPO3 member status is proof of engagement, but it is not a formal qualification of project experience or technical expertise.
| Status | Target Audience | Annual Contribution | Influence & Visibility |
| Platinum Member | Companies | 12.500 € | Very high visibility on typo3.org, strategic influence |
| Gold Member | Companies | 2.750 € | High visibility, contribution to development |
| Silver Member | Companies | 1.000 € | Good visibility within the community |
| Bronze Member | Companies | 125 € | Basic membership, name listed on typo3.org |
| Community Member | Individuals | 7,92 € | Individual support |
In addition, many companies contribute to the ongoing development of the TYPO3 ecosystem by developing, publishing, and maintaining their own TYPO3 extensions. These freely available extensions are a central component of the CMS — they are made available through the TYPO3 Extension Repository (TER) and are actively used by the community. The development of high-quality extensions can therefore also be considered a valuable contribution to the community.
The download numbers of individual extensions provide an indication of their distribution and acceptance within the TYPO3 community. While they are not a direct quality proof, they can – when combined with other criteria such as up-to-date compatibility (e.g., with the latest TYPO3 versions), regular maintenance (such as security updates), and active support – help with the evaluation. Particularly popular extensions, like the News system or powermail, have accumulated several hundred thousand downloads – a clear sign of their relevance and the trust they have earned from the community.
In addition to the Association membership, there is an official partner program by TYPO3 GmbH. Companies with partner status undergo a structured evaluation process — based on factors such as project experience, qualifications, references, and internal processes. Partnerships are regularly assessed and may be revoked if the standards are not met.
| Partner Type | Description | Focus |
| TYPO3 Solution Partner | Full-service agencies with extensive TYPO3 experience | Technology, UX, Hosting, Operations |
TYPO3 Consultant Partner | Strategic consultants with TYPO3 expertise | Concept, Workshops, Project Management |
TYPO3 Technology Partner | Providers of tools, integrations, hosting solutions | Infrastructure, Interfaces, Services |
Relevance for TYPO3 Tenders: An official partner status can be seen as a quality indicator. It signals that a provider works in a structured manner, has proven expertise in TYPO3, and applies established project methodologies. Solution Partners, in particular, offer an exceptionally broad range of TYPO3 services.
TYPO3 offers an official certification program that reflects the qualifications of individual employees. These exams are standardized and serve as an objective proof of expertise – especially helpful for TYPO3 tenders where specific roles need to be filled with qualified professionals.
Abbreviation | Certification | Target Group | Exam Focus |
| TCCE | TYPO3 Certified Editor | Editors | Content management, Backend, Workflows |
| TCCI | TYPO3 Certified Integrator | Integrators | TypoScript, Configuration, Templates |
| TCCD | TYPO3 Certified Developer | Developers | PHP, Extbase, Fluid, Extension Development |
| TCCC | TYPO3 Certified Consultant | Consultants, Project Managers | Requirements management, Communication |
Relevance for TYPO3 Tenders: TYPO3 certifications provide objective proof of individual expertise – a key advantage in public tenders. They make the skills of specific project members transparent and comparable. Certified professionals are considered qualified for the specific areas covered by the certification – whether that’s editing, integration, development, or consulting.
Criterion | Attribute | Relevance in the Tender Process |
| TYPO3 Member Status | Contribution Indicator | Signals above-average engagement in the TYPO3 ecosystem. Mainly relevant as a soft selection factor. Not an indicator of project quality. |
| TYPO3 Partner Status | Quality Indicator | Verified quality marker with a focus on process reliability and TYPO3 experience. Suitable as a qualification criterion. |
| TYPO3 Certifications | Quality Indicator | Objective proof of individual expertise in specific roles – ideal for defining minimum requirements. |
TYPO3 tenders greatly benefit from a differentiated evaluation of the available criteria. Those who correctly classify partner status, member status, and individual certifications create the foundation for clear, transparent, and legally compliant tender documents. The result: comparable offers and a legally secure awarding process.
