CITB Grant Changes Explained: How to Still Achieve Zero Net Cost Asbestos Training

Helping Offset Downtime and Operational Disruption

From September 2025, CITB changed the grant amount for certain Level 2 Awards from £600 to £240 per person. While this change has affected many qualifications, the Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness can still be delivered in a way that remains cost-neutral — and can generate surplus grant for larger groups helping offset downtime and operational disruption.

This guide explains how the Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness can still deliver exceptional value under the revised CITB grant rules.

Maximise Your CITB Grant – Train Your Team With No Net Cost

The Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness remains eligible for the CITB Short Period Qualification Grant, paid on achievement. When delivered in the right group structure, employers can fully offset training costs and retain additional grant for larger groups.

What Is the Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness?

The Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness is a nationally recognised regulated qualification delivered through Proqual. It provides learners with a clear understanding of:

• What asbestos is and where it is found
• The health risks associated with exposure
• How asbestos exposure occurs in construction activities
• How to work safely and respond appropriately if asbestos is encountered

This qualification exceeds the standard of basic awareness courses by offering formal assessment and recognition within the UK qualifications framework.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for anyone whose work could foreseeably expose them to asbestos‑containing materials (ACMs), including:

• Tradespeople
• Construction operatives
• Maintenance teams
• Supervisors and managers who attend site

Delivery is classroom-based, using written and oral presentations and practical explanation where required. The course supports employer duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 by ensuring workers have sufficient knowledge to avoid putting themselves or others at risk.

What Topics Are Covered?

The qualification covers:

• Understanding the health risks of asbestos
• Why asbestos is present in the construction industry
• Routes of exposure and how risks are controlled
• Legal duties of employers and building owners
• Emergency procedures and where to seek advice

CITB Grants & Funding – What You Can Claim

CITB Short Period Qualification Grant:

• £240 per person, paid on successful completion
• Claimed at achievement

Grants can be claimed for:

• Directly employed staff
• Sub‑contractors (net or gross paid)
• Sole traders and partnerships

Important notes:

• You cannot claim a short qualification grant for apprentices where an attendance grant is already being claimed
• Delegates must be working for the employer making the application at the time of training

Our Reduced Level 2 Award Rates for CITB Levy‑Registered Employers

This pricing structure is designed to help levy‑registered employers remain competitive against lower‑value, non‑regulated courses — while gaining the assurance of a fully regulated qualification.

Course Details

• Course: Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness
• Group size: Up to 12 delegates (minimum 5)
• Total course fee: £1,200 + VAT

How the Zero Net Cost Works

First 5 delegates

• £945 + VAT upfront
• £255 + VAT balance invoiced on the day of the course (30‑day terms, aligned with grant payment)
• Total grant received: £1,200
• Net cost to your business: £0

Additional delegates (over 5)

• £120 + VAT per person, invoiced on the day of the course (30‑day terms)
• Grant received: £240 per person
• £120 retained per additional delegate

This structure allows larger groups to generate surplus grant, helping offset staff downtime and other training‑related costs.

Why Choose a Regulated Qualification?

• Higher value and stronger industry recognition than standard awareness courses
• Clear audit trail for compliance checks
• Robust evidence for tenders, PQQs, and client assurance
• Supports CITB’s objective of raising competence through formal qualifications

CITB grant support also helps reduce the financial pressure of releasing staff for training.

Dual Certification Option

This course can be dual‑certified with:

• UKATA Category A Asbestos Awareness or
• IATP Category A Asbestos Awareness

There is no additional time commitment, providing both regulated qualification evidence and scheme‑specific certification.

Course Duration & Delivery Requirements

• Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Minimum learners: 5
• Maximum learners: 12 (larger groups subject to room suitability)

Employers must provide a safe learning environment with suitable classroom facilities. On‑site delivery is available where facilities allow, and Saturday delivery can be arranged subject to availability.

Why Complete the Level 2 Award If Delegates Already Hold Asbestos Awareness?

Completing this regulated qualification:

• Elevates existing awareness into a nationally recognised Level 2 award
• Provides stronger compliance evidence than many online or CPD‑style courses
• Offers a £240 grant, compared to as little as £60 for alternative non‑regulated options
• Ensures in‑person, interactive delivery with formal assessment

For larger workforces, this qualification is ideal for operatives, supervisors, managers, and anyone required to attend site — reducing risk and strengthening organisational competence.

Summary: Still the Smartest Route After the Grant Changes

Despite the September 2025 CITB grant changes, the Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness remains one of the most cost‑effective, compliance‑driven training options available.

With the right group size, levy‑registered employers can still achieve zero net cost training — and even retain surplus grant — while securing a regulated qualification that stands up to audits, tenders, and regulatory scrutiny.

From September 2025, CITB changed the grant amount for certain Level 2 Awards from £600 down to £240 per person.

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