When it comes to asbestos, knowing what training is needed for different types of work is critical – both for legal compliance and for keeping workers safe. One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Does Non Licensed Cat B training allow me to remove asbestos?”
The answer depends on the type of asbestos work being carried out.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos work is divided into two main categories:
1. Licensed Work
2. Non-Licensed Work
Category B (Non-Licensed Asbestos Work) training is specifically designed for those carrying out:
The training includes:
Cat B training is sufficient for:
In these cases, the work may still need to be notified to the HSE or local authority if it meets NNLW thresholds – but Cat B training remains the right qualification.
If the asbestos is friable, in poor condition, or involves large-scale disturbance (e.g., pipe lagging, loose insulation, sprayed coatings, extensive AIB removal), the work becomes licensed.
For licensed work, you must use a contractor with an HSE asbestos licence.
While Cat B training gives operatives the knowledge to carry out non-licensed asbestos work safely, the HSE also expects employers to demonstrate competence.
This means workers must be able to show they can:
For operatives regularly involved in asbestos removal and disposal, the recommended route is to undertake a qualification that proves competence, not just training.
NVQ in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Hazardous Waste Pathway
This qualification:
Type of Work | Examples | Training Required | Competence Evidence |
Licensed Work | Pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, large AIB removal | Licensed Contractor only | License + specialist training |
Non-Notifiable Non-Licensed Work | Cement sheets, vinyl floor tiles, gaskets | Cat B | Training record + optional NVQ |
Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) | Some AIB, damaged textured coatings, prolonged disturbance of ACMs | Cat B | Training record + NVQ strongly recommended |
At Workforce Skills Support, we deliver:
Get in touch today to book your Cat B course or arrange an NVQ assessment and keep your workforce safe and compliant.
Yes, but only for non-licensed asbestos work, including both non-notifiable and notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW).
Licensed work involves higher risk asbestos materials like loose fill, pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB), or any large-scale removal project involving asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in poor condition. Non-licensed work is lower risk, such as cement sheets, floor tiles, textured coatings (Artex), or Small-scale maintenance tasks on ACMs in good condition.
Some jobs that don’t require a full license and fall under NNLW but must be reported to the regulator before starting. This includes, larger amounts of asbestos cement removal, removal of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) that are slightly deteriorated, and certain tasks on textured coatings, the full requirements of this will be covered on the Cat B course.
It covers asbestos identification, safe removal, PPE use, decontamination, waste disposal, and notification for NNLW.
If the asbestos is friable, in poor condition, or involves large-scale disturbance, the work must be done by a licensed contract
For proving competence, especially on notifiable work, an NVQ in Removal of Hazardous Waste (Construction) – Asbestos Pathway is recommended.
Through Workforce Skills Support, offering IATP-approved Cat B courses and NVQ assessments.
CITB Short Qualification Grant – Find out how you can claim funding support for approved short qualifications to reduce training costs.
Statement – Clarification on course duration for the Level 2 Award in Asbestos Awareness – Clear guidance on course delivery timescales, funding, and why this regulated qualification stands above CPD alternatives.
ARCA AMI Skills Card – Industry-recognised card for asbestos professionals, proving competence and access to asbestos removal sites.
ACAD Skills Card – The official asbestos card from ACAD, supporting competence recognition and site access for asbestos workers.