CITB Short Qualification Grant to be Reduced to £600 from January 2026

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has confirmed that the Short Qualification Grant will be reduced to £600 for all NVQ achievements at Levels 2–7 for any claims made after 31 December 2025.

Currently, employers can receive:

  • £600 for NVQ qualifications at Level 2 

  • £1,250 for NVQ qualifications at Levels 3 and 4

  • £1,500 for NVQs at Levels 6 and 7

This change means that all short qualifications, regardless of level, will soon receive the same flat rate of £600.

Why is CITB making this change?

CITB states that the decision forms part of its wider review of the Grants Scheme. The aim is to simplify funding and align it more closely with qualification length and impact, ensuring that all learners are supported equally while focusing more resources on longer training programmes and apprenticeships.

While the £600 grant remains a useful contribution, this reduction will undoubtedly impact employers who currently rely on the higher funding rates for advanced NVQs at supervisory and management levels.

What does this mean for employers and learners?

If your employees are currently working towards their NVQs, it’s important to complete their qualification and have it claimed by before the end of December 2025 to ensure eligibility for the higher grant amount.

To put it simply:

  • Any NVQs completed and claimed before 31 December 2025 will still receive the higher grant (£1,250 or £1,500).

  • Any NVQs claimed from 1 January 2026 onward will only receive £600.

Employers should plan ahead now to avoid missing out.

How CADUK can help

CADUK assessors will continue to work closely with candidates and employers to help ensure portfolios are completed and verified in time for grant claims. If you are part-way through your NVQ, staying in regular contact with your assessor and uploading all outstanding evidence promptly will help you meet the deadline.

For new learners, there is still time to register and achieve before the change takes effect — particularly for experienced professionals who can progress quickly through CADUK’s flexible remote assessment model.

Need support or advice?

If you have questions about the CITB grant or need guidance on your qualification timescales, please contact your local CITB Adviser or their Customer Services team on 0344 994 4455.

You can also visit the CITB website for more information:
https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/qualification-grants/short-qualification-grant/

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