CITB to Cut NVQ Grant Rates from January 2026

What is Changing?

Under the current structure, employers can receive:

• £1,250 for Level 3 and Level 4 supervisory NVQs
• £1,500 for Level 6 and Level 7 management NVQs

For achievements claimed up to 31 December 2025, these higher grant rates will continue to apply where eligibility criteria are met.

From 1 January 2026, eligible NVQ achievements claimed under the CITB Short Qualification Grant scheme will receive a flat rate of £600.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

If your employees are currently working towards a supervisory or management NVQ, it is important to ensure the qualification is achieved and claimed before 31 December 2025 to receive the current higher grant amount.

• NVQs completed and claimed before 31 December 2025 will receive the existing higher grant rates (£1,250 or £1,500 where applicable).
• NVQs claimed from 1 January 2026 onward will receive £600.

Forward planning will be important to avoid missing out on the current funding levels.

Important: Level 7 Construction Senior Management

The Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Construction Senior Management is no longer eligible for new registrations under the CITB Short Qualification Grant scheme.

For learners who started this qualification before 8 December 2025, a £600 achievement grant will remain available where:

• The course started before 8 December 2025
• The achievement date falls between 8 January 2026 and 31 March 2028
• CITB is notified of the original start date no later than 31 March 2026

Achievements completed before 7 January 2026 remain eligible under the previous payment structure.

Failure to notify CITB by the stated deadline may result in the grant claim being rejected.

How CADUK Can Support Employers and Learners

CADUK assessors will continue to work closely with candidates and employers to help ensure portfolios are completed, verified and ready for grant claims within the required timescales.

If you are part-way through an NVQ, maintaining regular contact with your assessor and uploading outstanding evidence promptly will help keep progress on track.

For eligible qualifications, there is still time to enrol and achieve before 31 December 2025 in order to secure the current higher grant rates.

Need Further Advice?

For specific questions about grant eligibility or claim processes, employers should contact their local CITB Adviser or CITB Customer Services on 0344 994 4455.

You can also find full details on the official CITB website:

Short Qualification Grant – CITB