CITB Extends Funding Support For Industry Accreditation Transition Until March 2026
CITB has announced an extension to the funding deadline supporting the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Industry Accreditation (IA) transition.
Industry Accreditation cardholders now have an additional year of funding available to help them move towards nationally recognised qualifications required for continued site access.
The extended funding period will help construction workers and employers cover the costs of training and assessments needed to complete the transition.
What Does The Industry Accreditation Transition Mean?
To meet recommendations set out by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), all construction industry card schemes must now operate using nationally recognised qualifications.
This means that workers currently holding Industry Accreditation (IA) cards will need to achieve an approved qualification in order to continue working on construction sites.
The good news is that workers do not necessarily need to return to full-time college education.
Enhanced CITB grants remain available for CITB-registered employers until 31 March 2026, helping workers gain the qualifications needed to remain compliant and maintain their CSCS card eligibility.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The amount of funding available depends on the qualification being completed.
- £1,250 for NVQ Diplomas and SVQs
- £1,500 for specific management NVQ Diplomas and SVQs
These grants have been available since 1 April 2023 and continue to support employers investing in workforce qualifications.
Flexible Assessment Options
CITB also offers flexible assessment methods to make the transition process easier for workers and employers.
Assessment options include:
- On-site assessments
- Remote assessments
- Flexible qualification delivery
Once the qualification has been successfully completed, employers can claim the relevant grant funding for eligible employees.
Will Workers Still Be Able To Access Construction Sites?
Temporary non-renewable red CSCS cards are available for workers currently completing their qualification process.
This helps ensure workers can continue accessing construction sites while transitioning away from Industry Accreditation cards.
In some cases, existing qualifications or professional memberships may also make workers eligible for alternative CSCS cards.
Important Industry Accreditation Deadline
If workers do not complete the transition and achieve an approved qualification by the required deadline, their Industry Accreditation card will expire.
Without a valid replacement card or qualification, workers may lose the ability to work on construction sites.
Why You Should Start Your Qualification Early
Although March 2026 may seem far away, demand for training and assessments is expected to increase as the deadline approaches.
Starting the qualification process early can help workers:
- Avoid delays in assessment and certification
- Maintain uninterrupted site access
- Protect future work opportunities
- Remain compliant with CSCS requirements
Taking action early will help ensure you complete the transition successfully and continue working within the construction industry without disruption.