What is CITB? | Construction Industry Training Board

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CITB is the Construction Industry Training Board, an organisation created by the UK Government in 1964 to improve training in UK construction. At the time there were no widely accepted training standards or any forms of advice or funding which caused a skills shortage.

The role of CITB in the UK Construction Industry

CITB funds training an apprenticeships to ensure there are enough skilled workers to meet the demands of UK construction market. It works with large companies to improve productivity and supply labour to companies through grants and funding. CITB also collect levies to develop standards and qualifications for UK construction companies.

The History of CITB

The Construction Industry Training Board was formed on the 21st of July 1964 under the National Training Act. Its aim was to guarantee the UK construction market had a healthy supply of skilled workers.

What is the CITB Levy?

The levy is a mandatory payment from construction companies to fund industry wide training across the UK. The companies must be of a certain size and meet criteria to be required to pay the levy.

Who Pays the Levy?

Companies that have an annual wage bill over £135,000, calculated as follows:

Total Payments to PAYE Employees + CIS-deducted Subcontractors = Annual Wage Bill

Use the CITB Online Levy Calculator to see if you're required to pay the levy and estimate your monthly payments.

Exemptions and Appeals for the CITB Levy

Small businesses with wage bills under £135,000 in 2025 are exempt of this levy. Also any company that carries out over 50% of their work not involving construction is able to apply for an exemption.

If you'd like to apply for an exemption you must contact an employment tribunal within one month of the date of service of the Levy Assessment Notice.

What is a CITB Test

The CITB test the exam that must be passed in order to get a CSCS card. The test comes in the following 3 forms:

Operatives Test (Most Common)

This is a minimum requirement for almost all UK construction sites and can be used to apply for the green labourers CSCS card. A mark of 45/50 or 90% is required to pass.

Managers and Professionals Test This exam covers more advanced topics such as risk management and also requires a 90% mark to pass.

Specialists Test

This exam covers all the topics included in the Operatives Test with additional areas covered that apply to your specific role, such as demolition or plumbing.

Test Preparation

Official revision booklets and apps exist that allow you to access over 500+ practice questions relevant to the topics covered in the exams.

We would advise you complete mock exams until you are consistently getting a 90%+ pass mark.

If you fail the exam you are able to rebook it after 28 days.

Benefits to Businesses

CITB compliance provides multiple benefits to businesses such as funding for training grants, apprenticeships and NVQ's for their staff.

Productivity increases from skilled workers has been reported by 80% of employers when looking at efficiency gains.

Compliance also ensures that companies are competitive when tendering for work as many clients expect a modern construction company to have CSCS cards as a minimum qualification.

Grants and Funding

CITB offers multiple types of funding for construction companies of different sizes including the skills training fund and other forms of grant. See below for the different types of funding and support CITB provide

1. Skills and Training Fund

CITB's Skills and Training Fund allows small construction companies to apply for funding to improve workers skills and company equipment.

Who this is for Small and micro construction businesses (100 employees or less) in the UK such as local contractors or builders.

Requirements

Be registered with CITB
Submit a levy return (You don't need to pay the levy bill if your Wage Bill is under £135,000)
Apply through Employer Networks with a training plan.

Available Funding

Up to £25,000 for costs such as courses, tools or safety training.

Apprenticeship Grants

CITB pays companies to hire and train apprentices to help new workers learn a construction trade.

Who this is for

Any sized UK based construction company hiring apprentices.

Requirements

Register with CITB
Submit a levy return (You don't need to pay the levy bill if your Wage Bill is under £135,000)
Enrol your apprentices in CITB-approved training programs

Available Funding Funding of £2,500 - £3,500 is available for each apprentice with an additional £1,500 upon completion of the apprenticeship (until December 2025)

Qualifications and NVQ Grants

CITB will fund workers to earn an NVQ certificate which allows them proof of competence in their chosen trade.

Who this is for

Construction companies based in the UK that have employees studying for NVQ's
Self employed workers currently in construction

Requirements

Register with CITB
Submit a levy return (You don't need to pay the levy bill if your Wage Bill is under £135,000)
Ensure workers complete CITB-approved NVQ courses (from Level 2 - Level 7)

Available Funding Up to £1,500 per worker for their first NVQ (until Dec 2025, then £240 for a new tier)

Short Course Grants

CITB gives funding for quick training courses such as health and safety or tickets in machine operation to teach workers specific skills Who this is for UK based construction companies or workers choosing to take part in short courses at CITB approved centres.

Requirements

Register with CITB
Submit a levy return (You don't need to pay the levy bill if your Wage Bill is under £135,000)
Use CITB-approved training providers

Industry and Regional Funding

CITB funds large projects such as training hubs or events in order to help large amounts of workers learn new skills.

Who this is for

Large construction companies or groups in specific UK regions such as Wales or London.

Requirements

Register with CITB
Must be a levy-paying employer
Apply through employer networks with a project plan.

Available Funding

Up to £50,000 is available depending on the projects impact and the amount of people it will be able to provide training for.

New Entrant Support (Commissioned Training)

CITB provides funding for programs such as boot camps to help new people start their construction career.

Who is this for

Construction companies and training providers based in the UK that are bringing new workers into the industry.

Requirements

Register with CITB
Submit a levy return
Partner with approved providers to run training programs

Available Funding Funding of £10,000 - £100,000 is available for programs, depending on the size and number of trainees.

Frequently Asked Questions about CITB

Q: Who must submit a levy return

A: All construction companies registered with CITB must send in a levy return every year, even if their wage bill is small and they don’t owe any levy.

Q: What if I fail the CITB test?

A: If you fail the CITB Health, Safety & Environment test, you can usually retake it after 48 hours; use the GT100 app to practice questions on topics you found hard.

Q: Are small firms exempt from levy?

A: Yes, small firms with a wage bill under £135,000 in 2025 don’t have to pay the CITB levy, but they must still send a levy return.