Free asbestos awareness course vs paid training online: what you get

How asbestos awareness training works, free or paid

Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires employers to give "adequate information, instruction and training" to employees who are or may be exposed to asbestos, and to their supervisors. It lists what this must cover, including the properties of asbestos and its effects on health (including the effect of smoking), the materials likely to contain it, the work that could cause exposure, and emergency procedures. Training must be "given at regular intervals".

HSE describes three main levels of training: asbestos awareness, non-licensable work with asbestos, and licensable work with asbestos. Some providers label the first level "Category A". Awareness training is for anyone whose normal work could disturb asbestos, and those who supervise them, such as general maintenance workers, electricians, plumbers and roofers. HSE is clear that it "will not prepare workers, or self-employed contractors, to carry out work with asbestos-containing materials". That needs further training.

Can you do it online? Yes. HSE says: "HSE recognises the use of e-learning as a viable delivery method, among others, for asbestos awareness training, provided it satisfies the requirements of Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the supporting Approved Code of Practice L143." HSE also says it is the employer's responsibility to decide whether a training provider is suitable, and that there is no legal requirement for employees to hold a certificate of training. Its training page does not name UKATA approval as a requirement.

Refreshers. HSE says there is no legal requirement to repeat a full formal awareness course every 12 months, but some form of refresher should be given as necessary. It says a refresher could be given as e-learning or as part of other health and safety updates.

Free options for asbestos awareness training online

Your employer. HSE's guide for employers says: "Health and safety training should take place during working hours and must be free for employees." If you are employed and your work could disturb asbestos, ask your employer first.

HSE's free guidance. You can download these from HSE at no cost:

• L143, Managing and working with asbestos (second edition, 2013), the Approved Code of Practice that supports the 2012 Regulations.
• HSG210, Asbestos essentials, free task sheets for building, maintenance and allied trades doing non-licensed work.

HSE's worker's guide to asbestos safety is also online, with a video, "Learn how to be asbestos aware". It tells you to stop work and speak to your employer or the building owner if you suspect asbestos. None of these is a course or comes with a certificate.

Free courses online. Alison offers a free Asbestos Awareness course (1.5 to 3 hours) and says "All learning on Alison is free", with digital certificates for "a nominal fee". When we checked, its course page did not mention the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. HSE accepts e-learning only where it meets regulation 10 and L143, so check that any free course covers UK law.

Free and paid asbestos awareness courses compared

Here is what each provider shows on its own course page, checked 26 October 2026, with prices exactly as shown.

"Check provider" means the provider's page did not show that detail when we checked.

So what does paying add?

Free and paid routes can both teach asbestos awareness. What paying adds:

• A named approval. Each paid course in our table names UKATA or IATP approval. HSE accepts e-learning that meets regulation 10 and L143.
• A certificate. The law does not require one, but the paid courses in our table give you a certificate you can show an employer or site manager.
• A set price. In our table, the paid courses cost from £15 + VAT to £29.95 + VAT.
• A test and a refresh date. You can show you passed, and you know when to refresh.

If your employer provides awareness training, use it. If you are self-employed, between jobs, or a contractor asked for proof before you go on site, a paid course gives you that.

What you get with Lift College

The Lift College Asbestos Awareness Training is written around regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Its 6 modules cover what asbestos is, asbestos and your health (including the extra risk for smokers), where asbestos is found, checking the asbestos register or survey before you start, what to do if you suspect or disturb it, and the law and your duties, including the three levels of asbestos training.

• £19.99, pay once. One payment for one learner, no subscription.
• 2 hours of learning, counts towards your CPD. Short modules with a knowledge check after each, on any device.
• 80% to pass, unlimited free retakes. Instant results on the final test.
• CPD certificate issued by Lift College the same day. It shows 2 hours of learning, your completion date and a refresh date 12 months on, with a unique number and a verification link.
• Free refresher every 12 months. We email you 30 days before.
• 14-day money back. Ask within 14 days of paying for a full refund.

It suits electricians, plumbers, joiners, plasterers, decorators, maintenance and facilities staff, caretakers, heating, ventilation and gas engineers, alarm and data cabling installers, supervisors, and surveyors or architects who visit older buildings. You need to be 16 or over. Training a team? It is £16.99 a course on a free organisation account, and your first place is free.

This is awareness level. It does not train you to work on asbestos.

Which should you choose?

Take the free route if your employer provides asbestos awareness training, or you want to read HSE's guidance before starting a job in older buildings.

Pay for a course if you are self-employed, your employer has asked you to arrange training, you need a certificate to show on site, or a free course you found does not cover UK law. If your work goes beyond awareness, you need non-licensable or licensable training, not an awareness course.

Where to go next

• Comparing more paid courses? Read our guide to asbestos awareness training online in the UK.
• Browse all health and safety courses.

Ready to start? Get your asbestos awareness certificate online for £19.99, pay once.