HRDC support is most useful when training is planned against the rules that govern claims. The Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM) is the reference many employers use to understand which cost items may be considered in a claim — and which usually fall outside it.
This briefing is a practical overview for HR and learning teams. Always check the latest HRD Corp circulars and guidelines for your scheme and training format before you commit budget.
Why the ACM matters in planning
- Helps you design a programme that is claim-ready from day one
- Reduces surprise gaps between “quoted training cost” and “claimable items”
- Supports clearer internal approval when finance asks what the levy can cover
- Encourages better documentation habits during delivery, not only at claim submission
Cost areas employers typically review
Depending on the scheme and current ACM edition, employers often review categories such as:
Course / training fees
The core programme fee for approved or eligible training, subject to scheme rules and limits.
Allowances
Items such as meal or daily allowances may apply in defined situations — always confirm current rates and conditions.
Materials & consumables
Training materials that are necessary for delivery may be considered where the ACM and supporting documents allow.
Venue, travel & logistics
Venue rental or transport-related costs can be relevant for certain formats — eligibility is not automatic.
Planning habits that protect claims
- Confirm scheme fit (public, in-house, online, or mixed) before signing the training plan
- Align programme title, duration, and audience with what you will later submit
- Track attendance properly — incomplete attendance is a frequent claim friction point
- Keep invoices, schedules, and supporting documents in one pack from the start
- Treat ACM limits as a design constraint, not a post-event negotiation
Common pitfalls
- Assuming every line item on a vendor invoice is claimable
- Running training first and reading ACM rules only at claim time
- Weak attendance or incomplete participant records
- Mismatch between approved plan details and actual delivery
- Relying on outdated ACM tables after a circular update
How CXCons uses this in practice
When employers ask for public or in-house programmes, we structure delivery so learning outcomes and claim practicality are considered together — including documentation habits and format choices that fit current HRD Corp expectations where claim support is required.
For a structured view of skill gaps before you spend, use our Training Needs Analysis (TNA), then explore matching modules in Program Finder.