Key Takeaways:
- HRD Corp’s 2025 ACM update changes cost caps, claim codes, and trainer requirements.
- HCC ((HRD Corp Claimable Courses) replaces SBL-Khas, with stricter compliance for claimable training programmes.
- SLB offers shared, cost-efficient training for multiple employers with similar needs.
- Choosing the right scheme prevents claim rejection and maximises levy utilisation.
- Thriving Talents provides HRD-compliant, claim-ready training under HCC and SLB schemes.
Introduction
HRD Corp has released its latest Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM) update in September 2025, and these changes affect how employers can plan, submit, and claim training for 2025–2026.
With the renaming of SBL-Khas to HCC (HRD Corp Claimable Courses) and clearer rules around scheme selection, HR and L&D teams need to stay updated to avoid claim issues and levy wastage.
This article breaks down the new updates from HRD Corp’s ACM 2025 and explains what employers need to know, especially if you’re planning to use HCC or SLB as your primary training schemes for the coming year.
HRD Corp Update Overview (September 2025)
HRD Corp’s September 2025 Allowable Cost Matrix update outlines the latest rules on what employers can claim using their levy.
Check out the following official documents:
Key changes employers should note:
- Updated cost caps for training fees, trainer allowances, and supporting expenses.
- Trainer accreditation requirements were strengthened from January 2025 onward, affecting which trainers can deliver claimable programmes.
- Refreshed claim categories and codes, including a clearer separation between schemes like HCC, SLB, and others.
- Standardised documentation requirements to reduce rejected claims and improve audit compliance.
Why does this matter?
If you plan to use your HRD levy in 2025–2026, your training providers and programmes must follow the new ACM rules; otherwise, claims may be delayed or rejected.
This update ensures training quality, improves transparency, and helps employers choose the right scheme for their needs.
What is the HCC Scheme (Previously SBL-Khas)?
The HCC Scheme, or HRD Corp Claimable Courses, is the updated name for what was previously known as SBL-Khas in the HRD Corp system.
This renaming aligns the scheme more clearly with its purpose: allowing employers to claim levy funds directly for approved training programmes that meet HRD Corp’s standards.
Under HCC, employers can claim for training as long as they are registered with HRD Corp, have an active levy balance, and the training provider meets the trainer accreditation requirements effective January 2025.
This includes compliance with the latest Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM) published in September 2025.
The name change matters because it affects documentation, claim submission codes, and how employers categorise their programmes when planning training for 2025–2026. Ensuring the correct scheme selection helps prevent claim rejection and maximises levy usage.
Understanding the SLB Scheme
The SLB Scheme (Skim Latihan Bersama) is a collaborative training model where multiple employers jointly organise and participate in the same training programme. Unlike HCC, which is based on individual employer claims, SLB allows companies to share training costs, resources, and learning outcomes.
This scheme is especially useful when:
- Employers have similar training needs across industries or departments.
- Smaller teams want access to high-quality programmes at shared cost.
- Companies prefer standardised training for roles with common competencies.
SLB differs from HCC in structure and claim submission:
- Training is jointly attended by employees from different organisations.
- Claims are processed under SLB’s shared programme format, as outlined in HRD Corp’s Employer Guidelines.
- Cost-sharing makes it a suitable option for SMEs or teams with limited internal training budgets.
According to HRD Corp, SLB remains one of the most practical schemes for employers looking to maximise levy while giving employees access to structured and professionally delivered training programmes.
Why Do These Updates Matter for Employers?
The 2025 ACM updates directly affect how employers claim, plan, and maximise their HRD levy. Understanding the new HCC and SLB structures helps prevent claim issues and ensures you get full value from your contributions. This is important because:
- Correct scheme = successful claims: Choosing the wrong scheme (HCC vs SLB) can lead to delays, rejections, or reduced reimbursements.
- Compliance is now stricter: Under ACM 2025, employers must meet updated rules on trainer accreditation, cost caps, and documentation requirements.
- Prevents levy under-utilisation: Many employers lose thousands in unused levy every year because training doesn’t match updated scheme guidelines.
- Aligns training with HR KPIs: Selecting the right scheme ensures training maps directly to goals like retention, communication, leadership, team cohesion, and workforce development.
- Maximises budgets for 2025–2026: Using the right HRD Corp scheme helps companies stretch their training budget while improving employee capability and engagement.
How Thriving Talents Supports HCC and SLB Claims?
Thriving Talents helps employers navigate the updated HRD Corp landscape with fully compliant, claim-ready programmes designed for both HCC and SLB schemes.
Here’s how we support your HRD levy utilisation:
- HRD Corp–Registered Provider: All programmes follow the latest Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM 2025) requirements, including trainer accreditation and updated claim codes.
- End-to-End Claim Assistance: We help HR teams choose the right scheme (HCC or SLB), prepare documentation, and avoid common claim mistakes that lead to rejections.
- Customisable, Claimable Programs: Our training, leadership development, and team building programmes are structured with clear learning outcomes.
- Designed for Business Impact: Every programme is tied to HR KPIs such as engagement, communication, leadership readiness, and cross-team collaboration—making your levy usage both compliant and strategic.
Also read:
Conclusion
HRD Corp’s 2025 updates, especially the renaming of SBL-Khas to HCC and the refined structure of SLB, mark an important shift for employers planning their training budgets for 2025–2026.
To fully benefit from your levy, it’s crucial to choose the right scheme, follow the updated Allowable Cost Matrix (ACM), and ensure all training aligns with HRD Corp’s latest requirements.
When done right, HCC and SLB are powerful ways to strengthen skills, build leadership, and future-proof your workforce.
Ready to maximise your HRD levy with fully claimable training? Book a free consultation with Thriving Talents and let us help you plan the right HCC or SLB programmes for your team.
