If you work in construction management, you have almost certainly come across the SMSTS course. It is one of the most widely recognised site safety qualifications in the UK construction industry and is commonly expected for those managing construction projects.

But is the SMSTS course actually mandatory for site managers in the UK? And who really needs this qualification?

This guide explains what the SMSTS course is, who it is designed for, how long it lasts, and when the refresher applies, helping you decide whether it is the right course for your role.

What Is the SMSTS Course?

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a CITB Site Safety Plus course designed for individuals with responsibility for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling and administering construction work.

The course is aimed at site managers and those moving into site management roles. It focuses on the legal, health, safety and environmental responsibilities involved in managing construction projects, rather than hands on site activities.

The SMSTS course is endorsed by Build UK as the standard course for all construction managers, reinforcing its position as the recognised qualification across the industry.

View the full SMSTS course details here: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/citb-site-management-safety-training-scheme-smsts

Is the SMSTS Course Mandatory in the UK?

Legally speaking, the SMSTS qualification is not a statutory requirement under UK health and safety law. However, in practice, it is often treated as essential.

Most principal contractors, major developers and commercial clients require site managers to hold a valid SMSTS certificate before they can manage work on site. For many roles, not holding SMSTS can limit job opportunities or prevent appointment to a site management position.

In short, while it is not written into legislation, the SMSTS course is widely regarded as industry mandatory for site managers working in the UK construction sector.

Who Needs SMSTS?

A common question is who needs SMSTS, and whether it applies only to site managers.

The SMSTS course is suitable for:

• Site Managers
• Project Managers
• Construction Managers
• Site Agents
• Senior Supervisors with management responsibility

If you are responsible for managing people, overseeing site safety, implementing control measures or ensuring legal compliance on a construction site, the SMSTS qualification is likely appropriate.

There are no formal entry requirements for the course. However, learners should be working in, or moving into, a site management role and have a good understanding of written and spoken English. Those without previous health and safety management experience may be better suited to the SSSTS course before progressing to SMSTS.

What Does the SMSTS Course Cover?

The SMSTS course content reflects real site management responsibilities and covers key health, safety and environmental topics, including:

• Health and safety law and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Site organisation and welfare
• Fire prevention and control
• Working at height and high risk activities
• Temporary works awareness
• Occupational health and wellbeing
• Environmental management
• Accident prevention, reporting and investigation
• Leadership, communication and worker engagement

This ensures the SMSTS qualification supports both legal compliance and effective, safe site management.

SMSTS Course Duration and Validity

The SMSTS course duration is five days.

This may be delivered as:

• Five consecutive days, or
• Split over a number of weeks, depending on the course format

Assessment is completed through core exercises, a case study and an end of course examination. On successful completion, learners receive a CITB SMSTS certificate valid for five years.

SMSTS Refresher Course Explained

To keep the qualification valid, learners must complete the SMSTS Refresher course before their certificate expires.

The refresher:

• Is a two day course
• Updates learners on changes to legislation and industry best practice
• Reinforces key site management responsibilities

There is no grace period once the certificate expires. If the refresher is not completed in time, the full five day SMSTS course must be retaken.

View the SMSTS Refresher course here: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/course/citb-site-management-safety-training-scheme-refresher-smsts-r

SMSTS Training UK: Choosing the Right Provider

When booking SMSTS training in the UK, it is important to choose an approved provider that delivers the course in line with CITB Site Safety Plus requirements and current industry standards.

Essential Site Skills delivers SMSTS courses through experienced tutors with real site management backgrounds, ensuring the course remains practical, relevant and aligned with modern construction environments.

Is the SMSTS Course Worth It?

For most construction professionals in management roles, the answer is yes.

The SMSTS qualification:

• Improves employability
• Supports legal and contractual compliance
• Builds confidence in managing site safety
• Is recognised across the UK construction industry

Whether you are stepping into a site management role or already managing construction projects, the SMSTS course remains a key qualification within the industry.