A popular question we are constantly asked is, "Is the SSSTS or SMSTS course the right one for me?" To help answer this, we’ve provided key information to guide your decision.

The SSSTS course is ideal for those in supervisory roles, such as foremen or team leaders, where overseeing small teams and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations are the main responsibilities. If you're directly responsible for supervising workers and maintaining safety on-site, this course will give you the essential tools.

On the other hand, the SMSTS course is designed for managers responsible for the overall safety and management of a construction site. If you are already in, or aiming for, a site management position where you oversee broader site operations and safety systems, the SMSTS course will provide you with the necessary skills and qualifications.

When navigating a career in the construction industry, selecting the right safety training course is essential for ensuring compliance and career progression. The CITB suite of courses offers a variety of training options that are critical for different roles within the industry. Whether it's the SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) for supervisors, the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) for site managers, or other courses like the 1-day Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course for labourers, all play an important role in developing a well-rounded understanding of health and safety practices.

Additionally, for those involved in temporary structures, the Temporary Works Coordinator and Temporary Works Supervisor courses are key to ensuring safe management of temporary works on-site. Each of these courses is a vital part of building a comprehensive safety and management skill set, enabling individuals to progress through their careers with the necessary qualifications for their specific roles.

What is the SSSTS Course?

The SSSTS course is designed for first-line supervisors, such as foremen or team leaders. It is a two-day course that equips participants with knowledge about health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and supervisory responsibilities. This course is often the entry-level requirement for supervisors responsible for overseeing small teams and ensuring safe practices on-site. After completing the course, participants will receive an SSSTS certificate, which is valid for five years and can be renewed with a one-day refresher course.

What is the SMSTS Course?

On the other hand, the SMSTS course is aimed at site managers or those aspiring to management roles. This is a five-day program that covers a broader range of topics, including legal responsibilities, management techniques, risk assessments, and health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues. The SMSTS course is particularly useful for those who need to implement safety systems across an entire site, rather than just ensuring compliance. Like the SSSTS, the SMSTS certificate is also valid for five years, after which a two-day refresher course is required.

Key Differences

• Duration: SSSTS is two days, while SMSTS is five days, reflecting the deeper scope of the latter.
• Target Audience: SSSTS is ideal for supervisors and first-line managers; SMSTS is tailored for site and project managers.
• Content Depth: SMSTS covers more comprehensive topics, including Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations and environmental management, making it a higher-level qualification than SSSTS.

Which One Do You Need?

If your role is supervisory overseeing small teams or ensuring safety practices then the SSSTS course is your best fit. However, if you are managing a construction site or aiming for a management role, the SMSTS course is the one to pursue. Many professionals start with SSSTS and later advance to SMSTS as they progress in their careers.

How to Progress from SSSTS to SMSTS

If you’ve already completed the SSSTS course and are looking to move into a site management role, the SMSTS course is the natural next step. While SSSTS equips you with the skills to supervise health and safety on-site, SMSTS builds on this by covering a broader range of responsibilities and focusing on the management of health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues across an entire site.

Transitioning from SSSTS to SMSTS does not require retaking the same material. However, to progress effectively, on-site experience in a supervisory role is crucial. This practical experience allows you to fully benefit from the five-day SMSTS course, where you’ll dive deeper into areas such as legal responsibilities, risk management, and CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations. This real-world experience will help you better understand the more complex managerial duties that SMSTS covers, such as overseeing multiple teams, managing site-wide safety systems, and implementing safety protocols.

The SMSTS course is an essential qualification for those looking to take on higher-level responsibilities and is often a mandatory requirement for site managers in the construction industry. Therefore, it’s important to assess not only your current qualifications but also your on-site experience to ensure you’re ready to make the leap into site management.

By gaining these qualifications, you not only enhance your competence but also improve the overall safety culture within your team or site, which is vital in today's regulatory landscape.

For more information about our SSSTS or SMSTS courses, contact our experienced and friendly team for advice on 0115 8970 529 or email [email protected].