Advance Your Career in Construction Site Supervision and Management
Whether you're supervising small teams or managing complex construction projects, the SSSTS and SMSTS courses give you the recognised qualifications you need to lead safely, meet compliance standards, and build a stronger future in construction.
The SSSTS Course and SMSTS Course are two of the most recognised health and safety qualifications in the UK construction industry. Delivered as part of the CITB Site Safety Plus scheme, these courses are essential for those overseeing health, safety, and welfare on site.
They’re suitable for:
Both courses are CITB-approved, grant-eligible, and meet industry expectations set by Build UK and major contractors.
Duration: 2 Days (Full Course)
Certificate Validity: 5 Years
Delivery: Classroom or Online
The SSSTS course is ideal for anyone working as a site supervisor or safety trainer supervisor, providing essential knowledge on legal responsibilities, health and safety procedures, and how to lead teams safely on site.
SSSTS Covers:
✅ Includes SSSTS course materials and official certificate
✅ Available online or nationwide in-person
✅ Recognised by all major construction contractors
Duration: 5 Days (Full Course)
Certificate Validity: 5 Years
Delivery: Classroom or Online
The SMSTS course is designed for construction managers, project leaders, and senior site staff who oversee planning, organising, and controlling teams on site.
SMSTS Covers:
✅ Includes SMSTS course materials and certificate
✅ Choose classroom or interactive online delivery
✅ CITB-endorsed and accepted by principal contractors
SSSTS Refresher (SSSTS-R)
Duration: 1 Day
Valid For: 5 Years
For delegates who already hold a valid SSSTS certificate. You must complete the refresher before your current certificate expires – there is no grace period.
This 1-day course updates your knowledge on:
✅ Delivered face-to-face or online via Zoom
✅ Includes official GE706 and GT700 digital publications
✅ CITB-approved and widely recognised across the industry
SMSTS Refresher (SMSTS-R)
Duration: 2 Days
Valid For: 5 Years
For delegates who hold a valid SMSTS certificate. You must attend this course before your certificate expires or you’ll need to retake the full 5-day course.
Topics include:
✅ Attend online or in a classroom setting
✅ Includes updated GE700 digital publication
✅ CITB Site Safety Plus certificate valid for 5 years
| Feature | SSSTS | SMSTS |
|---|---|---|
| Designed For | Site Supervisors / Team Leaders | Site Managers / Project Leads |
| Course Duration | 2 Days | 5 Days |
| Level of Responsibility | Supervising site operatives | Managing overall site operations |
| Topics Covered | Risk awareness, legal duties, toolbox talks | CDM regs, project safety planning, leadership |
| Certificate Validity | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Progression | Ideal step toward NVQ Level 3 and NVQ Level 4 | Supports NVQ Level 6 or NEBOSH Diploma progression |
Still unsure which course to choose? See our FAQ below or contact our expert team – we’re happy to help you decide the right path.
Both courses are available via live online tutor-led sessions, so you can gain your recognised qualification from the comfort of your home or office. The content is the same as classroom delivery and includes:
All you need is:
If you're a CITB-registered employer, you can claim the following short course grants per delegate:
Simply provide your company name and CITB levy number at the time of booking, and our team will support you with the grant claim process.
National delivery & online availability
Trusted by major UK construction companies
Dedicated support with course selection and CSCS card queries
CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO)
Competitive pricing and expert tutors
Whether you’re stepping into your first supervisory role or leading complex construction projects, the SSSTS or SMSTS courses are your gateway to confident, compliant site leadership. Strengthen your safety knowledge, unlock new career opportunities, and lead by example on site.
Book your course today and take the next step toward confident leadership and long-term success in construction.
SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme, a 2-day CITB course for those taking on supervisory responsibilities in construction. It’s ideal for site supervisors, team leaders, and safety trainer supervisors who need to understand how to manage health and safety on site legally and effectively. Completing the SSSTS course demonstrates your ability to supervise safely and is often required by principal contractors and major employers.
SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme, a 5-day CITB SMSTS course designed for site managers, project leaders, and those with overall responsibility for health and safety on construction projects. This essential site manager course covers CDM regulations, risk management, and leadership duties. The SMSTS course online is also available, offering flexibility for busy professionals.
While completing the SMSTS course strengthens your credentials as a site manager, it is not sufficient on its own to obtain the Black CSCS Card (CSCS Manager Card). To qualify, you must hold a Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management, this is a work-based diploma that demonstrates your competence through completing industry-specific units.
Once you achieve the NVQ and pass the relevant CITB Health, Safety & Environment test, you become eligible to apply for the Black CSCS Card.
However, employers typically expect you to hold both:
In short, while SMSTS is highly regarded and often required for managerial roles, it must be paired with the NVQ Level 6 to meet CSCS Black Card criteria and industry expectations.
No, completing the SSSTS course alone does not qualify you for a Gold CSCS Card (CSCS Supervisor Card). To be eligible, you must complete a recognised Level 3 NVQ in Occupational Work Supervision or a Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision.
The SSSTS course is a valuable addition for anyone working as a site supervisor or safety trainer supervisor, as it helps you develop the knowledge needed to supervise teams safely and understand your legal duties. However, it’s not a substitute for the formal work-based qualifications required by the CSCS card scheme.
To gain the Gold CSCS Card, you’ll need to:
By combining the SSSTS course with the appropriate NVQ, you’ll be well on your way to progressing into senior supervisory roles on site.
The SSSTS course teaches supervisors how to identify and manage site risks confidently and responsibly. A key focus is understanding how to think critically about health and safety, especially in situations that could lead to serious harm if not properly controlled.
While the course introduces four safety-critical areas that form part of your assessment, these are grounded in the HSE’s core principles of risk assessment. You’ll learn how to:
These steps reflect the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on managing risk, and are central to safe site supervision and good decision-making on the job.
If you’re trying to decide whether you need SMSTS or SSSTS, it depends on your role and level of responsibility on site.
The SMSTS course (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a 5-day CITB course designed for site managers, project leads, and those with overall responsibility for planning, managing, and monitoring health and safety on construction sites. It provides in-depth knowledge of site legislation, CDM regulations, risk control, and leadership responsibilities, making it a key requirement for many site manager roles and a common step toward obtaining the Black CSCS Card.
The SSSTS course (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) is a shorter 2-day CITB course aimed at site supervisors, team leaders, or safety trainer supervisors. It focuses on supervising operatives safely, delivering toolbox talks, understanding legal responsibilities, and ensuring site rules are followed day to day.
When deciding between SSSTS or SMSTS, consider your current role:
Both courses are part of the CITB Site Safety Plus suite, valid for 5 years, and have refresher options available to maintain certification.
Still unsure whether you need SMSTS or SSSTS? Contact our team, we’re here to help you choose the right path for your career.
This course is intended for those with, or about to take on, supervisory responsibilities on construction sites (e.g., site supervisors, team leaders, or safety trainer supervisors). Delegates must be able to read, write and understand English to a level appropriate for the role. Photographic ID (passport or driving licence) is required on the first day.
The SMSTS course is designed for individuals with management responsibilities on construction sites, such as site managers, project leaders, or senior site staff. Delegates must be able to read, write and understand English to a level suitable for the role. Photographic ID (passport or driving licence) must be presented at the start of the course.
Completing the SMSTS course is a strong step toward becoming a site manager, but SMSTS alone won’t usually qualify you for most site management positions.
To work as a fully recognised site manager in the UK, most employers expect you to have:
The SMSTS course provides essential knowledge of legal responsibilities, CDM regulations, and safe systems of work, but it does not prove your competence on its own. The NVQ demonstrates your practical experience and ability to manage site activities, while the CSCS card confirms your qualifications and understanding of site safety.
In summary, you typically need a combination of:
No - CSCS is a card scheme used to verify a worker’s qualifications and occupational competence, while SMSTS is a CITB course focused on site safety and management responsibilities. They are not directly comparable.
That said, a valid SMSTS certificate is often requested by employers, especially for those applying for managerial roles where the Black CSCS Card (Manager Card) is required. While SMSTS is not needed to apply for the card itself, it is frequently seen as an industry standard for site management roles and may be listed as a job requirement.
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a CITB Site Safety Plus course certificate, valid for 5 years. It’s a well-respected safety qualification for site managers, focusing on legal responsibilities, CDM regulations, and risk management. While it is not a regulated qualification like an NVQ, it is widely recognised across the construction industry as essential for management roles.
The SMSTS course is comprehensive and designed to give you a strong understanding of health and safety law, CDM regulations, and how to manage risks and teams on site. Most delegates pass successfully with full attendance, engagement, and a basic understanding of construction site operations.
While we don’t offer a formal SMSTS mock test, there are several ways you can prepare in advance:
These steps can help boost your confidence and make the course content more familiar from day one.
