Is your construction career failing to reach its full potential due to insufficient health and safety expertise? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) courses could be the transformative step you need. Created by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), these courses are crucial for anyone in site management roles aiming to enhance their understanding of safety protocols on construction sites. By undertaking an SMSTS programme, not only do you boost your career prospects, but you also ensure compliance with essential safety regulations. Dive into why securing this qualification is indispensable for a successful career in site management.

Overview of SMSTS Courses

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a comprehensive course provided by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It is meticulously designed to establish and uphold high standards of health and safety management across construction sites. The course aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively manage site safety, incorporating critical aspects such as risk assessment and adherence to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This structured training plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall safety culture within the construction industry.

SMSTS courses are specifically tailored for individuals in site management roles, including site managers, supervisors, construction company proprietors, and project managers. These professionals benefit from the course by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with statutory safety regulations. By focusing on practical applications of safety management, the course not only fosters a safer working environment but also empowers participants to become proactive leaders in health and safety matters.

CITB, as the authoritative body, is responsible for the delivery and accreditation of SMSTS courses. Their involvement ensures that the training meets industry standards and remains relevant to current practices. The SMSTS qualifications are highly regarded within the construction sector, serving as a testament to an individual’s competency in managing site safety. This recognition is crucial for career advancement, as it signifies a commitment to maintaining high safety standards, thus enhancing employability and professional credibility.

SMSTS Course Structure and Content

The SMSTS course is a five-day programme designed to impart essential skills in site management, focusing on health, safety, compliance, and leadership. It offers participants an in-depth understanding of their responsibilities under health and safety regulations, with specific emphasis on The Health and Safety at Work Act. This structured approach ensures that participants are well-equipped to handle the complexities of site management.

Day One: Introduction and Key Topics

The first day serves as an introduction to the course, setting the foundation with a comprehensive overview of the construction industry’s hazards. A mock examination is conducted to prepare participants for the final assessment. Core topics covered include health and safety laws and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015. These topics provide a critical framework for understanding the legal and practical aspects of site safety.

Subsequent Days: In-depth Learning

In the following days, the course delves deeper into various facets of site management:

  • Day Two: Focuses on health and safety management, emphasising the importance of risk assessments and method statements. Participants learn about competence, behavioural safety, and accident investigation.
  • Day Three: Covers personal protective equipment regulations, asbestos awareness, noise and vibration hazards, manual handling, site organisation, and fire safety.
  • Day Four: Discusses electrical safety, temporary works, lifting operations, and working at height, alongside a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment exercise.
  • Day Five: Concludes with topics on excavation safety, avoiding dangers from buried services and overhead lines, and confined spaces. The day ends with a site setup exercise and a final examination.

Participants are expected to master several key skills throughout the course:

  • Risk assessment and management
  • Compliance with health and safety legislation
  • Effective communication and leadership skills
  • Practical application of safety management
  • Problem-solving in site safety scenarios

This comprehensive structure ensures that participants leave the course with a robust understanding of how to manage construction site safety effectively.

Benefits and Certification of SMSTS Courses


Obtaining an SMSTS qualification offers significant advantages for professionals in the construction sector. It enhances career prospects by equipping individuals with comprehensive safety management skills and knowledge. Those who complete the course are better prepared to handle the complexities of site management, making them valuable assets to their employers. The qualification also fosters a culture of safety, encouraging proactive risk management and compliance with health and safety regulations. This expertise not only improves workplace safety but also elevates the professional standing of the certificate holder, opening doors to advanced roles in site management.

The certification process for the SMSTS course is thorough and aims to ensure that participants meet high industry standards. Upon successful completion, individuals are awarded a CITB SMSTS certificate, which is valid for five years. This certification is a testament to one’s competence in site management, as per the Approved Code of Practice for the CDM Regulations. Assessment involves continuous evaluation throughout the course and a final examination consisting of multiple-choice and written questions. The recognition of this certification in the industry underscores its value, as it signifies a commitment to maintaining exemplary safety standards, which is highly regarded by employers.

Enrolment and Prerequisites for SMSTS Courses

Enrolling in an SMSTS course is a straightforward process designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills for effective site management. Prospective participants need to follow specific procedures, starting with selecting a course provider. Once a provider is chosen, candidates must register for the course, ensuring they meet all prerequisite criteria before commencing training.

Prerequisites for attending the SMSTS course include:

  • ID Verification: Participants must provide valid identification to confirm their identity.
  • Relevant Qualifications: Proof of qualifications related to site management or construction is required.
  • Experience: A minimum of one year of experience in site management or a related role is often necessary.
  • Eligibility Checks: Providers may conduct eligibility checks to ensure participants meet the course requirements.

It is crucial to choose accredited providers when enrolling in an SMSTS course. Accredited providers, such as those recognised by CITB Construction Skills, ensure the quality and relevance of the training. These organisations adhere to industry standards, offering courses that are up-to-date with current practices. One of the recommended providers is csttraining.co.uk, known for its comprehensive approach to health and safety training. By selecting an accredited provider, participants can be confident in receiving training that meets the high standards expected within the construction industry.

SMSTS Course Locations and Formats

SMSTS courses offer flexibility in both location and format, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of participants. The five-day programme can be undertaken either online or in person, accommodating different learning preferences and schedules. Online courses utilise video conferencing tools like Zoom, allowing learners to participate from any location with internet access. This virtual option is particularly advantageous for those needing to balance work commitments with professional development. In-person courses are conducted at various locations across the UK, including major cities such as London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Manchester.

These courses are also available in several formats to suit individual needs. Participants can choose from standard weekday courses or opt for weekend sessions, which minimise disruption to their workweek. Additionally, day release options provide the opportunity to attend training over an extended period, ideal for those who prefer a more gradual learning pace.

Location Format
London Virtual, In-person, Weekend, Day Release
Birmingham Virtual, In-person, Weekend, Day Release
Glasgow Virtual, In-person, Weekend, Day Release
Manchester Virtual, In-person, Weekend, Day Release

These flexible options ensure that SMSTS courses are accessible to a broad audience, enabling professionals to enhance their skills without compromising their existing responsibilities.

SMSTS Refresher and Continuing Development


The SMSTS Refresher course plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing safety management skills among construction professionals. This two-day refresher is mandatory every five years to renew the SMSTS certification, ensuring that site managers and supervisors remain updated with the latest industry practices and regulations. The course covers crucial updates in health and safety legislation, reinforcing knowledge and addressing any changes in site management protocols. The refreshed understanding helps professionals to continue performing their roles effectively and safely, which is essential for career progression and maintaining industry standards.

Flexible learning options for the SMSTS Refresher course include:

  • Video Link: Participants can join live sessions from any location with internet access, facilitating learning without the need to commute.
  • Virtual Classrooms: Interactive online platforms replicate the classroom experience, allowing for real-time engagement with instructors and peers.
  • At-home Learning: The convenience of studying from home provides a comfortable and familiar environment, enhancing focus and retention.

Beyond the refresher course, there are various opportunities for ongoing professional development within the SMSTS framework. Professionals can pursue advanced training in specific areas such as environmental management or advanced health and safety certifications. These courses build on the foundational knowledge acquired in the SMSTS programme, enabling individuals to specialise and potentially move into higher management roles. Continuous development is not only beneficial for personal growth but also contributes significantly to a safer and more efficient construction industry.

Final Words

Engaging in SMSTS courses equips participants with crucial skills for effective site management.

It underscores the significance of health and safety compliance across construction sites.

Spanning over five days, the course delves into pertinent topics, robustly preparing professionals.

Earning an SMSTS certificate validates competence and enhances career opportunities.

Availability across multiple formats and locations adds versatility to learning.

Refreshing this certification every five years sustains one’s professional edge.

Through continuous development efforts, SMSTS participants can maintain a leading stance in the industry.

Overall, SMSTS courses foster improved safety and management competence.