What is the SMSTS course?
SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. It is a CITB-approved five-day course for anyone who manages or plans work on a construction site, including site managers, project managers, supervisors, engineers and foremen.
The course explains your legal, moral and financial responsibilities for health, safety and welfare on site. Pass the final assessment and you receive a nationally recognised CITB SMSTS certificate.
Train on a schedule that suits you
Complete the course over five consecutive days, across five weekends, or one day a week for five weeks. Every format leads to the same CITB certificate.
Who should take the SMSTS course?
SMSTS is designed for people who already manage teams on site or are moving into a management role. If you coordinate site activities, oversee contractors or make sure work meets health and safety law, this course is for you.
It is well suited to:
- Site Managers
- Project Managers
- Site Supervisors
- Site Engineers
- Foremen
- Construction Planners
- Contracts Managers
- Health & Safety Coordinators
How is the course delivered?
You can attend live online or in a classroom. Both formats are taught in real time by experienced tutors, so you can ask questions and take part in discussions either way.
Can I complete SMSTS online?
Yes. Online sessions run live over video call and cover the same content, assessment and certificate as the classroom course. It saves travel and time away from site. You will need a computer with a webcam, a microphone and a reliable internet connection.
What will you learn?
The course gives you the knowledge to manage safety on site with confidence. It covers current legislation, practical risk control and your duties as a construction manager. Core topics include:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- CDM Regulations
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Working at height and scaffolding
- Electrical and excavation safety
- Occupational and behavioural health
- Site inductions and toolbox talks
- Demolition and site-specific hazards
After the course you will be able to
- Apply UK health and safety law on your site
- Manage risks and run effective safety briefings
- Meet your responsibilities under CITB and industry standards
Why take the SMSTS course?
SMSTS is one of the most widely requested safety qualifications for construction managers. Many principal contractors expect it before you can manage a team on their sites, because it shows you know how to run a safe, compliant project.
- Move into a site management or leadership role
- Meet your duties under CDM and health and safety law
- Hold a CITB certificate accepted by major contractors
- Show clients and employers you are competent
- Improve your job prospects and earning potential
How is SMSTS assessed?
On the last day you sit a short written exam that checks your understanding of site management duties and health and safety principles.
What score do you need?
Each square is one mark. Score 26 or more to pass.
Will I receive a recognised certificate?
Yes. When you pass, CITB issues your SMSTS certificate, which is recognised throughout the UK construction industry. It is usually issued within four weeks.
The certificate is valid for five years. To keep it current, complete the two-day SMSTS Refresher before it expires. If it lapses, you will need to take the full five-day course again.
Do I get a card after the course?
No. CITB issues a certificate, not a card. For a CSCS Black Card (Manager), you need the NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management. SMSTS is not required for the Black Card, but many employers value having both.
Entry requirements
- A good level of spoken and written English for the sessions and the exam
- A current or upcoming role with site management responsibilities
- Valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, on the first day
- For online courses: a computer with a webcam, microphone and stable internet
Why train with CJTS?
We make SMSTS training straightforward, from booking to certification.
- Flexible formats: live online or classroom, weekdays or weekends
- Experienced tutors who have worked in construction
- Exam support so you know what to expect on the day
- Completed in five days with a CITB-approved certificate
- Group rates for employers training several staff
What is CITB Site Safety Plus?
Site Safety Plus is a CITB training scheme for every level of the construction workforce, from operatives to senior managers. SMSTS is part of this scheme, alongside:
- SMSTS Refresher
- Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
- SSSTS Refresher
- Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
