If you work in construction and are thinking about stepping into a supervisory or management role, you’ve probably heard about the CITB SMSTS course. It’s one of the most respected health and safety courses in the industry, and also one of the most searched. But with so many variations available (5-day course, refresher, online options…), it’s natural to have questions.
At Easybook Training, we help thousands of people every year find and book the right CITB training courses. So in this blog, we’re answering the most frequently asked questions about the CITB SMSTS, SMSTS courses, and all the related options to help you understand exactly what you need.
What is CITB?The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) is the industry body responsible for supporting skills, training and development across the UK construction sector. Funded partly through the CITB Levy, it works with employers, training providers and government to raise safety standards, improve workforce competence and ensure the industry has the skills it needs. CITB also develops and regulates many of the most recognised construction training courses, including the SMSTS and SSSTS, ensuring they meet consistent, high-quality standards nationwide.What Is the CITB SMSTS Course?
So..What is the CITB SMSTS Course? The CITB SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a 5-day training course designed for construction managers, supervisors, site managers, project managers and anyone responsible for organising, planning, monitoring or controlling work on site.
The CITB SMSTS 5 day course covers essential legislation, responsibilities, best practices and practical guidance on managing health and safety on a construction site. It’s one of the core CITB site management courses and is widely recognised across the UK.
Who Should Take the SMSTS Course?
The SMSTS course is suitable for:
Site managers
Site supervisors stepping up into management
Project managers
Forepersons
Business owners in construction
Health & safety professionals looking to expand knowledge
If you’re already working in a supervisory role, you may want to compare it with the SSSTS course, which is aimed at site supervisors rather than site managers.
What Does the SMSTS Training Course Cover?
Whether you choose an in-person SMSTS training course or SMSTS training online, the syllabus is the same and set by CITB. Typical topics include:
The Health and Safety at Work Act
CDM (Construction Design & Management) Regulations
Risk assessments and method statements
Fire prevention and control
Working at height
Scaffolding safety
Electrical safety
Behavioural safety
Accident investigation & reporting
How Long Is the CITB SMSTS Course?
The main CITB SMSTS course takes five days to complete, usually delivered either as:
Five consecutive days, or
One day a week over five weeks
Both formats cover the same content, and at Easybook Training you’ll find a mix of formats across locations nationwide.
Is the SMSTS Course Available Online?
Yes! Since CITB updated its delivery rules, the SMSTS course can now be taken in a virtual classroom.
Our SMSTS training online option means you can complete the entire course from home or the office, with live trainers, group discussions and full interaction.
What Is the CITB SMSTS Refresher?
If you already hold an SMSTS certificate, you’ll need to renew it every five years. That’s where the CITB SMSTS Refresher comes in.
The SMSTS refresher, also referred to as the SMSTS refresher 2 day course, updates your knowledge on legislation, responsibilities and best practice.
Easybook Training also offers:
SMSTS refresher course online
SMSTS refresher online sessions with live trainers
These online refresher formats are ideal for busy managers looking for flexibility.
What Happens If My SMSTS Certificate Expires?
If your certificate has expired, even by a day, CITB will not allow you to book the refresher. Instead, you’ll need to retake the full CITB SMSTS 5 day course.
This is why we recommend booking your refresher in plenty of time.
Do I Need the SSSTS Course Instead?
The SSSTS course (Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme) is the step below SMSTS. It’s ideal if you’re a team leader, supervisor or foreperson.
If you’re already managing projects, people or site safety at a higher level, then the SMSTS is the more suitable route.
At Easybook Training, we also offer:
How Difficult Is the SMSTS Course?
The SMSTS is designed to be thorough, but it’s not unreasonably difficult. You’ll take a multiple-choice test and complete group work throughout the course.
If you attend, engage with the trainer, and study the provided materials, you should pass without trouble.
How Much Does the SMSTS Course Cost?
Prices vary depending on the location of your chosen training venue, training provider and whether you’re choosing in-person or online delivery. At Easybook Training, we compare prices across the UK to help you find the best option.
Can I Take the CITB SMSTS Course Anywhere in the UK?
Yes. We offer CITB training courses in:
London
Manchester
Birmingham
Glasgow
Bristol
Newcastle
And many more locations
Online SMSTS courses are available UK-wide.
How Do I Book the SMSTS Course?
Booking is simple, visit the CITB Training Courses section on the Easybook Training website and choose your preferred course, date and location.
We list hundreds of SMSTS and SSSTS course dates across the country, with options seven days a week.
Final Thoughts
The CITB SMSTS course remains one of the most respected and essential qualifications for site managers and construction professionals. Whether you're taking the full SMSTS training course, choosing SMSTS training online, or renewing with the SMSTS refresher course, Easybook Training makes the process quick, simple and stress-free.
If you're ready to take the next step in your construction career, explore all available dates and locations on our website and let us help you find the perfect course.
Looking for CITB SMSTS, SSSTS, refresher, or any other health and safety course? Easybook Training has you covered.