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Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) Courses

The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a safety training programme designed for managerial staff responsible for overseeing a workplace or construction site. It is ideal for those who are already in, or considering, roles that involve planning, organising, monitoring, controlling, and supervising teams of workers, such as site managers.

A CITB‑accredited Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) ideal for site managers and supervisors. Complete the 5‑day block or opt for a convenient day‑release format (1 day/week × 5). We also offer a 2‑day Refresher to renew your 5‑year certificate. Choose classroom or live online via Zoom.

Why Choose SMSTS Training Courses with Us?

Running a construction site or any workplace with multiple staff members involves plenty of day-to-day challenges. Our SMSTS course is designed to help you face these head-on by:

  • Focusing on Practical Skills: We don’t just hand you manuals on legislation; we also show you how to apply them in real, often unpredictable environments.

  • CITB Accreditation: Our training aligns with standards recognised across the UK. That means your qualification holds weight in the construction industry.

  • Expert Support: You’ll learn from experienced instructors who’ve managed sites themselves. They share genuine examples and tips—no fluff, no filler.

  • Clear Path to Compliance: By understanding regulations more thoroughly, you’ll feel more confident ensuring every part of your operation meets official requirements.

Courses – comparison

Side-by-side overview of durations, audiences, core topics, certificate validity and delivery formats.

Course Duration Who it’s for Key content Certificate Format
CourseSMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme (5-day block) Duration5 days (≈37.5 hrs) Who it’s forSite managers, project managers, senior supervisors Key content
  • H&S law, duties & due diligence
  • CDM 2015, permits & method statements
  • Risk assessment, PPE, safe systems of work
  • Site set-up, briefings, accident reporting
CertificateCITB SMSTS – 5 years FormatClassroom
CourseSMSTS Day Release (1 day/week × 5) Duration5 days (day-release) Who it’s forManagers needing to train while working Key content
  • Same syllabus as 5-day block
  • Staged learning with weekly sessions
  • Tutorial support & exam at the end
CertificateCITB SMSTS – 5 years FormatClassroom (day-release)
CourseSMSTS Day Release – Online (live) Duration5 days (remote) Who it’s forManagers preferring live online delivery Key content
  • Full SMSTS syllabus via Zoom/Teams
  • Interactive sessions & digital materials
  • Online invigilated exam
CertificateCITB SMSTS – 5 years FormatOnline (live)
CourseSMSTS – Online Course (full 5-day) Duration5 days (remote) Who it’s forSite managers needing full course online Key content
  • H&S leadership, legislation & compliance
  • Planning, monitoring & control of works
  • Incident response & reporting
CertificateCITB SMSTS – 5 years FormatOnline (live)
CourseSMSTS Refresher (2-day) Duration2 days Who it’s forHolders of valid/in-date SMSTS (renewal) Key content
  • Legislation updates & best practice
  • Review of CDM, RAMS & site controls
  • Assessment to renew certification
CertificateExtends SMSTS to 5 years FormatClassroom
CourseSMSTS Refresher – Online (2-day) Duration2 days (remote) Who it’s forSMSTS holders renewing online Key content
  • Live online refresh of full syllabus
  • Legislation changes & case studies
  • Online exam & certification
CertificateExtends SMSTS to 5 years FormatOnline (live)
Notes: SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years; renew before expiry via the 2-day Refresher (otherwise the full 5-day course is required). In-person courses run at CPTS Wellingborough; online variants delivered live (webcam & mic required).

SMSTS Course Overview and Structure

What the SMSTS covers

  • UK health, safety, welfare and environmental law (e.g. HASAWA) and the CDM Regulations.
  • Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) and safe systems of work.
  • Managing higher-risk activities: working at height, scaffolding, excavations, demolition and confined spaces.
  • Occupational health, behavioural safety and incident reporting (incl. RIDDOR).
  • Roles, responsibilities and leadership for an effective site safety culture.

Duration & formats

  • Full SMSTS: 5 days (37.5 hours) delivered as a block week or day-release (1 day per week for 5 weeks).
  • SMSTS Refresher: 2 days — to be completed before your certificate expires (no grace period).
  • Certificate validity: 5 years. Renew with the 2-day Refresher before expiry; otherwise, the full 5-day course must be retaken.

Further detail

  • Practical application of UK health and safety law and the CDM Regulations in a site-management context.
  • Building and reviewing RAMS, and supervising safe systems of work.
  • Managing higher-risk activities: working at height, scaffolding, excavations, demolition and confined spaces.
  • Developing a positive safety culture, behavioural safety and incident reporting (including RIDDOR).
A newly certified SMSTS course graduate holding their certificate, smiling confidently after completing site management safety training.

More details about Site Management Safety Training Scheme

CITB-SMSTS-Course-in-the-UK.-Lead-Safer-Sites

Ongoing Management and Control

From organising daily tasks to monitoring staff performance, you’ll gain insights into how to keep a site (or facility) running smoothly without compromising safety.

Delivery options include a 5-day block or a day-release format (1 day per week over 5 weeks).Certificate validity
The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. Renew before expiry by attending the 2-day SMSTS Refresher; otherwise, you must retake the full 5-day course.

Flexible Learning Options

We know your schedule might be packed, so we’ve set up various learning methods:

  • Face-to-Face Sessions: Ideal if you’d like hands-on guidance and the chance to exercises practical scenarios in person.

  • Online Training: Perfect if travel is tricky or you prefer learning from the comfort of your own space. You’ll still get live support and interactive resources.

  • Refresher Courses: When your qualification is nearing its expiry date, our shorter refresher sessions help keep your skills and knowledge right up to standard.

An essential part of SMSTS training is ensuring safe project execution, which includes planning for plant operations, work at height, excavations and also effective site traffic controls — our Traffic Management Plan guide explains how best to manage pedestrian and vehicle flow around construction sites to keep everyone safe.

If your role includes supervising elevated access or managing MEWP operations, you may find our IPAF MEWPs for Managers Training course an excellent complement to SMSTS. It focuses specifically on planning, risk assessments and compliance for managers overseeing MEWPs. As part of your duty as a site manager, you will often need to integrate traffic, people flow, tower work and supervision. Combining SMSTS with the NPORS S031 Construction Site Safety Manager Course or the PASMA Managers Course: Mobile Access Towers and Work at Height strengthens your competence in both oversight and technical safety practice.

Benefits of SMSTS Certification

  • Enhanced safety culture: By understanding UK health and safety law, CDM duties and robust RAMS, you set a positive tone your whole team can follow.

  • Professional Credibility: Earning a CITB-accredited qualification shows employers and colleagues that you’re serious about creating a safe, well-run workplace.

  • Reduced Incidents and Costs: Proactive managers who identify and address issues early often save on downtime, insurance claims, and equipment repairs.

  • Career Development: Qualifications like SMSTS can open doors to higher-level roles, whether in construction, facility management, or other sectors.

Invest in Your Future with SMSTS Training

Safety, compliance, and practical know-how are at the core of every successful management role. Whether you’re new to supervising a site or an experienced manager aiming to refresh your skills, our SMSTS courses can make a real difference in your day-to-day operations.

If you supervise on site, manage access setups, or coordinate plant operations, our professional team can advise whether Site Safety Plus, or combination with PASMA courses or IPAF training are the right partners to your SMSTS qualification.

Ready to take the next step? 

Contact us today for upcoming dates or to discuss which learning format suits you best. We’re here to help you build a safer, more efficient workplace-one step at a time.

FAQs About Site Management Safety Training Scheme

How long do these qualifications last?

Five years. Renew before expiry by attending the 2-day SMSTS Refresher; otherwise you must retake the full 5-day course.

Is the training difficult?

We find that participants who stay engaged, ask questions, and practice hands-on exercises do well. Our trainers are there to support you every step of the way.

Does SMSTS cover only fire safety?

No. SMSTS covers site management responsibilities including health and safety law, CDM, RAMS, behavioural safety and managing higher-risk activities across construction projects.

How long is the SMSTS certificate valid?

5 years. Renew before expiry by attending the 2-day SMSTS Refresher; otherwise you must retake the full 5-day course.

Where can I take a SMSTS course near me in the UK?

Licensed and certified Site Management Safety Training Scheme courses are held at our training centre at Airfield Road, Wellingborough, NN29 7XA, UK.

How long is the Site Management Safety Training Scheme course?

5 days (37.5 hours): block or day-release (1 day/week × 5).

Find CITB SMSTS training near you in the UK

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What people say about our construction courses?

Very helpful staff, Mick and Joe are great blokes and very good teachers. Big thank you for all your help and support. I definitely recommend the courses.
Richard Gibson