CITB SMSTS 5-Day Course

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is pivotal for construction health and safety. Esteemed in the sector, it boosts safety consciousness and curbs site accidents. Moreover, it champions sound site management. Often, it's a must-have for managerial roles, reflecting the sector's safety focus.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) endorses the SMSTS course. It's the gold standard for proving managerial health and safety prowess in construction. Notably, industry giants like Build UK and UKCG back it.

Designed for UK construction site managers, the course delves into health, safety, and environmental topics. Graduates receive accolades, certifying their health and safety expertise.

In summary, SMSTS stands out as a vital training for construction managers, celebrated for its depth and industry acclaim.

What is the SMSTS - Site Management Safety Training Scheme?

The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a 5-day health and safety course that has been meticulously developed for construction industry managers. Its primary objective is to equip managers with the requisite skills and knowledge to competently execute their health, safety, welfare, and environmental responsibilities on construction sites. The course provides comprehensive coverage of all facets of the construction industry, encompassing building, construction, and civil engineering. Therefore, regardless of the specific sector you operate in, if you are accountable for managing people and projects on construction sites, the SMSTS course is an ideal training program for you.

Who is the SMSTS - Site Management Safety Training Scheme for?

The SMSTS training is specifically designed for individuals who hold positions of responsibility within the construction industry. This includes site managers, supervisors, project managers, and proprietors of construction companies. BuildUK recognizes the training as the standard qualification for all construction and project managers. The SMSTS training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to carry out this duty in a robust and effective manner, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and organizational responsibilities.

What’s Included in the SMSTS - Site Management Safety Training Scheme Course?

The SMSTS course delves deep into construction health and safety topics. It equips attendees with vital knowledge, ensuring safe construction site practices. Over five days, they'll explore health and safety regulations. Furthermore, they'll grasp risk assessments and control strategies. Importantly, they'll understand managers' legal duties to safeguard workers.

Additionally, the course sheds light on construction's environmental aspects. Topics like pollution, waste handling, and sustainability are covered. Moreover, attendees hone communication and leadership abilities, essential for construction site management.

In conclusion, SMSTS offers managers robust training. It empowers them to uphold health, safety, and environmental standards in construction.

Requirement for SMSTS - Site Management Safety Training Scheme Training

Although the SMSTS is no specific legal requirement, compliance with health and safety regulations on construction sites is mandatory. As a manager, it is your legal responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and visitors on site. Attending and passing the SMSTS course provides you with the necessary knowledge and understanding to fulfil this duty effectively.

Your employer is responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary qualifications to manage compliance on a construction site. Completing the SMSTS course gives you the accreditation and certification to demonstrate your competence to both your employer and industry regulatory bodies.

The SMSTS is widely recognized in the industry for its comprehensive coverage of all health and safety responsibilities and practices for managers. The course covers various topics, including legal duties, monitoring, and planning, across building, construction, and civil engineering. This invaluable knowledge equips you with the skills and expertise needed to carry out your legal responsibilities to your employers and staff. Therefore, attending and completing the SMSTS course is highly recommended for construction site managers.

SMSTS Certification

Obtaining the CITB SMSTS certificate is an important step for construction site managers to demonstrate their competence in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for the CDM Regulations. The cost of the SMSTS course includes the certification fee, which is awarded to those who pass the CITB exam.

After passing the exam, participants can expect to receive a hard-copy certificate within six to eight weeks. The certificate is valid for a period of five years, after which it must be renewed through a refresher course.

The SMSTS certification stands as a testament to employers, clients, and regulatory authorities that construction site managers possess the requisite training and knowledge to safeguard the well-being, health, and safety of workers on construction sites.

SMSTS Test

To obtain this certification, participants must undergo the SMSTS course and subsequently sit for a 30-minute written test. This exam, essential for certification, comprises 25 questions, and a score of 80% or above is mandatory for passing.

Beyond the written test, the tutor evaluates participants based on their overall course performance, including active participation and successful completion of a case study task. It's imperative to highlight that to be eligible for passing, attendance at all five training sessions is compulsory.

How to pass the SMSTS first time

Here are 7 top tips to help you pass the SMSTS course on your first attempt:
⦁ Prepare for the SMSTS test well in advance by reading a guide to the test. This will help you gain a clear understanding of the test questions, pass rate, and other relevant information.
⦁ Use a free mock SMSTS test to revise for the exam. You'll get your pass mark each time and can learn from any mistakes you make.
⦁ Stay alert and focused during each day of the SMSTS course. You'll only be tested on what you've learned during the 5 days of training.
⦁ Consider the best learning approach for you, whether that's attending the course for 5 consecutive days or one day a week for 5 weeks. If you think you may struggle with studying, attending one day a week might give you more time to prepare.
⦁ Don't be afraid to ask for clarification about topics you don't understand during the training sessions. Engage in self-study throughout the course if you know you need it.
⦁ Attend every day of training and participate actively in all parts of the course. Your tutor will provide a review of your performance at the end of the training, and your attendance will form part of your pass mark.
⦁ Make sure to attend every day of the course for the full duration of each session. If you don't complete the required 5 days, you'll automatically fail the course, so be sure to prioritize attendance.

Do I get an SMSTS card or CSCS card with SMSTS?

An SMSTS card isn't available, as it simply doesn't exist. Instead, upon completing the SMSTS course, participants receive a certificate as proof of their qualification. While the SMSTS doesn't provide a card, it can pave the way for you to clear the CSCS Managers test. This test is a prerequisite for acquiring the black or white CSCS card designated for managers. However, to secure a CSCS card, one must fulfill specific qualification criteria for each card type. For a detailed understanding of the qualification standards for the black or white CSCS card, refer to the 'popular qualification routes for managers' section or peruse the guide dedicated to white and black CSCS cards.

SSSTS or SMSTS. Which is better?

On a separate note, the SSSTS and SMSTS are distinct courses, each targeting different professional roles. The SSSTS is a basic training module crafted for site supervisors. In contrast, the SMSTS is a more exhaustive course that expands on the SSSTS content, catering to individuals in managerial capacities.

While the SSSTS primarily targets site supervisors, they can also opt for the SMSTS. Yet, the SMSTS delves into specialized subjects demanding a deeper grasp of health and safety practices, adherence, and oversight.

Each course aligns with the unique duties of both a site supervisor and a site manager. While site managers spearhead the project, ensuring health and safety standards on the site, site supervisors implement and monitor the health and safety directives set by the manager.

For site managers, enrolling in the SMSTS course is crucial. Conversely, site supervisors have the flexibility to enroll in either the SSSTS or the SMSTS. Some even start with the SSSTS and then advance to the SMSTS.

What qualifications do you need to become a site manager?

To carve a niche as a site manager in the construction realm, a blend of hands-on experience and formal qualifications, typically from further or higher education, is essential. The exact qualifications might differ based on the employer and job specifics. However, many employers value vocational qualifications like NVQs or SVQs in construction management or akin subjects. Starting in entry-level industry roles often paves the way. Furthermore, prowess in leadership, communication, and organization often proves pivotal for this role's success.

CSCS Black Card

Merely completing the SMSTS course does not entitle an individual to obtain a Black CSCS Card for site managers. In addition, the individual must

• Pass the CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test at the managerial or professional level.
• Complete a relevant Level 5, 6, or 7 NVQ, specifically in construction management.
  CPTS offers a suitable NVQ program at the appropriate level.