Construction
SSSTS vs SMSTS: Which Qualification Is Right for You?
As part of its Site Safety Plus Scheme, the CITB offers both the SSSTS and SMSTS courses to raise health and safety standards across UK construction sites. While the SSSTS course is designed for site supervisors, the SMSTS course is aimed at site managers and those progressing into management roles. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the two and help you decide which qualification best suits your role and career goals.
What Is the SSSTS Course?
SSSTS stands for Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme. It’s a recognised health and safety qualification designed for individuals who have, or are about to take on, supervisory responsibilities within the construction industry. Completing the SSSTS course shows that a supervisor understands their legal duties, can effectively manage health and safety on-site, and can ensure their team follows safe working practices.
Want to explore more advantages of the SSSTS course? Read our full guide on the benefits of SSSTS training.
Who is the SSSTS qualification for?
- Site supervisors
- Team leaders
- Foremen
- Gangers
- Workers preparing to move into a supervisory role
What topics are covered in SSSTS?
- The Health and Safety at Work Act
- Specific site issues that challenge supervisors on a daily basis
- Effective toolbox talks
- Supervision of occupational health
- Behavioural safety
SSSTS Refresher
The SSSTS qualification is valid for five years. To maintain your certification and continue supervising on construction sites, you must complete a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before your certificate expires.
What Is the SMSTS Course?
SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. It’s a recognised qualification for site managers, project leads, and senior supervisors who are responsible for planning, organising, monitoring, and managing teams on construction sites. The SMSTS course demonstrates that an individual understands their legal responsibilities and is capable of managing site-wide health and safety to industry standards.
Who is the SMSTS qualification for?
- Site managers
- Assistant or trainee site managers
- Project leads and site agents
- Experienced supervisors moving into management roles
- Health and safety managers within construction
What topics are covered in SMSTS?
- The Health and Safety at Work Act
- CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Site set-up, management, and environmental controls
- Working at height and demolition safety
- Toolbox talks and effective communication
- Occupational health and behavioural safety
- Roles and legal duties of managers
SMSTS Refresher
Like the SSSTS, the SMSTS qualification is also valid for five years. You’ll need to complete a two-day SMSTS refresher course before it expires to stay certified.
SSSTS vs SMSTS: What Are the Key Differences?
Not sure which course is right for your role? The table below breaks down the key differences between SSSTS and SMSTS, so you can quickly compare their purpose, duration, content, assessment, and more.
| Feature | SSSTS | SMSTS |
| Target Audience | Site supervisors, team leaders, foremen | Site managers, project leads, senior supervisors |
| Purpose | To provide health & safety training for those supervising site activities | To equip managers with tools to plan, monitor, and manage site safety |
| Duration | 2 days | 5 days (or spread out over weekends/5 weeks) |
| Content Focus | Supervisory responsibilities, site inductions, toolbox talks | CDM regulations, site set-up, demolition, risk management, communication |
| Assessment | 25-question exam (22 multiple choice, 3 written) — 30 mins, 80% pass mark | 25-question exam (18 multiple choice, 7 written) — 35 mins, 81% pass mark |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Refresher Requirement | 1-day SSSTS Refresher before expiry | 2-day SMSTS Refresher before expiry |
| Price | Starts from £249 (1-day refresher: ~£195) | Starts from £449 (2-day refresher: ~£289) |
* Prices are correct at the time of writing and may vary depending on location, delivery method, or promotional offers. Check our course pages for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Choose SSSTS if you…
- Work as a site supervisor, foreman, team leader, or gang leader
- Are responsible for ensuring others follow health and safety rules
- Deliver toolbox talks or conduct site inductions
- Monitor small teams or sections of the site
- Need a qualification that proves your supervisory-level health and safety knowledge
- Want a more affordable, shorter option that won’t require taking five full days off work
Choose SMSTS if you…
- Are a site manager, project lead, site agent, or moving into a management role
- Plan and organise work for multiple teams or subcontractors
- Oversee site-wide safety, documentation, and legal compliance
- Need to understand CDM regulations, risk management, and site set-up
- Want a qualification that’s widely required for managerial roles in construction
If you’re still unsure which course is the best fit for you, feel free to contact us — our team can help you choose the right option based on your current role and goals.
📝 Get Ready with Free SMSTS and SSSTS Mock Tests
Practising before your exam can make a big difference. You can use our free SMSTS & SMSTS Refresher mock test and SSSTS & SSSTS Refresher mock test to get familiar with the format, build confidence, and improve your chances of passing on the first try.
Book Your SSSTS or SMSTS Course With Hurak
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or still deciding, we offer flexible options to suit your role, schedule, and learning style. All of our courses are CITB-approved, taught by qualified tutors, and available both online and in-person.
Explore Our CITB SSP Courses:
- SSSTS Course – For supervisors, team leaders, and foremen
- SMSTS Course – For site managers and project leads
- SSSTS Refresher – 1-day renewal course for supervisors
- SMSTS Refresher – 2-day renewal course for managers
All courses come with weekday, weekend, and fast-track options, so you can train on your terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What does SMSTS stand for?
SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. It’s a CITB-recognised qualification designed for site managers, project leads, and those responsible for overseeing health and safety on construction sites.
What does SSSTS stand for?
SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It’s aimed at site supervisors and team leaders who are responsible
How long does SSSTS last?
The SSSTS certificate is valid for five years from the date you complete the course. To stay certified, you’ll need to pass the 1-day SSSTS Refresher course before it expires.
How long does SMSTS last?
Your SMSTS certificate lasts for five years. To renew it, you’ll need to complete the SMSTS Refresher course before it expires.
What is better — SSSTS or SMSTS?
It depends on your role. SMSTS is considered a higher-level qualification than SSSTS, as it’s designed for site managers and covers broader responsibilities, legal duties, and project-level planning. SSSTS, on the other hand, is aimed at site supervisors who oversee teams day-to-day. If you’re wondering what is better — SSSTS or SMSTS — the right choice comes down to your current position and career goals.
Can I upgrade from SSSTS to SMSTS?
Yes, you can take the SMSTS course even if you’ve previously completed SSSTS. However, they are separate qualifications — SSSTS is not a prerequisite, and SMSTS does not count as a refresher or extension of SSSTS.
Can I take SSSTS or SMSTS online?
Yes — both SSSTS and SMSTS are available as live online courses via Zoom or similar platforms. These are delivered by approved CITB providers and follow the same structure as classroom sessions.
Do I need SSSTS or SMSTS to work on a construction site?
It depends on your role. While not legally required for all jobs, many employers now expect supervisors to hold SSSTS and managers to hold SMSTS for compliance and site access.
Do I need to take a refresher for SSSTS or SMSTS?
Yes — both SSSTS and SMSTS certificates are valid for five years, and you’ll need to complete a refresher course before your certificate expires in order to stay certified.
- The SSSTS Refresher is a 1-day course
- The SMSTS Refresher is a 2-day course
If your certificate expires before you take the refresher, you’ll need to complete the full course again.
Explore Other Popular Construction Courses
If you’re looking to expand your skills beyond SSSTS and SMSTS, we offer a range of CITB-recognised and industry-approved qualifications. These courses are ideal for construction professionals at various stages of their careers.
- CSCS Green Card Course (Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction) – For labourers and entry-level site workers
- NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision – For site supervisors who want to earn a CSCS Gold Card
- NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management – Ideal for experienced site managers looking to gain a CSCS Black Card
- Temporary Works Coordinator Course – For those managing or supervising temporary works
- First Aid at Work – For designated workplace first aiders in construction
- Fire Marshal (Fire Warden) Training – For those responsible for fire safety on-site
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