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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
Choosing between SSSTS or SMSTS depends on your current role, the level of responsibility you hold on-site, and where you want to take your career. Below is a quick guide to help you make the right decision based on your day-to-day responsibilities.
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.
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.
All courses come with weekday, weekend, and fast-track options, so you can train on your terms.
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.
SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It�s aimed at site supervisors and team leaders who are responsible
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.
Your SMSTS certificate lasts for five years. To renew it, you�ll need to complete the SMSTS Refresher course before it expires.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If your certificate expires before you take the refresher, you�ll need to complete the full course again.
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.
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