Filter By...

What Does SMSTS Stand For?

SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. It’s a health and safety training course developed by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to improve site management safety standards across UK construction projects.

We offer the CITB SMSTS course as a 5-day classroom course or as an online instructor-led course, so you can choose the format that suits your schedule.

What is the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme?

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is part of the CITB Site Safety Plus (SSP) programme. It sets a recognised industry standard for construction site managers and supervisors who need a deeper understanding of health and safety legislation, responsibilities under CDM Regulations, and effective site management practices.

This qualification is approved by BuildUK and recognised throughout the UK construction industry.

Who Should Take the SMSTS Course?

The CITB SMSTS training course is designed for construction professionals in a position of leadership or responsibility, including:

  • Site Managers and Supervisors
  • Project Managers
  • Construction Company Owners
  • Site Agents

This course is a legal and contractual requirement for many roles across the construction industry.

What’s Does the SMSTS Course Cover?

The core focus of the SMSTS course is on risk management and compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Course Content Includes:

  • Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations
  • Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Risk Assessments and Method Statements
  • Managing Excavations and Scaffolding
  • Demolition Safety
  • Confined Spaces
  • Site Set-Up and Organisation
  • Environmental Awareness

The training includes planning, monitoring, controlling and administering safety procedures on-site.

SMSTS Course Duration

  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Format: Classroom or Online Instructor-Led
  • Awarding Body: CITB
  • Qualification Validity: 5 Years

Training Materials: CITB Site Safety Plus Publications

All SMSTS delegates receive access to official CITB publications:

  • GE700: Construction Site Safety – The Comprehensive Guide
  • XA6-V11: Construction Site Management Delegate Workbook

Training materials are provided either in hard copy, digital format, or CD, depending on the course provider.

If you’re unsure whether hard copies are included, contact our team at 0808 1966 830.

SMSTS Certification & Assessment

To successfully complete the SMSTS course, delegates must pass a CITB examination at the end of the course.

  • Hard Copy Certificate: Issued in 6–8 weeks
  • E-Certificate: Issued within 2–3 weeks
  • Validity: 5 Years
  • Awarded by: CITB

Certification demonstrates competence in construction site safety management under the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for CDM Regulations.

How to Renew Your SMSTS Certificate

You must renew your SMSTS qualification every 5 years by attending a 2-day SMSTS Refresher course before your current certificate expires.

SMSTS Course Prerequisites

To enrol on the SMSTS course, you must:

  • Provide valid photographic ID
  • Have a good understanding of written and spoken English (no translators allowed)
  • Provide parental consent if under 18

There are no formal qualifications required, though completing the CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course or SSSTS – Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme is recommended.

Progression After the SMSTS Course

After completing the SMSTS course, you may want to advance your health and safety skills further with:

Find SMSTS Courses Near You

We offer CITB SMSTS classroom courses in key UK cities, including:

You can also take the SMSTS course online via virtual learning with a live instructor using Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Looking for a 5-Day CITB SMSTS Course Near You?

You can find, compare and book SMSTS courses in the UK near you on our website. You may attend in-person in a traditional classroom setting or you can study online in virtual online (instructor-led) learning format, the latter involves studying online from anywhere with a real instructor using video conferencing software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Related CITB Site Safety Plus (SSP) Courses

Related Health and Safety Courses

Related Content

Can You Do the SMSTS Course Online?

Yes, you can take the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course entirely online via live instructor-led training. This CITB-approved online SMSTS course is delivered through trusted video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, allowing you to study remotely from your home or workplace using a PC or laptop with a microphone, webcam, and stable internet connection.

Why Choose the SMSTS Online (Instructor-Led) Course?

The SMSTS online course offers a flexible and cost-effective way to gain your CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme qualification without the need to travel. It’s ideal for busy professionals who want to meet their legal and industry requirements in a more convenient format.

Key benefits of the SMSTS online course include:

  • Learn from any location—no need to attend a training centre
  • Delivered by a live instructor in real time
  • Covers the same CITB-approved curriculum as the classroom course
  • Lower total cost—no travel, venue, or accommodation expenses

What’s Included in the CITB SMSTS Online Course?

The SMSTS remote training follows the official CITB Site Safety Plus syllabus, identical to what is delivered in classroom settings. This ensures you gain the same level of knowledge, skills, and recognised certification.

Key Features of the Online SMSTS Course:

  • Delivery Method: Live, instructor-led sessions using Zoom or Microsoft Teams
  • Duration: 5 days (approximately 37.5 hours in total)

Content Covered:

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • CDM Regulations
  • Risk assessments & method statements
  • Excavations, scaffolding, demolition
  • Confined spaces & site set-up
  • Equipment Needed: PC or laptop with camera, mic, and internet access
  • Certification: CITB SMSTS certificate (valid for 5 years)

SMSTS Online Course vs Classroom Training

SMSTS Online (Live Instructor-Led)

  • Location: Study from home or work
  • Instructor: Live, qualified trainer via video call
  • Cost: Lower overall cost due to no venue or travel
  • Content: Identical to the classroom version
  • Convenience: Ideal for busy schedules or remote workers

SMSTS Classroom (In-Person)

  • Location: Delivered in physical training venues across the UK
  • Instructor: Live tutor in a classroom setting
  • Cost: Higher due to venue hire, travel, and accommodation
  • Networking: Face-to-face peer interaction
  • Preferred by some employers: For on-site team training

SMSTS Online Course Requirements & Exam Rules

To attend the online CITB SMSTS training course, you’ll need:

  • Photographic ID for verification before the exam
  • Private space: You must be alone in the room during the exam
  • Camera on: You must be visible on webcam for the full duration
  • Exam format: The test is open book for the last 10 minutes only; no notes allowed before that

When Are SMSTS Online Courses Available?

SMSTS online courses run regularly throughout the year and can be booked in advance. You’ll receive full joining instructions before the course, including how to set up your tech and access training materials.

View upcoming SMSTS online course dates and fees

Prefer face-to-face training? View SMSTS classroom course locations

Related Online CITB Training Courses

Related Topics & Articles