CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme – SMSTS Course

What is the SMSTS Course?

The SMSTS course, formally called the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, is a CITB-approved five-day training programme designed for site managers, project managers, supervisors, site engineers, and foremen. It’s suitable for anyone in a leadership or management role on a construction site who needs to understand site safety at a deeper level.

By completing this course, managers and aspiring managers gain a recognised SMSTS certificate and a strong understanding of their legal, moral, and social responsibilities for maintaining health, safety, and welfare on-site.

Who Should Take the SMSTS Course?

The SMSTS qualification is intended for construction professionals who are already supervising teams or stepping into site management roles. If you're responsible for coordinating on-site activities, managing contractors, or ensuring that work complies with health and safety legislation, this course is built for you.

The course is ideal if you work as a:

• ✓ Site Manager
• ✓ Project Manager
• ✓ Site Supervisor
• ✓ Site Engineer
• ✓ Foreman
• ✓ Construction Planner
• ✓ Contracts Manager
• ✓ Health and Safety Coordinator

How is the SMSTS Training Delivered?

Our SMSTS training is delivered in two flexible formats: live online or in-person at one of our UK-wide classroom venues. Both options are run in real time by experienced tutors, so you’ll get full interaction and support, whether you're attending remotely or face-to-face.

How Many Days is the CITB SMSTS Course?

The course takes five days to complete. You can study across five consecutive weekdays, one day per week, or over weekends — whichever suits your schedule. Every format leads to the same CITB-approved certificate.

Can I Complete the SMSTS Course Online?

Yes, you can complete the SMSTS course online from the comfort of your home through live Zoom sessions. The training is delivered in real time by CITB-accredited tutors and includes the same content, assessment, and certificate as the classroom version.

It’s a great option if you want to avoid travel, reduce time off-site, or study in a more flexible environment. All you need is a computer, webcam, mic, and a reliable internet connection.

What Will You Learn on the Site Management Safety Training Scheme?

Throughout the course, you'll build the knowledge and confidence needed to manage site safety effectively. You'll cover essential legislation, practical risk management, and your legal responsibilities as a construction leader. On completion, you'll earn a recognised SMSTS certificate from CITB.

The SMSTS course covers the following core topics:

• Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA)
• CDM Regulations (Construction Design and Management)
• Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Working at height and scaffolding safety
• Electrical and excavation safety
• Occupational health and behavioural safety
• Site inductions, toolbox talks, and briefings
• Demolition and site-specific hazards

What Will You Be Able to Do After the Course?

• Understand and apply UK health and safety legislation on-site
• Confidently manage risks and lead safety briefings
• Meet your responsibilities under CITB and industry standards

What Are the Benefits of Taking this Course?

If you’re looking to move into a supervisory or management role in construction, the SMSTS course is one of the most respected qualifications in the industry. It’s often a requirement for those managing teams on-site, showing employers that you understand how to run a safe, compliant, and efficient site.

Taking the SMSTS course can help you:

• ✓ Step up into a site management or leadership role
• ✓ Meet legal requirements under CDM and health & safety law
• ✓ Gain a CITB-recognised qualification accepted by major contractors
• ✓ Demonstrate your competence to clients and employers
• ✓ Increase your earning potential and job stability

Whether you’re aiming for your first management position or need to formalise your knowledge for compliance, this course gives you the confidence and credentials to take that next step.

How is the SMSTS Training Assessed?

On the final day of your course, you'll complete a short, formal assessment designed to test your understanding of site management responsibilities and health and safety principles.

The exam includes:

• 18 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each)
• 7 short written-answer questions (2 marks each)
• A total of 32 marks
• A pass mark of 81% (26 correct answers)
• You’ll have 35 minutes to complete the test, and can use your course materials for reference during the last 15 minutes.

Will I Get a Recognised SMSTS Certificate?

Once you pass the final assessment, you’ll receive a CITB SMSTS certificate, which is widely recognised across the UK construction industry. It proves that you’ve completed the Site Management Safety Training Scheme and understand your legal responsibilities on site.

The certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue. To keep your qualification up to date, you’ll need to complete the SMSTS Refresher course before it expires — a two-day top-up that extends your certification for another five years.

Do I Get an SMSTS Card After Completing this Course?

CITB does not issue cards — you’ll receive a certificate upon passing. If you’re aiming for a CSCS Black Card (Manager Card), you’ll need to complete the NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management.

The SMSTS certificate isn’t required for the Black Card, but many employers see it as a valuable addition alongside your NVQ.

What Are the Entry Requirements?

To take the SMSTS qualification, you’ll need a good understanding of spoken and written English — this is important for both the classroom sessions and the final assessment. You should also be working in, or moving into, a role with site management responsibilities.

On the first day of training, you’ll be asked to provide a valid photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

If you’re completing the SMSTS course online, you’ll need a laptop or computer with a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. This ensures you can fully take part in live virtual sessions and meet CITB’s remote learning standards.

Why Choose Hurak for Your SMSTS Training?

Booking with the right provider makes all the difference — and at Hurak, we’ve designed our SMSTS training to be flexible, supportive, and results-driven from day one.

• ✓ Free SMSTS mock tests — get exam-ready with full-length practice papers and instant feedback
• ✓ 96% first-time pass rate — we support you every step of the way
• ✓ Live online and nationwide classroom options — study how and where it suits you
• ✓ Fast-track completion in just 5 days — same-day results available
• ✓ CITB-approved training and certification — nationally recognised by employers and contractors

Whether you’re learning from home or attending in person, we’ll make sure you finish the course with confidence — and a certificate to show for it.

What is CITB Site Safety Plus?

CITB’s Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme is a training programme designed for workers at all levels of the construction industry — from operatives to senior managers. The SMSTS course is part of this scheme, along with other recognised qualifications.

Popular Site Safety Plus courses include:

• Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SMSTS Refresher)
• Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SSSTS Refresher)
• Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)

These courses help construction professionals meet health and safety responsibilities and demonstrate their competence on-site.