CITB SMSTS Course | Site Management Safety Training Scheme – Nottingham

The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a CITB-accredited qualification designed for site managers, project managers, and senior supervisors responsible for planning, organising, monitoring and controlling construction work.

The course provides in-depth knowledge of health, safety, welfare and envir

The SMSTS course is ideal for:

• Site Managers

• Project Managers

• Construction Managers

• Contracts Managers

• Senior Site Supervisors

• Anyone with legal responsibility for site safety

It is suitable for those working across construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, refurbishment, demolition and maintenance projects.

SMSTS is not a legal requirement, but it is widely regarded as the industry standard for site managers.
Many principal contractors and clients require SMSTS as a minimum competency for management roles on site to demonstrate compliance with CDM Regulations and HSE expectations.

The SMSTS course lasts 5 days (typically delivered as:

• 5 consecutive days, or

• 1 day per week over 5 weeks)

At Safety & Access, the course is delivered by experienced tutors with strong construction and site management backgrounds.

Safety & Access delivers SMSTS as:

• Classroom-based training (traditional face-to-face learning)

• Live virtual classroom (where available, subject to CITB rules)

The course is not self-paced eLearning. CITB requires live tutor-led delivery to ensure interaction, discussion and assessment integrity.

Key topics include:

• Health & Safety at Work Act

• CDM Regulations (Client, PD, PC duties)

• Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)

• Working at height

• Temporary works

• Excavations

• Fire prevention

• Occupational health

• Environmental management

• Behavioural safety and leadership

• Accident reporting and investigations

Assessment consists of:

• Ongoing trainer observation

• Group exercises

• Daily end-of-unit tests

• Final multiple-choice exam

You must attend all 5 days and successfully complete the assessments to gain the certificate.

The course is detailed and intensive, but very achievable with:

• Full attendance

• Active participation

• Good English reading and writing skills

Most delegates who engage with the course and complete the work pass successfully.

The final exam pass mark is set by CITB around 80%.
Delegates must also meet attendance and continuous assessment requirements.

Your tutor will clearly explain expectations and support you throughout the course.

If you fail the final exam:

• You may be offered a resit, subject to CITB rules and provider policy

• Resits must be taken within the CITB-approved timeframe

Safety & Access will advise you on next steps if this occurs.

The SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years.

To remain qualified, delegates must complete the SMSTS Refresher course before the expiry date.

If your certificate expires, you cannot take the refresher course.
You must retake the full 5-day SMSTS course again.

This is why Safety & Access strongly recommends booking the refresher at least 3–6 months before expiry.

The SMSTS Refresher is a 2-day course designed for those who already hold a valid SMSTS certificate.

It updates delegates on:

• Legislation changes

• Industry best practice

• Emerging safety risks

• Lessons learned from incidents

You will receive a CITB SMSTS certificate issued by CITB.
This certificate is recognised nationwide across the construction industry.

No. A CSCS card is not required to attend the SMSTS course.
However, many site managers will already hold a Black or Gold CSCS card as part of their role.

Yes. SMSTS can support applications for:

• Black CSCS Manager Card

• Gold CSCS Supervisor Card

(Additional requirements may apply depending on card type.)

There are no formal qualifications required, but delegates should:

• Have experience in construction or site management

• Be comfortable reading, writing and speaking English

• Be able to participate in discussions and written assessments

Yes. Safety & Access offers:

• Group bookings

• On-site delivery

• Bespoke course dates for employers

This is ideal for companies training multiple site managers.

The HSE does not approve specific courses, but SMSTS is widely recognised by:

• Principal contractors

• Clients

• Local authorities

• Large construction firms

It demonstrates strong compliance with HSE expectations and CDM Regulations.

• CITB-approved training provider

• Highly experienced construction tutors

• Excellent pass rates

• Classroom-based delivery at approved centres

• Clear support before, during and after the course

• Regular course dates and refresher availability

You can book:

• Online via the Safety & Access website

• By phone or email with our training team [email protected] 0115 979 4523

• As a group or corporate booking

Our team can also help you identify whether you need the full course or refresher.