Walk onto almost any large building site in the UK and you’ll notice something before the hard hats and hi-vis jackets. Managers are asked to show their SMSTS card. Without it, many are turned away. That’s how important the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) has become.
The qualification is recognised across the industry. It proves that you can manage safety, meet legal standards, and keep a workforce protected. Run under the CITB Site Safety Plus scheme, it isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It’s a course that challenges the way you think about risk, leadership, and responsibility. At Construction and Plant Training Services (CPTS LTD), we provide every version of the SMSTS course – from the full five-day programme to refresher routes, online formats, and flexible day-release schedules.
What Is SMSTS and Who Actually Needs It?
SMSTS stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme. The clue is in the name. It’s designed for managers, supervisors, and anyone in charge of teams on site.
You don’t need to be running a huge project to benefit. Even on smaller jobs, clients often expect the person in charge to have SMSTS. The course is also a stepping stone: if you want to move from supervisor to site manager, this is usually the ticket.
Different Ways to Take SMSTS
Not every manager can disappear for a week. That’s why CPTS delivers the course in several formats. The content is the same, but the structure changes to suit different schedules.
The Full Classroom Course (5 Days)
The standard SMSTS course runs over five days in a training centre. It’s intensive, but many prefer the classroom dynamic. You’re surrounded by other managers, you share experiences, and you learn directly from trainers who’ve been on sites themselves.
By the end, you walk away with the CITB SMSTS certificate, valid for five years.
SMSTS Online Course (5 Days Virtual)
During the pandemic, the industry proved that classroom training isn’t the only way. The SMSTS Online Course takes place live over Zoom or Teams. You still have a tutor, group discussions, and exercises, but you don’t need to travel.
For many, it’s the best of both worlds – the same qualification, but without leaving the office or home.
Day Release SMSTS (Classroom)
Some managers can’t be away from site for a whole week. The Day Release version spreads the five days across several weeks. You come in one day per week, absorb the training, and then go back to work in between.
It’s slower paced, but very practical if you’re balancing site commitments.
Day Release SMSTS (Online)
Exactly the same idea, but delivered virtually. You log in once a week, complete your session, and continue the following week. It’s a flexible approach that works well for those managing multiple projects at once.
SMSTS Refresher (2 Days, Classroom or Online)
Your SMSTS certificate only lasts five years. Before it expires, you need to take the SMSTS Refresher. This is a two-day update that brings you in line with the latest legislation and best practice.
Miss the deadline and you lose the shortcut – you’ll need to do the full five-day course again. Many managers book their refresher around year four to avoid that headache.
What Does the SMSTS Course Actually Cover?
Think of SMSTS as more than just health and safety law. Yes, you’ll go through the Health & Safety at Work Act and CDM Regulations 2015, but that’s only part of the story.
You’ll also look at:
- Writing and reviewing RAMS (risk assessments and method statements).
- Handling high-risk work like scaffolding, working at height, and confined spaces.
- Fire safety, PPE, hazardous substances, and emergency planning.
- Running toolbox talks that your team actually listens to.
- Leadership – because safety isn’t just paperwork, it’s culture.
The course mixes legal knowledge with real-world examples. Trainers often share situations from their own careers – the mistakes, the fines, and the lessons learned. That’s what makes it stick.
How Long Does SMSTS Last?
The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. After that, you need to refresh. It sounds simple, but in practice it’s easy to get caught out. Some contractors won’t even let you on site if your card is due to expire within a few months.
That’s why the refresher course exists. It’s only two days and much cheaper than repeating the whole programme. But there’s no grace period. If you miss the expiry date, you’re back to square one.
Why Managers Choose CPTS LTD
Training providers aren’t all the same. At CPTS, we bring together CITB-approved tutors with real industry experience. Many of our trainers have managed large construction projects themselves. That means when they explain legislation, they also explain how it plays out in practice.
We also offer:
- Every SMSTS format: full, day release, online, and refresher.
- Training centres across the UK plus live virtual classrooms.
- Support in multiple languages, including Polish.
- Fair pricing, with discounts available for group bookings.
Our goal is simple – to make sure you leave with more than a certificate. You leave ready to lead.
SMSTS FAQs
How long does the SMSTS certificate last?
Five years. Most managers choose to refresh in year four so they don’t risk missing out on work. If it expires, you’ll have to redo the full course.
Can I take SMSTS online?
Yes. You can complete SMSTS in a live virtual classroom. The qualification is identical to the one you’d get in person.
What’s covered on the course?
Health and safety law, CDM 2015, RAMS, working at height, PPE, fire safety, confined spaces, toolbox talks, and leadership. More importantly, how to apply all of that to real site situations.
What’s the difference between SMSTS and SSSTS?
SMSTS is for managers. It goes deep into leadership and legal duties. SSSTS is shorter and aimed at supervisors looking after small teams.
How much does SMSTS cost?
Prices vary, but most courses in the UK are between £450 and £550. Refreshers are cheaper – usually around £250 to £350. At CPTS, we keep prices competitive while still using accredited tutors.
Do I need to refresh if my card has expired?
No. Once it’s expired, the refresher is no longer an option. You’ll have to sit the full five-day course again.
Booking Your SMSTS Course
Booking is straightforward. You can sign up online, or if you’re unsure which format is best, give our team a call. We’ll talk through your situation and recommend the right option.
Visit website https://www.cpcs-training-courses.co.uk/smsts-course/
