What is the CITB?

The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) is the official training and skills development body for the UK construction industry. Its main role is to help employers and workers access the training, qualifications, and support they need to maintain safety, improve skills, and boost productivity across the sector.

As the person in charge of a construction project you need to make sure that your employees and sub-contractors are properly trained so that they can work safely, stay motivated and as a result a reduced risk of accident or injury. CITB courses are designed to help those in the construction industry improve their bottom line, as well as stay compliant and avoid litigation. Being on a construction site means that workers are vulnerable to a lot of risks and hazards, including falls, heavy objects, electrocution, hearing damage, chemicals and much more.

Unlock the gateway to a safer and more skilled construction industry with CITB courses, available in classroom, online (instructor-led), and on-site group training formats. Tailored for professionals seeking excellence and compliance, these CITB courses cover a wide range of essential skills, from health and safety practices to site management. Delivered by industry-leading instructors, CITB training ensures participants not only meet regulatory standards but also gain practical insights to thrive in the ever-evolving construction environment. Whether you're looking for CITB courses to advance your career or CITB training for group development, these flexible learning options cater to all needs.

Get Started Today

Enrol in CITB courses today and elevate your expertise—whether in the classroom, online, or on-site—to contribute to a safer, more efficient construction landscape while building competence and confidence in every participant.

Browse our full range of short courses.

Approved Training Organisation (ATO

A CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO) is a recognised training provider that has been officially approved by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver industry-standard training to construction workers and professionals in the UK. To become a CITB ATO, a training provider must meet strict quality standards set by CITB and be able to deliver approved construction-related short courses that align with the needs of the industry.

Why Does CITB Approval Matter?

Choosing an Approved Training Organisation ensures that your workforce receives reliable, up-to-date, and compliant training. CITB approval means:

• The training provider meets CITB's high standards for quality and content
• Courses are mapped to CITB's training directory
• Learners' achievements are automatically uploaded to the CITB training register
• You may be eligible for CITB grant funding

How Does a CITB ATO Help Employers?

Working with a CITB Approved Training Organisation offers several practical benefits:

• Access to grant-funded training through the CITB Levy scheme
• Efficient and consistent training for all levels of your workforce
• Confidence in compliance with health and safety regulations
• Automatic upload of learner achievements to the CITB Training Register for verification

This makes it easier for employers to track qualifications, demonstrate compliance, and ensure that their staff are properly trained for the job.

Understanding the CITB Levy and Grant Scheme

The CITB Levy is a mandatory payment made by employers in the UK construction industry to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). It’s designed to fund industry-wide training and skills development, ensuring that construction workers across the country get access to essential qualifications and safety training.

How the CITB Levy Works:

• Employees with a wage bill over £120,000 per year typically pay the levy.
• The amount is calculated as a percentage of the total payroll.
• Employers can claim back grant funding for approved training courses.

This helps offset training costs and encourages ongoing professional development across all roles in construction — from site operatives to senior managers.

Site Safety Plus (SSP) Scheme

The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme is a comprehensive suite of health and safety courses designed for individuals working in the construction and civil engineering industries in the UK. The scheme offers a range of courses aimed at different levels of experience and roles within the industry, from operatives and supervisors to managers and directors.

SSP Courses

Health and Safety Awareness (HSA): This entry-level course is intended for those who are new to the construction industry. It provides an introduction to the basic health and safety requirements and helps prepare participants for the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Green Labourer Card.

Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS): Targeted at site supervisors, this course covers the specific health and safety responsibilities of those in supervisory roles. It includes topics like risk assessments, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and effective site supervision.

Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS): Designed for site managers and those who aspire to be in management roles, this course delves into the legal responsibilities of managers, risk assessments, method statements, and effective management of health and safety on site.

Directors Role for Health and Safety: This course is tailored for company directors and senior managers. It emphasises the importance of strategic planning in health and safety and the legal implications of health and safety management at the corporate level.

Temporary Works Coordinator: This course is designed for those responsible for managing all forms of temporary works on construction sites. The course equips delegates with the knowledge to implement industry best practices, understand relevant legislation (such as BS 5975), and coordinate temporary works safely and effectively.

Temporary Works Supervisor: This course is designed for those who assist in the supervision of temporary works on construction sites. This one-day course provides delegates with a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities, including how to work effectively with the Temporary Works Co-ordinator, follow correct procedures, and maintain safety standards in line with BS 5975.

Refresher Courses

Both SSSTS Refresher (SSSTS-R), SMSTS Refresher (SMSTS-R) and Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher (TWCTC-R) courses are certificate renewal options to ensure that supervisors, managers and temporary works coordinators remain up-to-date with the latest health and safety regulations and practices.

Accreditation and Certification

Upon successful completion of a course, participants receive a certificate that is recognised industry-wide. These certificates often need to be renewed every five years through refresher courses.

Importance

The CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme is highly regarded within the construction industry as it provides essential training that helps to reduce workplace accidents and improve overall safety standards. It ensures that workers at all levels are aware of their health and safety responsibilities and are capable of maintaining safe working environments.

Flexibility and Accessibility

CITB courses are offered through a network of accredited training providers across the UK. They can be taken as in-person classes, and some courses may be available online or as blended learning options.

The CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme is integral to maintaining high safety standards within the construction industry, ensuring that workers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage health and safety effectively.

Are CITB Courses Recognised Internationally?

CITB courses are highly respected across the UK construction industry and are increasingly recognised internationally, especially in regions where UK health and safety standards are influential. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) sets the benchmark for site safety training through courses such as the SMSTS, SSSTS, and Health and Safety Awareness. These qualifications are widely accepted by employers in the UK, Ireland, and Crown Dependencies, and they are also valued in countries with strong UK construction links, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East. Recognition comes from the CITB’s long-standing role as the industry authority for safety and management training, ensuring that learners gain practical, transferable skills that meet the highest standards in construction site safety.