What is the CITB SMSTS Course?

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a comprehensive training programme developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for site managers, supervisors, and anyone overseeing construction site operations. Whether you prefer in-person classroom learning or need more flexibility, the SMSTS course online option allows busy professionals to access training remotely. These online SMSTS courses cover the same essential content and accreditation as face-to-face sessions, making them ideal for modern site managers. If you already hold a valid SMSTS certificate, you can maintain your qualification by attending the 2-day SMSTS Refresher (SMSTS-R) course in-person or as an SMSTS Refresher online course.

Site Safety & Legal Responsibilities

This 5-day CITB SMSTS course introduces site managers to their key legal duties under UK health and safety law. Delegates explore the Health and Safety at Work Act, CDM Regulations, and other key legislation to help them manage legal compliance and reduce the risk of prosecution. Whether you're attending in person or opting for the SMSTS course online, you'll gain the same in-depth understanding of your responsibilities and the consequences of falling short.

Risk Management & Control Measures

The site manager course gives delegates the practical knowledge needed to manage real-world construction risks. From writing effective risk assessments and method statements to implementing robust control measures, you’ll learn how to protect workers from dangers like working at height, electricity, and site vehicle movement. Both classroom and SMSTS online course formats deliver actionable insights that can be applied immediately.

Monitoring, Communication & Leadership

Strong leadership is essential for maintaining a safe and productive worksite. That’s why the SMSTS course — whether taken in person or through online SMSTS courses — focuses heavily on communication, worker supervision, and promoting a positive safety culture. Delegates will develop the skills to lead toolbox talks, deliver site inductions, and monitor safety performance across projects of all sizes.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the training organisation for the UK construction industry. It was established in 1964 and has been one of several training boards that cover UK industries. This organisation works together with construction companies in order to improve skills, increase the competitive edge and respond to the many challenges that employers face. Last year over 3,500 people gained construction apprenticeships via CITB.

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.

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.

CITB Levy & Site Safety Plus (SSP) Courses

The Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme includes CITB-accredited training courses designed to improve health, safety, and management skills in the construction industry. These include:

• SMSTS – Site Management Safety Training Scheme
• SMSTS Refresher
• SSSTS – Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme
• SSSTS Refresher
• Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)
• Director's Role for Health and Safety
• Temporary Works Coordinator
• Temporary Works Supervisor
• Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher

If your business pays into the CITB Levy, you may be eligible for grants to help cover the cost of these SSP courses — making training more affordable while ensuring compliance and up-skilling your workforce.

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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.

International Recognition of the CITB SMSTS Course

The CITB SMSTS course is one of the most respected site management training programmes in the UK construction industry and is increasingly recognised internationally. While it is primarily required by UK employers, it is also widely accepted in Ireland and the Crown Dependencies, and valued in regions where UK health and safety standards are influential — including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and other parts of the Middle East. Recognition stems from the CITB’s long-standing authority in construction training, ensuring that the SMSTS delivers practical, transferable skills that meet global standards in site safety management.