CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

The CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is the essential 2-day health and safety qualification for construction site supervisors, foremen, and first-line managers. Accredited by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the SSSTS gives supervisors the practical knowledge to manage site safety effectively, meet their legal responsibilities, and lead teams safely on UK construction sites.

The SSSTS is part of the CITB Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme and is widely required by contractors and employers across the UK construction industry. It is the natural first step for tradespeople moving into supervisory roles, and provides a strong foundation for progression to the CITB SMSTS qualification.

Available as SSSTS online (instructor-led) or classroom training at locations nationwide. Certificates are valid for 5 years and renewed with the 1-day SSSTS Refresher (SSSTS-R) course.

About the CITB SSSTS Course

What is the SSSTS Course?

The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a two-day training programme developed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) for site supervisors, foremen, team leaders and anyone stepping up to a supervisory role on a construction site. The course leads to the CITB SSSTS certificate, recognised industry-wide and valid for five years.

Need flexibility? The SSSTS course online covers the same content and accreditation as classroom delivery. Already certified? Renew with the one-day SSSTS Refresher (SSSTS-R).

Supervisor Responsibilities & the Law

SSSTS introduces supervisors to their key responsibilities under UK health and safety law. Delegates explore the Health and Safety at Work Act, CDM Regulations and other key legislation, and learn how a supervisor supports site management in maintaining a safe, compliant worksite.

Risk Assessments & Method Statements

Delegates gain the practical knowledge to carry out and monitor safe systems of work. From understanding risk assessments and method statements to implementing control measures on the ground, you will learn to identify hazards and help protect the workforce from common site dangers.

Communication, Monitoring & Leadership

Effective supervision keeps a site safe and productive. The course develops the communication and people skills supervisors need to brief teams, deliver toolbox talks, monitor on-site behaviour and promote a positive safety culture day to day.

SSSTS vs SMSTS — Which Do You Need?

The two best-known CITB Site Safety Plus courses suit different roles. Choosing the right one depends on your level of responsibility on site:

SSSTS — a two-day course for supervisors, foremen and team leaders responsible for overseeing a team or work area.
SMSTS — a five-day course for site managers with overall responsibility for managing a site.

Many supervisors take SSSTS first and progress to SMSTS as they move into site management.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

About the CITB

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the training organisation for the UK construction industry. Established in 1964, it works with construction companies to improve skills and respond to the challenges employers face. CITB courses help those in construction stay compliant, improve standards and avoid litigation.

CITB Levy & Grant Scheme

The CITB Levy funds industry-wide training and skills development, helping construction workers access essential qualifications and safety training.

Employers with a wage bill over the annual threshold typically pay the levy.
The amount is a percentage of total payroll.
Employers can claim back grant funding for approved courses.

Site Safety Plus (SSP) Scheme

The CITB Site Safety Plus (SSP) scheme is a comprehensive suite of health and safety courses for those working in construction and civil engineering, covering every level from operatives to directors:

Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) — entry-level, preparing for the CSCS Green Labourer Card.
Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) — for site supervisors.
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) — for site managers.
Director's Role for Health and Safety — for directors and senior managers.
Temporary Works Coordinator and Temporary Works Supervisor — for temporary works (BS 5975).

Refresher Courses

Certificate renewal options keep teams up to date: SSSTS Refresher (SSSTS-R), SMSTS Refresher (SMSTS-R) and Temporary Works Coordinator Refresher (TWCTC-R). Certificates are typically renewed every five years.

International Recognition

The CITB SSSTS is one of the most respected site supervision programmes in UK construction and is increasingly recognised internationally — widely accepted in Ireland and the Crown Dependencies, and valued where UK health and safety standards are influential, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other parts of the Middle East.