Managing a construction site involves more than meeting deadlines. Managers need to recognise hazards, organise safe working methods and make decisions that protect workers and visitors.
The SMSTS Course, or Site Management Safety Training Scheme, helps current and aspiring construction managers understand these responsibilities. It combines safety knowledge with practical examples that delegates can apply at work.
This guide explains what the course covers, who should attend, the assessment requirements and the online and weekend options available in 2026.
What Is the SMSTS Course?
SMSTS is part of CITB’s Site Safety Plus programme. The five-day course develops the knowledge needed to plan, organise and monitor health and safety on construction sites.
Delegates learn how legislation affects their work and how to put suitable controls in place. They also explore communication, leadership and the importance of involving workers in safety decisions.
The training supports practical management experience. Its value comes from understanding how to apply the lessons when conditions change, work becomes complicated or a safety concern needs immediate attention.
Who Should Attend SMSTS Training?
The course is designed for people who manage construction activities or are preparing to take on that responsibility. Typical delegates include:
- Site managers and assistant site managers
- Project managers and contracts managers
- Site agents and construction business owners
- Supervisors moving into management
CITB sets no formal academic entry requirements, although previous health and safety knowledge is recommended. Delegates should hold, or be about to hold, a site management role. People without management experience may benefit from completing SSSTS first. CITB explains the entry recommendations.
What Does the CITB SMSTS Course Cover?
The course examines common construction risks alongside the manager’s responsibilities for preventing harm. Subjects include:
- Health and safety legislation and management systems
- Risk assessments, method statements and site planning
- Working at height, scaffolding and access equipment
- Excavations, confined spaces and demolition
- Electricity, plant and temporary services
- Fire prevention and emergency arrangements
- Occupational health, welfare and environmental controls
- Accident investigation and communication with workers
Teaching normally includes discussions, exercises and case studies. For example, delegates might consider how to manage conflicting activities on a busy site or respond when a planned control measure is no longer suitable.
These activities encourage candidates to explain their decisions and learn from situations other managers have experienced.
How Can You Complete the Course?
The full course requires five days of attendance, with at least 37 hours and 30 minutes of training. Providers may offer consecutive days or spread the sessions across several weeks.
SMSTS Course Online
An SMSTS Course Online uses live sessions with a tutor. Candidates join discussions, complete exercises and meet the same attendance and assessment requirements as classroom learners.
Remote delivery can save travel time, but you still need a quiet learning space, reliable internet, a camera and a microphone. Check the provider’s technical and identification requirements before booking.
SMSTS Weekend Course
An SMSTS Weekend Course can suit managers who need to remain available on site during the working week. It spreads the training around weekday commitments while retaining the complete syllabus and attendance requirements.
High Aims Training currently lists weekend delivery for its live online full course. Confirm every date before booking so you can attend all five days without interruptions.
What Happens in the SMSTS Assessment?
Candidates must complete four core exercises and pass the trainer review before sitting the examination.
The current 2026 exam has 18 multiple-choice questions and seven questions in multi-response or short written-answer format. There are 32 marks available, and candidates need 26 marks to pass. The examination lasts 35 minutes.
Candidates may use the GE700 Construction Site Safety guide and XA6 delegate workbook during the exam. Knowing where to find information is helpful, but understanding the course material remains essential. CITB’s SMSTS scheme rules explain the assessment requirements.
When Do You Need an SMSTS Refresher?
An SMSTS certificate lasts five years. To maintain certification through the shorter renewal route, complete an SMSTS Refresher before your current certificate expires.
The refresher lasts two days and updates existing certificate holders on legislation, guidance and safety management practices. You need evidence of a valid SMSTS certificate to attend.
If your certificate expires, you will normally need to complete the full five-day course again. Check your expiry date early and leave enough time to find suitable training dates.
How to Choose a Training Provider
Price matters, but consider the complete service. Ask about tutor experience, learning materials, assessment fees, certification and help with booking or technical problems.
High Aims Training has a physical centre in Ilford, London, alongside its online training provision. Candidates can contact centre staff through WhatsApp for course and booking assistance, and the SMSTS page advertises ongoing learner support.
The published online course price currently starts at £394.99 including VAT. Confirm what your booking includes, including materials, examination and certification, so you understand the total cost before paying. Ask about any resit conditions as well.
The provider’s website lists relationships with CITB, IOSH, ProQual, GQA and TLM. These organisations have different roles; SMSTS itself belongs to CITB’s Site Safety Plus scheme.
High Aims currently reports a 5.0 Google rating from 862 reviews and more than 12,000 learners trained. These provider-published figures offer useful context alongside individual reviews. View High Aims Training’s current information.
Competitive pricing, accessible staff and clear tutor guidance can make training better value. Compare the complete package and choose a provider whose support and timetable fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete SMSTS entirely online?
Yes. CITB permits approved remote delivery. You must attend the live sessions, participate in the course activities and complete the required assessment.
Is SMSTS the same as SSSTS?
No. SSSTS is a two-day course aimed at site supervisors. SMSTS is a five-day course for people with site management responsibilities.
Can I take the refresher after my certificate expires?
Normally, you need a valid certificate for the refresher route. Once it expires, you will usually need to retake the full course.
Is weekend training easier than weekday training?
Both follow the same CITB requirements. Weekend delivery changes the timetable, while the learning, attendance and assessment requirements remain the same.
Choosing Your Next Step
The SMSTS Course helps managers understand their responsibilities and make better safety decisions. Choose suitable dates, prepare for active participation and use the training to improve how you manage work on site.
