CITB SMSTS Course

Construction Management-Focused Training: Build the knowledge needed to manage health and safety effectively on active construction sites, from planning through to day-to-day control.

Recognised CITB Site Safety Plus Certification: Gain a widely respected certificate that demonstrates your understanding of site management health and safety responsibilities. CITB lists SMSTS within its Site Safety Plus suite and states the certificate is valid for five years. 

Stronger Legal Awareness: Improve your understanding of core legislation affecting construction work, including duties under health and safety law and CDM.

Improved Risk Management: Learn how to review risks, assess site-specific hazards, and support suitable control measures and method statements.

Better Site Leadership: Develop the communication and leadership skills needed to influence safer behaviours, improve engagement, and set clear expectations on site.

Stronger Operational Control: Understand how inspections, monitoring, reporting, and site organisation all contribute to safer and more efficient project delivery.

Career Development For Site Managers: Strengthen your credibility for site management, project leadership, and broader construction management responsibilities.

The CITB SMSTS course is built for those who already manage, or are preparing to manage, construction workforces and site operations. It helps candidates understand not just what the law requires, but what good safety leadership looks like in practice.

This course is ideal for:

• site managers

• project managers

• contracts managers

• construction supervisors moving into management

• business owners overseeing construction work

• those preparing for greater responsibility in site leadership

CITB describes SMSTS as suitable for those considering, or already holding, responsibilities for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling, and administering groups of staff. 

Unit 1: Core Legal And Management Responsibilities

Candidates cover health and safety law, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, CDM Regulations, health and safety policies, risk assessments and method statements, induction and training, communication, leadership, worker engagement, inspection and audit, statutory forms and notices, and accident prevention, reporting, and investigation.

Unit 2: Occupational Health And Workforce Welfare

This section covers management of health, welfare facilities, stress and mental health, drugs and alcohol, COSHH, lead, asbestos, dust and fumes, noise, vibration, and manual handling.

Unit 3: Safe Site Set-Up And Operational Control

Candidates learn about site organisation, fire prevention and dangerous substances, electrical safety, temporary works, plant and equipment, mobile plant and vehicles, lifting operations, and mobile workforce and driver safety.

Unit 4: High-Risk Activities And Work Environments

This section includes work at height, safe use of access equipment, scaffolding, fall arrest equipment, excavations, underground and overhead services, and confined spaces.

The assessment is completed through a one-step journey:

Step 1. CITB SMSTS Examination

Candidates complete continuous assessment during the course and sit the CITB-set final exam. The exam paper is compulsory and covers the full course content. The paper includes 20 multiple-choice questions and five short written questions. The overall pass mark is 80%, and candidates must answer all five safety-critical questions correctly to pass.

What Is The CITB SMSTS Course?

The CITB SMSTS course is a five-day Site Management Safety Training Scheme programme for people responsible for managing construction site health and safety. It focuses on legislation, risk control, communication, leadership, and safe site management. CITB states it is a five-day course for project managers, site managers, supervisors, business owners, and clients. 

Who Should Take SMSTS Training?

SMSTS training is best suited to site managers, project managers, senior supervisors, and those moving into site management roles within construction.

How Long Does The SMSTS Course Take?

The course runs over five days. CITB’s official course information describes SMSTS as a five-day programme. 

How Long Is The SMSTS Certificate Valid For?

The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. CITB states that to remain certified, candidates must complete the refresher before the certificate expiry date, otherwise the full course must be retaken. 

What Does The CITB SMSTS Course Cover?

The course covers construction health and safety law, CDM, risk assessments, method statements, occupational health, site set-up, plant, temporary works, fire safety, working at height, excavations, and leadership responsibilities.

Is SMSTS Recognised In The UK Construction Industry?

Yes. SMSTS is one of the best-known construction management safety courses in the UK and is part of the CITB Site Safety Plus suite. 

Where Can I Take The CITB SMSTS Course?

Acadame offers the CITB SMSTS course in Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Manchester, and Liverpool, as well as live onlineand onsite nationwide options.

Is There Funding Available For The SMSTS Course?

Funding rules have changed. CITB says its short course funding changed from 8 January 2026, and current eligibility depends on the course type, timing, and applicable standards. Employers should check the latest CITB funding position before booking. 

What Is The Difference Between SMSTS And SSSTS?

SMSTS is aimed at site managers and those with broader responsibility for planning and controlling work. SSSTS is generally more suited to supervisors, team leaders, and forepersons.

Can I Take SMSTS Online?

Yes. Alongside classroom delivery, live online SMSTS options can be available for candidates who want the flexibility of attending remotely.