CITB: SMSTS or SSSTS? Which is Best For You?

Health and safety is always at the heart of all business operations, regardless of industry, to guarantee employee safety as well as increased productivity, and for those working in the construction industry, you've probably heard of the CITB training courses: SMSTS and SSSTS. The two CITB courses are comparable, but your employment role will determine which is appropriate for you. In this blog, we look at everything you need to know before deciding between the SMSTS and SSSTS course.

What is SSSTS?

SSSTS stands for Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme and is a two-day CITB-accredited training course designed for site supervisors. In terms of qualification respectability, the SSSTS certificate is recognised throughout the UK and, more often than not, is now a prerequisite for any supervisors operating on site by most large contractors. CITB SSSTS training emphasises enhanced safety skills as a means of dramatically lowering on-site incidents such as preventable accidents and injuries.

What is SMSTS?

Outside of its abbreviation, SMSTS stands for Site Manager Safety Training Scheme, a 5 day course created for Site Managers in the construction industry by CITB. Just like SSSTS, SMSTS is also widely recognised nationally by major contractors, and it’s recommended to be taken by all site managers, site agents and owners of small to medium construction companies. For those looking to become a site manager, an SMSTS certificate is a certified requirement and is also listed in the Approved Code of Practice (ACOPs). With the construction industry accounting for 22% of all work-related injuries in the UK, health and safety qualifications are vital way of increasing on-site safety and ensuring the safety of yourself, employees and others in and around the site.

What to Expect from an SSSTS Course?

Participants of the two-day CITB SSSTS training course can complete their training in a classroom setting or via virtual remote learning. They will learn about the Health and Safety at Work Act, the role of the supervisor, behavioural safety in the workplace, PPE, site inductions and toolbox talks, risk assessments and the need for method statements, and successfully monitoring site activities. Delegates who successfully complete the SSSTS course will be able to comprehend why they are carrying out their designated tasks, what is required of them, and how to contribute to workplace safety.

To successfully complete an SSSTS course, delegates will sit 25-question exam which requires an 80% pass rate (24 out of 30).

What to Expect from an SMSTS Course?

The 5-day SMSTS course will cover a wide range of topics that every Site Manager should be acquainted with, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, CDM Regulations, Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Changes in Accepted Working Practices, Scaffolding, Electricity, Behavioural Safety, and many more. The SMSTS course can be completed both in a classroom or virtually via remote learning. Delegates will be able to confidently implement all relevant health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation, introduce new guidance and industry best practise, and state their duties and responsibilities in terms of health, safety, welfare, and the environment at the end of this comprehensive 5-day course.

In order for delegates to successfully pass the CITB SMSTS course they are required to complete an exam paper which consists of 25 questions with an 80% pass rate (28 out of 35).

Take Your SSSTS or SMSTS Course

With our nationwide coverage at Easybook Training, CITB SSSTS and SMSTS courses have never been so accessible! From hundreds of providers up and down the country, there’s plenty of courses available to those looking to take their career in construction to the next level.

If you are interested in taking an SSSTS or SMSTS training course, make sure to contact our incredible customer service and booking team on 01892 543000 who will be able to get you booked onto a course that meets all of your requirements!