Do I Need SSSTS Before SMSTS?
The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) and SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) courses form the core safety management pathway established by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). A common question for professionals looking to advance their careers is whether the lower-level SSSTS is a mandatory prerequisite for the higher-level SMSTS. The simple answer is no. You don’t need to hold the SSSTS certificate before enrolling on the Site Management Safety Training Scheme course.
Understanding the Different Roles
The two courses are designed for distinct levels of responsibility. The SSSTS is a two-day course focusing on supervisory duties- managing a small team and implementing site rules. The Site Management Safety Training Scheme is a five-day course focused on managerial duties: strategic planning, budget control, and taking legal responsibility for the entire site. If you’re already operating, or immediately moving into, a full site manager role, you can bypass the SSSTS and go directly to the Site Management course.
The SMSTS: Assumed Knowledge
The reason the SSSTS is often recommended before the Site Management course, though not mandatory, is that the SMSTS course assumes a level of foundational site knowledge and supervisory context. The Site Management content is advanced and focuses on strategic implementation of the CDM Regulations. A candidate who has completed the SSSTS will already be fluent in basic site terminology, risk assessment fundamentals, and supervisor duties, making the transition to the more complex managerial curriculum significantly smoother. Skipping the SSSTS can leave a candidate playing catch-up on foundational knowledge during the intensive five-day course.
Conclusion: Do I Need SSSTS Before SMSTS?
No, you don’t technically need the SSSTS. The Site Management course is open to anyone ready to take on management responsibilities. However, taking the SSSTS first is highly recommended for those with less supervisory experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need SSSTS Before SMSTS?
No, the SMSTS doesn’t require the SSSTS as a formal prerequisite.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
