Is SMSTS Refresher a Qualification?
For anyone working in site management in the UK construction industry, the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certification is indispensable. It’s widely recognised by employers and regulators as the benchmark for competence in managing health and safety on site. But the certification is only valid for five years. So, is the SMSTS Refresher course a new qualification in its own right, or simply a way to maintain the existing one?
The simple answer is that the Refresher isn’t really a new qualification, but a mandatory recertification course required to keep your original SMSTS qualification, and your professional status, current.
Maintaining the Original SMSTS Certification
The initial certificate is the core qualification. It involves a comprehensive five-day course designed to provide site managers with a thorough understanding of their legal responsibilities, how to implement a safety management system, and how to assess and control risks effectively. The two-day Refresher course is specifically designed to update and renew the knowledge gained in that original course. It covers the latest legislative changes, updates to best practices, and new industry standards that have emerged over the preceding five years. By passing the quick training, you prove your competence is current, allowing your original certification to be extended.
Why the Two-Day SMSTS Refresher is Mandatory
The construction industry is constantly evolving, particularly in the realm of safety and legislation. Major legal changes, such as the implementation of the Building Safety Act and frequent amendments to Construction Design and Management (CDM) Regulations, mean that safety knowledge can quickly become outdated. The Refresher is mandatory because it ensures that managers’ knowledge base remains compliant with the law, and reflective of contemporary site hazards.
The Focus on New Legal and Best Practice Standards
The content is highly focused on highlighting and interpreting changes since the last certification. It addresses areas like evolving best practices in temporary works, and new technological applications in hazard reporting. It’s a quality control mechanism for the industry, ensuring that managers in control of sites have the most up-to-date knowledge to protect their workforce.
Conclusion: Is SMSTS Refresher a Qualification?
No, the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) Refresher is not a new qualification. Instead, it’s a mandatory recertification program designed to keep the original SMSTS certification valid for another five years.
The purpose of the abridged training course is to ensure that site managers are always current with the latest legal frameworks, best practices, and safety standards within the UK construction industry. Failing to complete the two-day refresher before the expiry date means the manager must return to the full, five-day course.
It’s important to book in your refresher within six months to a year of your expiry date. If you wait too long, you might run out of chances to take the course, which will mean more hassle and a higher cost.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
