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SMSTS Online: Should I Take It? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate is the cornerstone qualification for anyone aiming to manage a construction site in the UK. As the industry has fully embraced digital learning, the SMSTS Online has emerged as the preferred, modern route to certification. But how do you know whether […]

Management NVQs: Do You Need One? In a business world that demands verifiable competence, the NVQ stands as the gold standard for validating real-world leadership and strategic skills. Unlike traditional academic degrees that focus on theory, Management NVQs assess what you can do in your actual job role. In today’s blog, we’ll be breaking down […]

Level 2 Carpentry NVQ: Is It Complicated? The Level 2 Carpentry NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) allows carpenters to obtain formal recognition of their experience, as well as the CSCS Blue Card. But is the NVQ complicated?  The short answer is no, it’s not complicated- but it does take quite a lot of time and effort. […]

Do You Need an NVQ to be a Carpenter? If you want to become a carpenter, you don’t strictly need an NVQ to be a carpenter– not to start out, anyway. Many people begin in the trade as apprentices or assistants, gaining practical skills on-site. However, for most professional carpentry roles- particularly on construction sites […]

What is NVQ Level 2 in Brickwork? If you’re starting out in construction, the NVQ Level 2 in Brickwork is a practical qualification that demonstrates your competence as a skilled bricklayer. Unlike traditional classroom courses, NVQs are work-based, meaning you’ll be assessed on the skills you perform day-to-day on-site. This qualification is ideal for those […]

How to Get a NVQ in Bricklaying? If you want to progress in your bricklaying career, earning a NVQ in Bricklaying is a practical way to prove your skills and professionalism. NVQs are work-based qualifications that assess your ability to complete real tasks on-site, rather than relying on exams or classroom teaching. By completing this […]

Is Bricklaying an NVQ? Is Bricklaying an NVQ? Yes. You can earn an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Bricklaying to prove your professional skills and competence.  NVQs are practical, work-based certifications designed to assess your ability to perform real tasks in your trade- and bricklaying is one of the most popular routes for those working […]

What is a NVQ Level 3 Bricklayer? If you’re an experienced bricklayer looking to take your career to the next level, the NVQ Level 3 Bricklayer qualification is designed to help you prove your advanced skills and knowledge. This qualification demonstrates that you can manage complex tasks, supervise others, and work to professional standards within […]

How to Get a Bricklaying NVQ? Achieving a Bricklaying NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is the essential step for any experienced tradesperson seeking formal industry recognition, and the crucial CSCS Blue Skilled Worker Card. The process isn’t about going back to college; it’s about proving and certifying the practical skills you already use on the job. […]

How Long Does a Painting and Decorating Course Take? If you’re thinking about taking a Painting and Decorating course, you might be wondering how long it takes to qualify.  The Level 2 NVQ in Painting and Decorating is entirely work-based, meaning there’s no classroom attendance or exams. The time it takes depends on your experience, […]

How Do I Get a CSCS Card for Painter and Decorator? If you’re a professional painter and decorator looking to work on construction sites in the UK, you’ll need a ‘CSCS Card for Painter and Decorator’ to prove your skills and health and safety awareness. To qualify for a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS Card, you […]

What Qualifications Do You Need for Painting and Decorating? Becoming a painter and decorator doesn’t technically require formal qualifications. Many people enter the trade through on-the-job experience, apprenticeships, or simply learning from seasoned professionals. However, if you want to work on construction sites in the UK, you’ll need a Green CSCS Card as proof of […]

NVQ Level 6 Occupational Health and Safety: How to Pass The NVQ Level 6 Occupational Health and Safety is one of the most respected qualifications in the health and safety profession. Designed for experienced practitioners, it’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrates a high level of competence in managing workplace safety. Unlike classroom-based courses, […]

18th Edition Course: What to Expect If you’re an electrician, designer, or allied professional in the UK, the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) is your legal and procedural guidebook. Taking the associated course is essential for maintaining compliance and professional competency. Rather than teaching you how to wire, this training focuses […]

CITB Courses: Skills You’ll Learn The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) plays a vital role in ensuring the UK construction sector remains safe, skilled, and efficient. Through a wide range of accredited training programmes, CITB courses help workers and managers develop the competencies needed to thrive in their roles. Whether you’re a site supervisor, manager, […]

IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management: What to Expect The IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management has undergone a transition and is now part of the ISEP (Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals) suite of courses. This qualification remains the crucial first step for anyone aspiring to a dedicated career in environmental management or corporate […]

ISEP / IEMA: 4 Tips If you’re looking to advance your career in sustainability or environmental management, ISEP courses are a smart investment. Formerly known as IEMA, the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) offers a range of qualifications designed to help individuals and organisations adopt sustainable practices, improve environmental performance, and meet modern […]

Bricklaying NVQ: 4 Questions Answered If you’re an experienced bricklayer or someone looking to gain formal recognition for your on-site skills, a Bricklaying NVQ is one of the most efficient, respected routes to qualification in the UK construction industry.  Designed to assess practical ability rather than academic theory, this qualification proves your competence in real […]

HSA Green Card: Is It Complicated? If you’re looking to start a career in construction in the UK, the CSCS Green Card is the first and most fundamental certification you need. The card, which proves you have foundational safety awareness, is mandatory for site access. It’s obtained by completing the CITB HSA Green Card course, […]

SMSTS Training Online: Is It Easy? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is the UK construction industry’s paramount qualification for site managers. Given its five-day duration and mandatory status for senior site leaders, many professionals are drawn to the convenience of the SMSTS Training Online format. But is it easier than the in-person version?  […]

What Does a Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ Get You? The Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is the definitive professional credential for anyone already working as a bricklayer. It’s a verifiable, work-based benchmark of skill that transforms an experienced labourer into a formally recognised tradesperson.  Competence and safety are non-negotiable in the construction sector. […]

What NVQ Level is SMSTS? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is the UK construction industry’s most widely respected training course for site managers.  It’s not an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), and is not directly equivalent to any specific NVQ level. The Site Management Safety Training Scheme and the NVQ are two different types […]

What Does SMSTS Get You? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate is the UK construction industry’s most valuable credential for site managers. It’s a crucial qualification that does more than just enhance your CV; it fundamentally changes your career trajectory. The five-day course, certified by the CITB, gives you the legal authority and […]

Can I Run a Site with SMSTS? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate is the UK construction industry’s most widely recognised qualification for site management. The short answer to whether it allows you to run a site is yes; it’s the essential formal qualification that certifies your competence to do so. The five-day […]

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 […]

What is the 5 Day SMSTS Course? The 5 Day SMSTS course is the UK construction industry’s gold standard qualification for site managers. SMSTS, which stands for the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, is a rigorous, comprehensive program developed by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). This course is mandatory for anyone with responsibilities for […]

Is SMSTS Worth Doing? The SMSTS certificate, accredited by the CITB, is the industry’s gold standard for site management competence. It transforms your professional credibility, unlocks higher-paying roles, and provides the essential legal and procedural knowledge required to safely oversee any construction project. The value of the course is measured directly in career progression and […]

Which is Higher, SMSTS or SSSTS? In construction, training qualifications play a vital role in maintaining safety and professionalism across all site operations. Two of the most recognised CITB courses are SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) and SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme). While they sound similar, they’re designed for very different levels of […]

What Jobs Can I Get with SMSTS? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate is the highest site safety qualification from the CITB, making it an indispensable credential for career progression in construction. The five-day course transforms an experienced supervisor into a formally certified site leader, unlocking a range of higher-responsibility, higher-paying roles. The […]

Does SMSTS Get You a Black Card? Completing the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course alone does not qualify you for a CITB Black Card. While the course results in a highly respected qualification that demonstrates your understanding of health and safety management on construction sites, it’s not enough on its own. The CSCS […]

Is SMSTS Open Book? The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course is the flagship qualification for construction site managers, which culminates in an assessment. The format of this final test is often a source of confusion, particularly regarding the use of course materials. The assessment structure is actually a blend: it contains both closed-book […]

How Much Does SMSTS Cost? As of November 2025, the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course at CST Training costs £450 + VAT. It’s one of the most recognised qualifications for site managers and supervisors in the UK, accredited by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).  The training equips learners with the knowledge and […]

Is Construction Training Hard? Taking construction training, specifically an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), can offer a whole host of benefits to your career. But are NVQs for this sector difficult?  The answer depends on a number of different factors. But, since NVQs are only undertaken by those with considerable experience in their trade (or in […]

4 Benefits of Taking First Aid Courses In any workplace or community setting, emergencies are unpredictable. A simple accident, a sudden illness, or a severe injury can occur without warning, and the minutes immediately following the incident are often the most critical. That’s where the value of First Aid courses becomes clear. These training programs- […]

Top 4 Reasons to Take EUSR SHEA Gas Training If you work in or around the UK’s gas network, the EUSR SHEA Gas training qualification isn’t optional- it’s essential. This safety passport, accredited by Energy & Utility Skills, is the industry standard for verifying competence in basic safety, health, and environmental awareness. It provides the […]

Why Take Leadership & Management Training? Transitioning from a technically skilled individual contributor to an effective leader is arguably the most challenging, and rewarding, step in any career. The difference between a good team and a great one often lies directly in the quality of its management. Leadership & Management Training- particularly formal qualifications from […]

Will the PRINCE2 Course Be Relevant in 2026? The PRINCE2 course is a cornerstone of project management, and that’s been the case for decades, in the UK and across the world. It’s highly valued by organisations and professionals, across a variety of different industries. But now that we’re nearing 2026, it’s worth asking- will these […]

PRINCE2 Courses: How Do They Work? PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a certification, but it’s also a globally recognised project management methodology. PRINCE2 courses are the structured vehicle used to learn this methodology, which is built on seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes. These courses work by providing intense, targeted instruction designed to […]

What is TWC? When navigating the safety complexities of construction, you often encounter specialised roles that are critical for risk management. TWC stands for Temporary Works Coordinator, which represents one of the most vital, high-responsibility positions on any site where non-permanent structures are used.  These structures- such as scaffolding, trench supports, access platforms, and formwork- […]

4 Things You Should Know About TWS Training The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) course is a one-day training programme designed for site personnel who are responsible for overseeing temporary structures on construction sites. Temporary works are high-risk by nature, which is why formalising your competence with a qualification is so essential- and non-negotiable.  In today’s […]

Is the SMSTS Refresher Course Hard? The Refresher for the Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a two-day course that can be taken online or in-person. It’s mandatory for anyone whose initial SMSTS certification is due to expire. But is the SMSTS Refresher difficult?  Since everyone who takes the course will already have received SMSTS […]

Temporary Works Supervisor: Is the Course Hard? The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) qualification is a vital credential for anyone on a construction site who’s responsible for overseeing temporary structures, which can include trenches, scaffolding, and hoarding. These are all high-risk elements of a construction project, so the training that certifies a professional’s competence in this […]

SSSTS Refresher: 10 Questions Answered The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SSSTS Refresher) is a mandatory course for any supervisors whose SSSTS certificate is due to expire. Lasting just one day, the training ensures that supervisors are maintaining the knowledge they initially learned via the full course, and also provides them with any updates […]

SSSTS Online: What It Covers The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a widely recognised course for ensuring that site supervisors are fully competent in managing health and safety in the UK construction industry. Compliance with safety guidelines is non-negotiable in this sector, and the course is designed to make sure those guidelines, and […]

 What is the IEMA Equivalent To? If you’re exploring environmental or sustainability qualifications, you may have come across IEMA, now known as ISEP- the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. Many professionals wonder what the qualification is equivalent to in terms of academic or professional recognition. Understanding this helps you see how it compares to […]

Is IEMA Recognised? If you’re exploring careers in environmental management or sustainability, you may have come across IEMA, now known as ISEP- the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. Many professionals ask whether this qualification is recognised and valued by employers, and the answer is yes.IEMA (ISEP) is widely respected across industries and provides internationally […]

How to Get the Most Out of ISEP? Gaining an ISEP (Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals) qualification is a strategic move for career advancement in the rapidly growing field of corporate sustainability. These training courses, such as the Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management, the Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers Course, Pathways to Net Zero, […]

Is an IEMA Certificate Worth It? If you’re considering a career in environmental management or sustainability, you’ve likely heard of IEMA, now rebranded as ISEP: the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. Despite the new name, the qualifications and standards associated with IEMA remain as respected as ever. But is the IEMA certificate really worth […]

How Much Does ISEP Cost? Investing in professional training from the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)- formerly IEMA- is a strategic move for career advancement in the green economy. The cost of one of the qualifications is structured based on the depth of the knowledge required, ranging from introductory awareness for the entire […]

What Does IEMA Mean? If you’ve been exploring qualifications or professional memberships in the environmental and sustainability field, you’ve probably come across IEMA, which stands for the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment. However, the organisation has recently rebranded, and is now called ISEP, the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals. While the name has […]