SSSTS Refresher: Is It for Beginners?

An SSSTS Refresher is not designed for beginners. It’s intended for people who already hold the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) certification, and need to renew it before it expires.

The course is also not designed for those whose SMSTS certification is due to expire. SMSTS holders who need to renew their qualification should take the SMSTS Refresher training instead.

SSSTS Refresher

Who is the Course Designed For?

The course is aimed at individuals who already have an existing SSSTS certificate, and need to renew it. It builds on knowledge gained during the original training.

Candidates should already understand fundamental construction health and safety responsibilities. The refresher focuses on updating and reinforcing this knowledge, rather than providing an initial introduction.

SSSTS Refresher for Existing Certificate Holders

The training is specifically intended for existing certificate holders whose qualification is approaching its expiry date. Completing the course allows eligible candidates to maintain their certification without having to repeat the full two-day training programme.

Candidates should check the expiry date of their existing certificate and arrange their refresher training within the required timeframe. Leaving renewal until the certificate has already expired will mean that the full course is required instead, so we typically recommend that you get your refresher booked at least a few months before your expiry date.

What If You’re a Beginner?

A beginner will not typically have the previous knowledge or certification that the shortened training assumes- nor would they be able to take the refresher course, because it’s designed for those who hold a current SSSTS certification.

SSSTS Refresher and Previous Training

The refresher format relies on candidates already being familiar with subjects covered during their original training. It’s an update for experienced certificate holders, rather than an entry-level qualification.

Those new to site supervision should generally look at the full two-day course instead. This provides the more comprehensive introduction required in order to understand the responsibilities associated with supervising construction activities.

Two construction engineers wearing safety helmets standing on site and gesturing toward a crane and building structure at sunset

What About SMSTS Certificate Holders?

It’s important not to confuse the two CITB Site Safety Plus courses. The Site Supervision training is aimed at site supervisors, while the Site Management training is designed for construction site managers and those with broader management responsibilities.

If your SMSTS certificate is approaching expiry, you need to complete the SMSTS Refresher.

SSSTS Refresher Training and Career Progression

Maintaining an in-date qualification is highly important for supervisors who want to continue demonstrating their health and safety knowledge. Refresher training provides an opportunity to revisit established principles, and consider developments that might have occurred since they took the original course.

For experienced supervisors, it’s a straightforward way to keep their training current without unnecessarily repeating the full initial programme.

Conclusion (SSSTS Refresher: Is It for Beginners?)

The Refresher is not intended for beginners. It’s designed for existing certificate holders who need to renew their qualification.

Beginners should complete the full SSSTS course, while construction professionals whose SMSTS certification is due to expire should take the SMSTS Refresher.

A site manager in a blue hard hat and high-vis vest talking with two colleagues while walking through a building project holding a tablet