What Certificate Do You Get with SMSTS Course?
If you’re working in a supervisory or managerial role in construction, the SMSTS course is a widely recognised qualification that proves your understanding of site safety. But what exactly do you get at the end of it? And how does that certificate help you progress in your career?
Whether you’re taking your first step into site management or need formal recognition of your experience, today’s blog will break down what you gain from completing this course, and how it supports your professional growth.
Who Should Take This Course?
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is specifically designed for professionals with responsibility for managing health and safety on construction sites. This includes:
- Site managers
- Site supervisors
- Foremen
- Project managers
- Engineers or planners overseeing construction activity
- Anyone moving into a leadership position within a construction or civil engineering setting
While the course is not legally required by UK law, many principal contractors and large employers make this certification mandatory for those in managerial positions. It’s considered an industry standard for demonstrating your understanding of safety legislation, your ability to plan safe working practices, and your competence in leading safe operations on-site.
Even experienced managers can benefit from the course, because it formalises their existing knowledge, updates them on current legislation, and ensures consistent safety protocols across their teams.
What You’ll Learn on the SMSTS Course
The course gives you a comprehensive understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues on construction sites. It ensures that participants understand their legal duties and can manage risks and teams confidently. Core topics covered include:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act
- CDM (Construction Design and Management) Regulations
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Site set-up and welfare facilities
- Working at height and confined spaces
- Manual handling and lifting operations
- Fire prevention and control
- Behavioural safety and occupational health
- Environmental protection and sustainability
- Accident and incident investigation
How Long Is the Certificate Valid For?
Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be awarded a CITB SMSTS certificate, which is valid for five years. This certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge, leadership capability, and legal awareness to manage construction site safety in accordance with UK standards.
However, it’s important to plan ahead. To maintain your certified status, you need to complete the Refresher course before your five-year certificate expires. The refresher is a shorter, two-day version of the course, focusing on updates in legislation, best practices, and new safety concerns.
If your certificate does lapse, you’ll need to retake the full five-day SMSTS course, which is both more time-consuming and costly.
Benefits of Taking the SMSTS Course
The course certificate offers more than just legal understanding. It can significantly boost your career and credibility. Here’s why it’s worth it:
- Professional Recognition: The certificate is an industry-recognised qualification across the UK, often listed as a requirement on job descriptions for site managers and supervisors.
- Improved Employability: Having this qualification on your CV demonstrates that you meet safety standards expected by reputable construction firms.
- Compliance Confidence: You’ll gain a thorough understanding of current legislation and how to apply it, giving you the confidence to lead a safe, legally compliant worksite.
- Career Progression: Holding the certificate often opens up opportunities for promotion to site manager, contracts manager, or project lead roles.
Conclusion: What Certificate Do You Get with SMSTS Course?
Completing the course earns you a CITB-issued SMSTS certificate, valid for five years. This certificate is widely recognised across the UK construction industry as proof of your competence in site safety management.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
