What Is SMSTS?
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme — the health and safety qualification every UK site manager needs to know about.
Quick Answer
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is a 5-day health and safety course accredited by CITB — the Construction Industry Training Board. It is the industry-standard qualification for site managers and project managers in UK construction, covering legal duties, risk management, and site safety obligations. Most major contractors require a valid SMSTS certificate before appointing a site manager.
What does SMSTS cover?
The SMSTS course covers the full range of health and safety responsibilities a site manager carries under UK construction law. Over five consecutive days (or a block release format), delegates study:
Legal framework
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CDM Regulations 2015, and employers' duties under RIDDOR, COSHH and the Management of H&S at Work Regulations.
Risk assessment
How to identify hazards, assess risk, implement controls and maintain method statements and risk assessments (RAMs) on site.
Site management duties
Inductions, permits to work, emergency procedures, welfare facilities, and managing subcontractors safely.
Practical assessment
Delegates complete written assignments and an in-person assessment on the final day. A pass certificate is issued by CITB.
Who needs SMSTS?
SMSTS is aimed at anyone with overall responsibility for managing health and safety on a UK construction site. The typical roles that require (or strongly benefit from) SMSTS include:
- Site Manager
- Project Manager
- Construction Manager
- Contracts Manager
- Works Manager
- Assistant Site Manager progressing to Site Manager level
SMSTS vs SSSTS — what's the difference?
| Feature | SMSTS | SSSTS |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days | 2 days |
| Target | Site managers, project managers | Supervisors, foremen |
| Level | Management | Supervisory |
| CSCS link | Required for Black Card | Required for Gold Card (supervisors) |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Refresher | 2-day SMSTS Refresher | 1-day SSSTS Refresher |
SMSTS and the CSCS Black Card
To qualify for the CSCS Black Card (Manager), a site manager must hold a valid SMSTS certificate (or equivalent CITB-recognised management safety qualification) alongside an NVQ Level 6 or above in construction management. Without SMSTS, you cannot obtain the Black Card — which in practice means you cannot manage sites for most major contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SMSTS a legal requirement?
SMSTS is not a statutory legal requirement, but it is an industry standard expected by virtually all major contractors and developers. Most site manager job adverts specify SMSTS as essential. It is also required for the CSCS Black Card.
How long does SMSTS last?
An SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires a 2-day SMSTS Refresher course. If the certificate has lapsed by more than 5 years, the full 5-day course must be repeated.
What is the difference between SMSTS and SSSTS?
SMSTS is the 5-day course for site managers with full legal and managerial responsibility. SSSTS is a 2-day course for supervisors and foremen with day-to-day team oversight but not overall site management responsibility.
Do I need SMSTS to get a CSCS Black Card?
Yes — SMSTS (or equivalent CITB-accredited management course) is required alongside an NVQ Level 6 or above in construction management to qualify for the CSCS Black Card (Manager).
How much does SMSTS cost?
The 5-day course costs £400–£700 depending on provider. The 2-day Refresher costs £200–£350. CITB grants are available for eligible employers.
Can Phoenix Gray place site managers without SMSTS?
Most of our clients require SMSTS as a minimum for site manager roles. We can occasionally place highly experienced managers on smaller sites where SMSTS is preferred but not mandatory — speak to our team about your specific situation.
Need an SMSTS-qualified Site Manager?
Phoenix Gray Recruitment places SMSTS-certified site managers on sites across the UK — temporary cover, permanent hire, and contract roles.