SMSTS vs SSSTS
As well as SMSTS, you could also look into CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS). While both courses cover many of the same topics and skills, SSSTS focuses more on the requirements of supervisors as opposed to managers.
Ultimately it will down to you and your employers to decide which of these courses would suit your responsibilities. The SMSTS course offers more advanced and detailed knowledge, but it may be unnecessary for those without managerial responsibilities. Find out more about becoming a site supervisor by reading our blog ‘How to Become a Site Supervisor’
Like SMSTS, certificates for SSSTS courses are valid for 5 years, at which point a CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme – Refresher (SMSTS-R) will need to be completed.
SMSTS learning resources
There are many resources available during your time achieving an SMSTS certification. It’ll take a little bit of digging in order to find which learning materials will work best for you. The CITB sell books and reading resources if you are more of a traditional learner, however there are available e-books and online resources which contain similar information if you prefer to work digitally.
You can pick and choose which way you think you’ll learn better when preparing for the course, you may find that you prefer to just learn throughout the training programme itself without the need for additional resources. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to make sure you commit the information to memory, as you’ll be needing it in the workplace when you finish.
Safe practice benefits everybody
By enforcing safe practice following completion of your SMSTS course, you’ll be showing your employees that you value their safety as well as their hard-work. It is no secret that employees work harder when they feel they are valued. Taking their health and safety seriously is a great way to do so. This by default will increase morale, productivity and efficiency of site-workers. Additionally, it should inspire them to complete their tasks with best practice. Most importantly, you’ll also feel more confident within yourself, knowing you have the correct qualifications to properly undertake any tasks within your managerial role.
Refresh your knowledge
The SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years once you successfully complete it. This means that you’ll need to complete a refresher course after those 5 years have elapsed. What you’ll need is a SMSTS-R course. The R stands for refresher, and you should learn everything you need to top-up your knowledge. This is to make sure you can work safely within your profession. The refresher course will take two days and if you complete the refresher before your renewal date, you’ll be re-certified.
Fail to complete the refresher before the renewal date and you’ll have to take the 5 day course once more. Similarly, if you have the SSSTS course, you can also take a refresher course and the same rules apply.
