The Site Management Safety Training Scheme, or SMSTS course, is the go-to qualification for anyone responsible for running construction sites safely. In 2026, it is especially relevant for site managers, senior supervisors, and project leaders who need practical knowledge, not just certificates.
This overview focuses on what happens during the course, what you will actually learn, and who should consider taking it.
What You Can Expect on the SMSTS Course
The SMSTS course is a five-day training programme approved by the CITB. It blends classroom learning with practical exercises to prepare participants for real-world site challenges.
Here’s a breakdown of the key topics:
Understanding Health and Safety Law
You explore the main UK regulations affecting construction sites, including the Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM Regulations. The emphasis is on applying the law in everyday decisions on site.
Risk Assessment and Method Statements
This is where the course gets hands-on. You learn how to identify hazards, prioritise risks, and produce clear method statements that teams can follow to stay safe.
Managing the Site
You examine practical aspects of site management such as traffic flow, signage, site access, welfare facilities, and security. The goal is to create a smooth, safe environment for everyone on site.
Controlling High-Risk Activities
Topics include working at height, scaffolding, and excavation safety. You learn how to recognise hazards and put controls in place before work begins.
Occupational Health Considerations
The course highlights risks that develop over time, such as exposure to dust, noise, or vibration, and practical steps to protect workers’ long-term health.
Emergency Procedures
Fire safety, evacuation plans, and emergency response are all covered so you know how to act decisively when incidents occur.
Environmental and Sustainability Awareness
You also touch on managing waste, preventing pollution, and adopting environmentally responsible practices on site.
Leadership and Communication
Finally, SMSTS teaches how to motivate teams, communicate safety messages effectively, and foster a proactive safety culture.
SMSTS is designed for people who directly manage or supervise construction sites. Typical attendees include:
Site Managers
Project Managers
Construction Managers
Senior Supervisors
Business Owners managing projects
Contracts Managers with oversight responsibilities
If your role involves planning work, coordinating teams, or making site safety decisions, SMSTS equips you with the knowledge and skills to do it confidently.
For supervisors with limited management responsibility, the SSSTS course is more suitable. SMSTS is for those with broader authority and accountability.
How the Training Is Delivered
In 2026, SMSTS courses are available both face-to-face and online. Face-to-face courses combine instructor-led sessions with practical exercises, site scenarios, and interactive discussions. Online courses replicate this experience with live sessions, digital resources, and interactive workshops, making it easier to fit training around work commitments.
All courses conclude with a multiple-choice assessment and a practical evaluation to ensure participants have understood the key concepts. Successful candidates receive a CITB-accredited SMSTS certificate valid for five years.
CITB Grants for SMSTS Short Courses
Employers registered with the CITB levy may be eligible to claim CITB short course grants when booking SMSTS training. These grants are designed to help offset the cost of essential health and safety training for the construction workforce.
SMSTS qualifies as a recognised short course, meaning eligible employers can claim funding once the delegate has successfully completed the training. This makes SMSTS a cost effective option for upskilling site managers while meeting compliance requirements.
Grant eligibility and payment values are set by CITB and may change, so it is important to check the latest guidance before booking. Full details on short course grants, including eligibility criteria and claim processes, are available directly from CITB at:
https://www.citb.co.uk/levy-grants-and-funding/grants-and-funding/short-course-grants/
Portland Training can provide guidance on certification and course completion to support grant claims where applicable.
Key Takeaways
The SMSTS course is not just about passing a test. It is about understanding how to manage a construction site safely and efficiently. By the end of the course, participants will:
Be confident applying health and safety law on site
Know how to carry out and review risk assessments
Be able to manage high-risk activities and emergency situations
Understand occupational health hazards and environmental responsibilities
Have practical leadership and communication skills
Taking SMSTS demonstrates competence, builds credibility, and ensures compliance with industry standards.
Final Thoughts
SMSTS is an essential qualification for anyone responsible for managing construction sites in 2026. By focusing on practical skills, real-life scenarios, and current regulations, the course prepares managers to lead safely and effectively.
Choosing a CITB-approved provider like Portland Training ensures your SMSTS course is delivered to current industry standards and recognised nationwide. With experienced tutors and flexible delivery options, Portland Training supports you whether you are stepping into site management for the first time or renewing your qualification, giving you the confidence to manage construction sites safely and professionally.
