Construction sites rely on people at every level understanding their health and safety responsibilities. CITB training helps workers, supervisors and managers develop the knowledge they need to work safely, meet industry standards and carry out their roles with confidence.
With a wide range of CITB courses available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Some courses are designed for people who are new to the construction industry, while others are aimed at supervisors, site managers or those with specialist responsibilities such as temporary works or environmental management.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main CITB courses, who they’re designed for and how to choose the right training for your role.
Key Takeaways:
- CITB offers a range of construction health and safety courses designed for different roles, from new entrants to site managers and specialist positions.
- The right CITB course depends on your responsibilities rather than your job title or level of experience.
- Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) is designed for people new to construction and can support applications for a CSCS Labourer Card (Green Card) when combined with the required Health, Safety and Environment Test.
- SSSTS is intended for site supervisors, while SMSTS is designed for site managers responsible for planning, organising and managing work on site.
- Specialist courses, including Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC), Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) and SEATS, provide training for specific construction roles and responsibilities.
- SMSTS and SSSTS certificates are valid for five years and must be renewed by completing the relevant refresher course before they expire.
- Choosing the right CITB training helps ensure your knowledge and skills are aligned with your role and the responsibilities you have on site.
What Are CITB Courses?
CITB courses provide health and safety training for people working in the construction industry. They are designed to help workers, supervisors and managers understand their responsibilities, recognise common site hazards and apply safe working practices in their day-to-day roles.
Different CITB courses are aimed at different levels of responsibility. Some provide a general introduction to construction health and safety, while others focus on supervising teams, managing sites or carrying out specialist duties such as temporary works or environmental management.
Many CITB courses are recognised across the construction industry and are commonly requested by employers and principal contractors. They can also support applications for certain construction industry cards or demonstrate that an individual has completed recognised health and safety training relevant to their role.
The right course will depend on the work you do, your level of responsibility and whether you’re new to the industry, moving into a supervisory or management role, or refreshing an existing qualification.
Which CITB Course Is Right for You?
The right CITB course depends on your role, your level of responsibility and the type of work you carry out on site. Some courses provide a general introduction to construction health and safety, while others are designed for supervisors, site managers or people with specialist responsibilities.
| Course | Best Suited To | Typical Duration | Main Focus |
| CITB Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) | People new to the construction industry | 1 day | Introduction to construction health and safety and the first step towards a CSCS Labourer Card (Green Card) |
| CITB Health & Safety Awareness eCourse | People who prefer flexible online learning | 4 hours | Online construction health and safety awareness training |
| CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) | Site supervisors and those moving into supervisory roles | 2 days | Supervising health and safety on construction sites |
| CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) | Site managers and those responsible for managing construction sites | 5 days | Managing health, safety, welfare and environmental responsibilities on site |
| CITB Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) | People supervising temporary works | 1 day | Supervising temporary works safely |
| CITB Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) | People coordinating temporary works | 2 days | Managing and coordinating temporary works |
| CITB Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) | Supervisors, managers and those with environmental responsibilities | 1 day | Environmental awareness and management on construction sites |
| CITB SSSTS Refresher | Existing SSSTS certificate holders | 1 day | Renewing an in-date SSSTS qualification |
| CITB SMSTS Refresher | Existing SMSTS certificate holders | 2 days | Renewing an in-date SMSTS qualification |
Health & Safety Awareness (HSA)
The Health & Safety Awareness course is designed for people who are new to the construction industry or preparing to start work on site. It introduces key health and safety topics, including common site hazards, risk assessments, safe working practices and individual responsibilities.
For many people, it’s the first step towards applying for a CSCS Labourer Card (Green Card), alongside the required Health, Safety and Environment Test.
Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
SSSTS is aimed at site supervisors and those moving into supervisory roles. It helps delegates understand their legal responsibilities, carry out risk assessments, deliver site inductions and toolbox talks, and monitor site activities safely.
It’s suitable for people who are responsible for supervising others on site and ensuring work is carried out safely.
Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
SMSTS is designed for site managers and anyone responsible for planning, organising and managing construction work. It covers health and safety legislation, risk management, site welfare and environmental responsibilities, helping managers understand their role in maintaining safe construction sites.
Specialist CITB Courses
THSP also offers several specialist CITB courses for people with specific responsibilities:
- Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC): For those responsible for supervising temporary works on site.
- Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC): For people coordinating temporary works and managing the process in line with BS 5975.
- Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS): For supervisors, managers and others with environmental responsibilities on construction projects.
- SSSTS and SMSTS Refresher courses: For delegates who need to renew an existing, in-date qualification before it expires.
If you’re unsure which CITB course is right for your role, an accredited training provider can help you choose the most appropriate option based on your responsibilities and experience.
Do You Need a CITB Refresher Course?
Some CITB qualifications need to be renewed to remain valid. If you already hold an SMSTS or SSSTS certificate, you’ll need to complete the relevant refresher course before your current certificate expires.
The table below outlines the refresher courses available through THSP
| Refresher Course | Who It’s For | Duration | Requirement |
| CITB Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SSSTS-R) | Existing SSSTS certificate holders | 1 day | Must be completed before your current SSSTS certificate expires |
| CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher (SMSTS-R) | Existing SMSTS certificate holders | 2 days | Must be completed before your current SMSTS certificate expires |
Refresher courses provide an opportunity to revisit key health and safety topics, learn about changes to legislation and industry guidance, and refresh your understanding of your responsibilities on site.
To attend a refresher course, you’ll need to hold a current, in-date certificate for the relevant qualification. If your certificate has already expired, you may need to complete the full course again rather than the refresher.
How to Choose the Right CITB Course
Choosing the right CITB course isn’t about completing the longest or most advanced qualification. It’s about selecting the training that matches your current role and responsibilities.
When deciding which course is right for you, consider the following:
Your Current Role
Think about what you’re responsible for on site. Someone starting out in construction will have different training needs to a site supervisor or site manager.
Your Health and Safety Responsibilities
Some roles involve following site procedures, while others involve supervising teams, managing work activities or coordinating specialist tasks. Choose a course that reflects the level of responsibility you have.
Your Career Goals
If you’re planning to move into a supervisory or management role, completing the relevant CITB training can help you develop the knowledge needed for those responsibilities.
Whether You Need a Refresher
If you already hold an SMSTS or SSSTS certificate, check when it expires. Completing the refresher course before your certificate expires allows you to maintain your qualification without having to retake the full course.
If you’re still unsure which CITB course is the best fit, speaking to an accredited training provider can help you identify the most appropriate option based on your role, experience and training requirements.
Choosing the Right CITB Course for Your Organisation
Choosing the right CITB course helps ensure people have the knowledge and skills they need for their role on site. Whether you’re new to the construction industry, moving into a supervisory position or managing health and safety across a project, selecting the right training helps ensure it’s relevant to your responsibilities.
If you’re unsure which CITB course is right for you or your team, the THSP team can help. As an accredited CITB training provider, we offer a range of construction health and safety courses for workers, supervisors and managers. Get in touch to discuss your training requirements or explore our CITB courses to find the right option for your organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions About CITB Training Course
What are CITB courses?
CITB courses provide health and safety training for people working in the construction industry. Different courses are designed for different roles, from people starting out in construction to supervisors, site managers and those with specialist responsibilities.
What’s the difference between SMSTS and SSSTS?
SMSTS is designed for site managers and people responsible for planning, organising and managing work on site. SSSTS is aimed at site supervisors and focuses on supervising teams safely, understanding legal responsibilities and monitoring day-to-day site activities.
Is SMSTS a legal requirement?
No. SMSTS is not a legal requirement. However, many employers, clients and principal contractors require site managers to hold the qualification, and it is widely recognised across the construction industry.
Do I need to renew my SMSTS or SSSTS certificate?
Yes. SMSTS and SSSTS certificates are valid for five years. To maintain your qualification, you’ll need to complete the relevant refresher course before your current certificate expires.
Can I get a CSCS Labourer Card with the Health & Safety Awareness course?
The CITB Health & Safety Awareness course can be the first step towards obtaining a CSCS Labourer Card (Green Card). You’ll also need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test before you can apply for the card.
Can I complete CITB training online?
Some CITB courses are available through online or e-learning delivery. Availability will depend on the course, so it’s worth checking with your training provider to see which study options are available.
Which CITB course should site managers take?
The CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is designed for site managers and anyone responsible for planning, organising and managing construction work.
Can I progress from SSSTS to SMSTS?
Yes. Many people complete SSSTS before moving on to SMSTS as they take on greater responsibility. However, the right course should always be based on your current role and responsibilities rather than following a fixed training pathway.
What is the difference between TWSTC and TWCTC?
The Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) course is designed for people supervising temporary works on site, while the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) course is intended for those responsible for coordinating the temporary works process. Both courses support different responsibilities within temporary works management.
How do I choose the right CITB course?
The right course depends on your role, your responsibilities and the type of work you carry out on site. If you’re unsure which qualification is most appropriate, an accredited CITB training provider can help you identify the best option.