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How long do SMSTS and SSSTS certificates last?
Both certificates are valid for five years. To stay certified, the holder completes the refresher before the expiry date, or retakes the full course. Passing a refresher gives a new certificate, also valid for five years.
SMSTS, the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, is the five-day course for site managers. SSSTS, the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme, is the two-day course for supervisors. CITB says all four courses can be taken in a classroom or by remote delivery.
- SMSTS: five days, certificate valid for five years
- SMSTS-R refresher: two days, for existing site managers
- SSSTS: two days, certificate valid for five years
- SSSTS-R refresher: one day, for people who passed SSSTS or a previous refresher
What happens if an SMSTS or SSSTS certificate expires?
CITB's course pages say the refresher must be completed before the expiry date. Once a certificate has expired, plan for the full course: five days for SMSTS or two days for SSSTS.
For a site manager, that is three extra days off site. Set a reminder several months before the expiry date, so there is time to find a course date that fits the project programme.
Is SMSTS a legal requirement?
No law names SMSTS or SSSTS. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 say a contractor must not employ or appoint a person to work on a construction site unless they have, or are in the process of obtaining, the necessary skills, knowledge, training and experience for their tasks.
Many principal contractors ask site managers for a current SMSTS and supervisors for a current SSSTS before they start on site, so an expired certificate can hold up a start.
What to record for each site manager and supervisor
Keep one record per person, so you can see who is due a refresher and show a principal contractor a current certificate when asked.
- Course: SMSTS, SSSTS or a refresher
- Training provider and course date
- Expiry date shown on the certificate
- A copy of the certificate
- The date the refresher is booked
- The projects or sites they manage or supervise
How SkillProof helps
SkillProof records SMSTS, SSSTS and refresher certificates against each site manager and supervisor, with the expiry date and a copy of the certificate. Reminders go out before a certificate expires, and project readiness shows who is ready for each site before work starts. SkillProof does not run CITB courses or check certificates with CITB.
If you also check CSCS cards, the CSCS card guide shows how long each card type lasts and how to record each check.
Official guidance used for this guide
Checked
CITB course pages and the CDM Regulations 2015 used for this article. Check your principal contractor's own site requirements.
Questions this guide answers
How long does an SMSTS certificate last?
Five years. Complete the two-day SMSTS-R refresher before the expiry date to get a new certificate for another five years.
How long does an SSSTS certificate last?
Five years. The one-day SSSTS-R refresher renews it, as long as it is completed before the expiry date.
Can I do the SMSTS refresher after my certificate has expired?
CITB's course pages say the refresher must be completed before the expiry date. After that, plan to retake the full five-day SMSTS course.
Can SMSTS and SSSTS refreshers be done online?
CITB says SMSTS, SSSTS and both refreshers can be taken in a classroom or by remote delivery.
Does SkillProof run SMSTS or SSSTS courses?
No. SkillProof records certificates and expiry dates and reminds people before a refresher is due. Book the course with a Site Safety Plus training provider.