SMSTS Online vs Classroom – Which Training Option Is Best?

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When You Book Multiple Courses.

When you’re planning to take an SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) course, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how to take it: online (virtual classroom) or in person (classroom-based). Both formats deliver the same CITB-accredited content, but your circumstances, learning preferences, and workplace pressures will influence which is best for you.

At Target Zero Training, we deliver both options, so here’s a clear comparison from our point of view — what to watch out for, and when one format may suit better than the other.

What SMSTS Covers (Regardless of Format)

Before we compare formats, it helps to understand the basics that every SMSTS course must cover. The SMSTS is a 5-day, 37.5-hour course.

Topics typically include:

Health & Safety law and regulations relevant to construction
CDM (Construction Design & Management) duties
Risk assessment and method statements
High-risk activities (work at height, excavations, electricity, confined spaces)
Site setup, welfare, traffic management
Communicating with the workforce, behavioural safety & safety culture

At the end, you must pass a multiple-choice exam and complete core exercises (presentation, case studies) to gain the CITB SMSTS certificate, valid for five years.

If your certificate is expiring, you can take a 2-day SMSTS Refresher (online or in classroom) via Target Zero to renew it. (Check our SMSTS Refresher Online page for details.)

Side-by-Side: Online vs Classroom

Feature	SMSTS Online (Virtual Classroom)	SMSTS Classroom (In-Person)
Flexibility & Travel	High — no commute, attend from home or site office	Lower — you must travel to the venue
Schedule Disruptions	Easier to manage around site work	More rigid; missing a day can be harder to reschedule
Interaction & Networking	Good (via video, chat, breakout groups), though some prefer face-to-face	Stronger in-person engagement, peer interaction, body language cues
Trainer Access & Support	Live trainers, screen sharing, digital materials; immediate Q&A	Direct face-to-face support; easier to walk over, ask side questions
Learning Style Suitability	Better for self-driven learners comfortable online	Better for learners who prefer in-person, hands-on or group activity
Technical Requirements	Must have stable internet, webcam, audio & screen	No reliance on tech beyond classroom equipment
Distractions	Potential home/work distractions; need discipline	Classroom environment tends to be more controlled
Resilience to Interruptions	Easier to rejoin sessions if issues arise (network, etc.)	More risk of missing content if you can’t attend physically
Cost	Generally a bit lower (no travel or venue overheads)	Higher (venue costs, travel, possibly meals etc.)
Atmosphere & Focus	More personal discipline; risk of multitasking	More immersive environment with fewer off-task temptations

When Online Is the Better Choice

You might prefer SMSTS online if you:

Are working on a live site and don’t want to be away for travel.
Don’t live near a training venue or want to avoid travel time/costs.
Are comfortable with digital learning tools (Zoom, screen sharing, chat).
Want to squeeze training into your existing schedule with minimal disruption.
Prefer accessing all course materials digitally (easier to store, search, annotate).
Want extra flexibility if weather, transport or site events might interfere with travel.

At Target Zero, our online courses replicate the classroom experience — interactive sessions, breakout activities, group work, quizzes — all with experienced CITB trainers. And if you do struggle on a topic, you can schedule 1-to-1 support. (We also offer mock tests to help you get used to exam format — see our Mock Tests page

When Classroom Is the Better Choice

You might prefer SMSTS in person if you:

Learn better face-to-face, especially in group settings with physical interaction.
Want to eliminate the risk of internet or tech issues interrupting learning.
Like the energy and networking value of being in a room with peers and trainers.
Prefer being away from work distractions during training — a “retreat” atmosphere.
Want to combine training with site visits, site logistics walkthroughs, or use physical props.

In a classroom, you often gain additional value from spontaneous conversations, deeper peer connections, and the immediacy of instructor feedback.

How Target Zero Makes Both Formats Work

Because we offer both formats, here’s how we ensure quality, consistency, and learner success:

Same CITB-accredited content and assessments
Whether online or in classroom, the syllabus, case studies, exercises and exam standards are identical — so the qualification holds equal weight.
Support, not just lectures
We don’t just “broadcast slides.” Our trainers facilitate discussion, breakout groups, quizzes, Q&A, role play. We also provide mock tests to help you get exam-ready. (See our Mock Tests service.)
Flexibility in rescheduling
If you miss a session (within reason), we help you catch up — either via recorded segments or a make-up slot.
Refresher and ongoing support
After completing your qualification, we assist you with refresher courses, updates on changes in legislation, and continuing professional development.
Technical readiness (for online)
We ensure smooth online delivery: we check your tech setup in advance, offer workaround options, and provide digital materials well in advance so you can review.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Here are a few scenarios to help you make your decision:

You’re in London or near one of our physical venues, and you prefer face-to-face learning → Classroom likely best.
You’re in a remote area, working on site, or you find travel burdensome → Online is more practical.
You want maximum flexibility to juggle site demands → Online wins.
You thrive in group settings, prefer hands-on discussion, and want to network → Classroom may offer a richer environment.
You anticipate site interruptions or unpredictable days → Online gives you a fallback.

If you’re still unsure, speak to us — we can assess your availability, location, learning style, and help you pick the best option.

Take the Next Step with Target Zero Training

Explore our full CITB SMSTS Training Courses (online or classroom) here:
https://targetzerotraining.co.uk/citb-smsts-training-courses-2/
If your certificate is nearing expiry, consider our SMSTS Refresher Online course:
https://targetzerotraining.co.uk/smsts-refresher-online-courses/
To sharpen exam confidence, try our Mock Tests service:
https://targetzerotraining.co.uk/mock-tests

We believe both formats can deliver excellent outcomes — the right choice is the one that lets you focus fully, without undue stress, so you absorb the content and pass with confidence.

Why choose Target Zero?