SMSTS Course Cost 2026 | Prices & How to Save

When You Book Multiple Courses.

If you’re looking at the cost of an SMSTS course in 2026, you’re probably comparing providers and trying to work out the best deal. This guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay for every SMSTS course type and shows you how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

We’ve updated this guide for 2026 with the latest pricing from Target Zero Training and every payment option available to you.

How Much Does the SMSTS Course Cost in 2026?

Here’s what you’ll pay for each SMSTS course type with Target Zero Training in 2026:

Course	Duration	Price (excl. VAT)	Price (incl. VAT)
SMSTS Classroom Course	5 days	From £419.00	From £502.80
SMSTS Online Course	5 days	From £419.00	From £502.80
SMSTS Refresher (Classroom)	2 days	From £289.00	From £346.80
SMSTS Refresher Online	2 days	From £289.00	From £346.80

All prices are per delegate. VAT is charged at the standard UK rate of 20%. These prices include your CITB registration, course materials, assessment, and your SMSTS certificate on successful completion.

What’s Included in the Price?

When you book an SMSTS course with Target Zero Training, your fee covers everything you need:

Full CITB registration and examination fees
All course materials and delegate workbook
End-of-course assessment
CITB SMSTS certificate (valid for 5 years)
Refreshments and lunch (classroom courses only)
Access to free SMSTS mock tests to help you prepare

There are no hidden fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

SMSTS Course Cost: Classroom vs Online

With Target Zero Training, the SMSTS online course and the classroom course are the same price — from £419.00+VAT. Both are CITB-approved, deliver the same qualification, and result in the same certificate.

The difference is in how you attend, and that can affect your total cost when you factor in travel and time off site:

	Classroom	Online
Course fee	From £419.00+VAT	From £419.00+VAT
Travel costs	Fuel, parking, or public transport	None
Accommodation	Possibly, if venue is far from home	None
Lunch	Included	Your own
Time away from site	5 full days + commute	5 full days (no commute)
Certificate	CITB SMSTS (identical)	CITB SMSTS (identical)

For many delegates, the online option works out cheaper overall once you account for travel and accommodation. But if you prefer face-to-face learning and want to get off-site for the week, the classroom experience at one of our UK venues is the better fit.

How to Reduce Your SMSTS Course Cost

There are several ways to bring down what you actually pay for your SMSTS training:

1. Book as a Team and Save 10%

Sending multiple delegates? Target Zero Training offers a 10% discount on team bookings. If you’ve got three or more people who need their SMSTS, this adds up quickly. For a team of five, that’s a saving of over £200. Call us on 01245 379496 to arrange a group booking.

2. Pay in 3 Interest-Free Instalments with Klarna

If paying the full amount upfront doesn’t suit you, we offer interest-free payments through Klarna. Split the cost into three equal payments with no extra charges — making it easier to get booked on without waiting.

3. Ask Your Employer to Pay

Most employers in construction will cover the cost of SMSTS training, particularly for site managers and anyone who needs it for their role. The SMSTS is often a contractual requirement on major projects, so it’s in your employer’s interest to get you qualified.

4. Consider a Closed Course for Larger Teams

If you’ve got 10 or more delegates, a closed (in-house) course can be more cost-effective than booking individual places. We deliver closed SMSTS courses at your premises or a venue of your choice, on dates that suit your team. Call 01245 379496 to discuss pricing for your group.

Is the SMSTS Course Worth the Cost?

In short — yes. The SMSTS is the most widely recognised site management safety qualification in UK construction. Here’s why the investment pays off:

It’s required on most major sites. Principal contractors, tier-one builders, and many clients require site managers to hold a valid SMSTS certificate before they’re allowed on site.
It qualifies you for the CSCS black card. Combined with an NVQ Level 6 or Level 7, the SMSTS is part of the route to a black CSCS Manager card — the highest level of site competence card available.
It’s valid for 5 years. At roughly £84 per year, that’s a low annual cost for a qualification that keeps you working and compliant.
It protects your career. Without a valid SMSTS, you may be turned away from sites. As enforcement increases and site safety standards tighten, having your SMSTS current is non-negotiable for anyone in a management role.

When Does Your SMSTS Expire? Refresher Costs

Your SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. To keep it current, you’ll need to complete a 2-day SMSTS refresher course before it expires.

The refresher costs from £289.00+VAT — significantly less than the full 5-day course. If you let your certificate lapse, you’ll need to sit the full course again at the full price, so booking your refresher before expiry saves you both money and time.

Not sure when your certificate expires? Check our guide on what happens when your SMSTS certificate expires.

How Does Our SMSTS Pricing Compare?

SMSTS course prices across the UK typically range from £400 to £550+VAT for the full 5-day course. At from £419.00+VAT, Target Zero Training sits at the competitive end of that range while delivering a fully CITB-approved course with experienced tutors.

When comparing providers, make sure you’re checking:

Whether the price includes VAT or not (some providers quote excluding VAT to look cheaper)
Whether CITB registration is included or charged separately
Whether materials and the certificate are included
The provider’s pass rate and Trustpilot reviews
Whether they offer flexible payment options like Klarna

Target Zero Training is a CITB Approved Training Organisation with a Trustpilot score of 4.9 from 800+ reviews. Every price listed includes CITB registration, materials, assessment, and certification — no hidden extras.

Ready to Book Your SMSTS Course?

View all available dates and book online today:

SMSTS Classroom Course — From £419.00+VAT
SMSTS Online Course — From £419.00+VAT
SMSTS Refresher Course — From £289.00+VAT
SMSTS Refresher Online — From £289.00+VAT

Need help choosing the right course or want to arrange a team booking? Call us on 01245 379496 or use the callback form at the top of any page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the SMSTS course cost in 2026?

The SMSTS course costs from £419.00+VAT for both classroom and online options. The 2-day SMSTS refresher costs from £289.00+VAT. All prices include CITB registration, materials, assessment, and certification.

Is the online SMSTS course cheaper than classroom?

The course fee is the same — from £419.00+VAT. However, the online SMSTS course can work out cheaper overall because there are no travel, parking, or accommodation costs.

Can I pay for the SMSTS course in instalments?

Yes. Target Zero Training offers interest-free payments through Klarna, allowing you to split the cost into three equal instalments with no additional charges.

Do I need to pay the full SMSTS course fee again when I renew?

No. To renew your SMSTS, you take the 2-day refresher course at £289.00+VAT — not the full 5-day course. But you must complete the refresher before your current certificate expires, otherwise you’ll need to retake the full course.

Is the SMSTS course cost tax-deductible?

For employers, SMSTS training costs are typically an allowable business expense. If you’re self-employed and the SMSTS is necessary for your work, it may also be deductible — speak to your accountant for advice specific to your situation.

What’s the cheapest way to get an SMSTS certificate?

The most cost-effective approach is to book with a competitively priced CITB-approved provider like Target Zero Training (from £419+VAT) and take advantage of Klarna’s interest-free payment plan. For teams of 3 or more, the 10% group discount brings the cost down further. Be wary of providers offering prices significantly below the market rate — check they’re genuinely CITB-approved and that all fees are included.