Best SMSTS Courses in the UK 2026 | Target Zero Training

When You Book Multiple Courses.

If you need to book an SMSTS course this year, you have a lot of choices. There are dozens of CITB-approved training providers across the UK, offering classroom, online, and weekend formats at a range of price points. The problem is not finding a provider. It is knowing which ones are worth your time and money.

This guide covers what to look for in a quality SMSTS provider, how prices compare, and what makes Target Zero Training one of the most trusted options in the UK.

What Is the SMSTS Course?

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a five-day CITB-approved qualification for site managers and supervisors working in construction. It covers health and safety legislation, risk assessment, CDM regulations, and site management responsibilities.

The course is assessed, not examined, meaning you are evaluated through written exercises and a multiple-choice test rather than a traditional exam. It is valid for five years, after which you must complete an SMSTS Refresher to maintain your certification.

The SMSTS is widely required by principal contractors and is often a condition of employment for anyone managing a construction site in the UK.

What Makes a Good SMSTS Provider?

Before comparing providers, it helps to know what to look for. The following criteria separate quality training organisations from those that simply tick a box.

CITB Approval

The SMSTS is a CITB scheme. Any provider delivering it must be an Approved Training Organisation (ATO). If a provider is not CITB-approved, the certificate they issue will not be valid. Always check for ATO status before booking.

Tutor Quality

The SMSTS is a demanding five days. The quality of your tutor makes a significant difference to how well you understand the material and how confident you feel in the assessment. Look for providers that use experienced construction professionals rather than generic trainers.

Venue and Format Options

The best providers offer flexibility: classroom courses at multiple locations, fully online delivery, and weekend formats for those who cannot take five consecutive weekdays away from site. Not every provider offers all three.

Reviews and Reputation

Trustpilot, Reviews.io, Google Reviews, and word of mouth from colleagues are the most reliable signals of a provider’s quality. Volume matters too. A provider with 50 reviews is harder to assess than one with thousands.

Price Transparency

Good providers display their prices clearly. Hidden fees, vague pricing pages, or prices that only appear at checkout are a warning sign. You should be able to find the cost of a course in under 30 seconds on any reputable provider’s website.

SMSTS Course Formats Available in 2026

The SMSTS is delivered in three main formats. Each suits a different type of delegate.

Classroom SMSTS (5 Consecutive Days)

The traditional format. You attend a training venue for five consecutive days with a tutor and a group of other delegates. This is the most structured way to complete the course and suits those who learn best in a classroom environment. It also allows you to network with others in the industry.

Online SMSTS (Live Virtual Classroom)

Delivered over five days via a live video platform, the online SMSTS mirrors the classroom experience but removes the need to travel. You join a tutor and fellow delegates remotely. The certificate issued is identical to the classroom version. This format is popular with site managers who work away from home or who find it difficult to get to a training venue.

Weekend SMSTS

Delivered across weekends rather than weekdays, this format allows delegates who cannot take time off during the working week to complete the course. Target Zero Training offers weekend SMSTS options for those in this situation. It is the same course and the same certificate, just spread across weekend sessions.

SMSTS Course Price: What to Expect in 2026

The cost of an SMSTS course in the UK typically ranges from around £380 to £550 plus VAT depending on the provider and format. Online courses tend to be at the lower end of this range.

Target Zero Training charges from £399 + VAT for the SMSTS course. This price is displayed clearly on the website with no hidden extras.

CITB Grant Funding

If your employer pays the CITB levy, you may be able to claim a grant to offset the cost. The CITB grant for SMSTS was previously £240 but was reduced to £115 following the 2025 grant changes. This still represents a meaningful reduction in the net cost for levy-paying employers.

It is worth checking your eligibility before booking. Your employer can claim the grant directly through CITB after you complete the course.

Target Zero Training: SMSTS Courses Across the UK

Target Zero Training is a CITB-approved training organisation with one of the strongest reputations in the UK construction training sector. With a 4.9/5.0 rating on both Trustpilot and Reviews.io, backed by more than 10,000 reviews across both platforms, the quality of their courses is well documented by the delegates who have taken them.

Locations

Target Zero Training delivers SMSTS courses at venues across England, including:

Chelmsford, Essex
Peterborough
Crawley, West Sussex
Sheffield
Stratford, London
Waltham Abbey, Essex
Barking, London
Online (live virtual classroom, UK-wide)

Weekend SMSTS options are also available for delegates who need to complete the course outside of standard working days.

Why Delegates Choose Target Zero Training

4.9/5.0 on Trustpilot and Reviews.io from 10,000+ verified reviews across both platforms
CITB-approved ATO
Experienced construction industry tutors
Clear pricing: SMSTS from £399 + VAT
Courses available online, in classroom, and at weekends
Friendly sales team available on 01245 379496

How to Choose the Right SMSTS Course for You

The right course depends on three things: your schedule, your preferred learning style, and your location.

If you can take five consecutive weekdays away from site, a classroom course at your nearest venue gives you the most structured experience. If you need flexibility, the online format or a weekend course gives you the same qualification without disrupting your working week.

Whatever format you choose, make sure your provider is CITB-approved, displays their prices clearly, and has verifiable reviews from real delegates. These three checks alone will filter out the majority of poor-quality providers.

SMSTS Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the SMSTS course?

The SMSTS course runs over five days. These can be five consecutive weekdays or spread across weekend sessions depending on the format you choose.

How much does the SMSTS course cost in 2026?

Most UK providers charge between £380 and £550 plus VAT. Target Zero Training charges from £399 + VAT. If your employer pays the CITB levy, a grant of £115 may be available to offset the cost.

Is the online SMSTS the same as classroom?

Yes. An SMSTS delivered online via a live virtual classroom carries the same CITB certification as a classroom course. The format is different but the qualification is identical.

How long is an SMSTS certificate valid?

The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. After this you must complete an SMSTS Refresher course to maintain your certification. Target Zero Training offers the SMSTS Refresher at £279 + VAT.

Who needs an SMSTS?

The SMSTS is designed for site managers and supervisors responsible for managing health and safety on a construction site. Many principal contractors require it as a condition of working on their sites. It is also commonly required for CSCS Black Card applications.

Can my employer pay for my SMSTS?

Yes. Many employers cover the cost of SMSTS training, particularly if they pay the CITB levy and can claim the grant. Target Zero Training can issue invoices directly to companies.

What is the difference between SMSTS and SSSTS?

The SMSTS is aimed at site managers with overall responsibility for health and safety on site. The SSSTS (Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme) is a two-day course aimed at supervisors who report to a site manager. If you manage a site, you need the SMSTS. If you supervise a team within a site, the SSSTS may be more appropriate.

What happens after the SMSTS?

After completing your SMSTS you will receive your certificate. Your next step depends on your career goals. Many delegates go on to complete an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management, which uses the SMSTS as supporting evidence.

Book Your SMSTS Course

Target Zero Training runs SMSTS courses throughout the year at venues across England and online. Dates are available year-round with new cohorts starting every few weeks.

To check upcoming dates and book your place, visit the SMSTS course page or call the team on 01245 379496.