Can You Get SMSTS Without SSSTS?

When You Book Multiple Courses.

One of the most common questions we hear from construction professionals planning their training is whether they need to complete the SSSTS before they can take the SMSTS course. The short answer is no. You do not need an SSSTS qualification to book, attend or pass the SMSTS. The two courses are completely independent of each other, and there is no formal prerequisite linking them.

This guide explains the relationship between the two qualifications, who each course is designed for, and how to decide which route is right for your career stage.

Are SMSTS and SSSTS connected?

Both the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) and the SSSTS (Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme) are CITB-accredited health and safety qualifications for the UK construction industry. They are both delivered under the CITB umbrella and cover overlapping subject areas including health and safety law, risk assessment, CDM Regulations 2015 and safe working practices.

However, they are separate qualifications aimed at different levels of responsibility. CITB does not require candidates to hold one before enrolling on the other. There is no progression rule, no entry requirement and no dependency between them.

Who is the SMSTS course for?

The SMSTS course is designed for people who manage or will manage construction work on site. This includes site managers, project managers, site agents and anyone responsible for planning, organising or controlling construction activities. The course runs over five days and covers the full scope of a site manager’s legal and practical responsibilities.

You do not need any prior qualifications to enrol. There is no requirement to hold an SSSTS certificate, an NVQ or any other specific qualification. As long as you are working in or moving into a site management role, you are eligible to attend.

Who is the SSSTS course for?

The SSSTS course is aimed at site supervisors, team leaders, foremen and charge hands. These are people who oversee work on site but do not hold overall management responsibility. The course runs over two days and focuses on the supervisor’s role in implementing safe working practices, communicating with workers and reporting to management.

Like the SMSTS, there are no formal prerequisites for the SSSTS. You do not need any prior certification to book.

Why do people think you need SSSTS first?

The confusion usually comes from the fact that many construction career paths follow a natural progression from labourer to supervisor to site manager. Because the SSSTS is aimed at supervisors and the SMSTS is aimed at managers, people assume one must come before the other.

In practice, career paths vary enormously. Some people move directly into site management without ever working as a supervisor. Others have years of supervisory experience but have never taken the SSSTS formally. Some employers recruit experienced professionals from outside construction who go straight into management training. In all of these situations, booking directly onto the SMSTS is perfectly valid.

The other source of confusion is employer requirements. Some companies have internal training policies that require supervisors to hold SSSTS and managers to hold SMSTS. This can create the impression that the qualifications are sequential, when in reality the employer is simply matching qualifications to roles rather than enforcing a progression pathway.

Can you take both courses?

Yes. Many construction professionals hold both qualifications, and doing so is common across the industry. Holding both the SSSTS and SMSTS demonstrates competence at both supervisory and management level, which can strengthen your CV and make you more versatile on site.

If you already hold the SSSTS and want to progress, the SMSTS is the natural next step. However, you can also take the SMSTS first and complete the SSSTS later if your role requires it. The order does not affect the validity of either certificate.

What about refresher courses?

Both qualifications have a five-year validity period. When your certificate approaches expiry, you need to take the relevant refresher course to renew it. The SMSTS Refresher is a two-day course and the SSSTS Refresher is a one-day course.

The refresher courses are also independent of each other. If you hold both qualifications, you renew each one separately when it is due. Completing an SMSTS Refresher does not renew your SSSTS, and vice versa.

Which course should you take?

The right choice depends on your current role and where you want to be in the next 12 to 24 months.

If you are currently working as or being promoted to a site supervisor, team leader or foreman, the SSSTS is the most relevant starting point. It covers the responsibilities specific to your role and can be completed in two days, meaning less time away from site.

If you are already in a management position, have been offered a site manager role, or are working towards a management role within the next year, go straight to the SMSTS course. You do not need to complete the SSSTS first, and the SMSTS will give you the management-level knowledge that employers and principal contractors require.

If you are unsure which course is right for your situation, our team can talk you through the options. Call us on 01245 379496 or email sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk.

How much do the courses cost?

At Target Zero Training, the SMSTS course starts from £399+VAT and the SSSTS course starts from £199+VAT. Both are available online and at classroom venues across the UK including Chelmsford, Peterborough, Crawley, Sheffield, Stratford, Waltham Abbey and Barking.

Target Zero is rated 4.9 out of 5.0 on both Trustpilot and Reviews.io with over 10,000 reviews collectively. All courses are CITB approved and delivered by experienced construction industry tutors.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need SSSTS before I can take SMSTS?

No. The SMSTS has no prerequisite qualifications. You can book and attend the course without holding SSSTS, an NVQ or any other prior certification.

Can I skip SSSTS and go straight to SMSTS?

Yes. If you are in a management role or moving into one, you can go directly to the SMSTS. Many site managers have never taken the SSSTS.

Is SSSTS easier than SMSTS?

The SSSTS is shorter (two days versus five days) and covers a narrower range of responsibilities. Some candidates find it less demanding because of the reduced scope, but both courses require active participation and involve assessments.

Will holding both qualifications help my career?

Yes. Holding both SSSTS and SMSTS demonstrates competence across two levels of site responsibility. This can make you a stronger candidate for roles that require flexibility between supervisory and management duties.

Do employers accept SMSTS without SSSTS?

Yes. Employers and principal contractors recognise the SMSTS as a standalone qualification. Your SMSTS certificate is valid regardless of whether you hold the SSSTS.

Can I take SSSTS after SMSTS?

Yes. There is no required order. Some professionals take the SMSTS first and then add the SSSTS later if they need it for a specific role or employer requirement.