SSSTS Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme
The industry-standard health and safety qualification for construction site supervisors. Two days, no prerequisites, valid for five years. Required by virtually every principal contractor in the UK.
Classroom and online dates available nationwide. CITB-approved, 4.9/5 rated, interest-free payment options.
What Is SSSTS?
SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It is a two-day CITB-approved course designed for construction site supervisors, foremen, gangers, and first-line managers who have, or are about to take on, responsibility for supervising work on construction sites.
The course is part of the CITB’s Site Safety Plus suite of qualifications. It gives supervisors a thorough understanding of their health, safety, welfare, and environmental responsibilities on site. On completion, you receive a CITB Site Safety Plus certificate valid for five years.
SSSTS is not a legal requirement, but it is an industry expectation. Virtually every principal contractor and major house builder in the UK requires site supervisors to hold a valid SSSTS certificate before they are allowed to supervise work on their projects. Without it, you will struggle to work as a supervisor on any Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor’s site.
SSSTS is not the same as a CSCS card. The SSSTS gives you a training certificate. The CSCS Gold Card requires a separate NVQ qualification (Level 3 or 4) and a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. Most supervisors need both: the SSSTS certificate for site access and the Gold Card as proof of occupational competence.
What Does the SSSTS Course Cover?
The SSSTS course covers the core health, safety, and environmental knowledge that every construction site supervisor needs. The content is structured around the supervisor’s legal responsibilities under UK health and safety legislation, with a focus on practical application rather than academic theory.
The course is delivered through a mix of classroom discussion, group exercises, case studies, and presentations. It is interactive and practical, not lecture-based. You will work through real-world scenarios, discuss how to handle common site safety issues, and practise the skills you need to supervise safely.
Assessment is continuous throughout the two days, with a multiple choice test at the end of day two. The test covers the core topics listed above. Pass rates are high for delegates who engage with the course material throughout both days.
SSSTS Course Requirements
The SSSTS course has minimal entry requirements:
You must hold or be about to hold a supervisory role in the construction industry. The course is designed for supervisors, foremen, gangers, chargehands, and first-line managers. You do not need to be a full-time supervisor; the course is also suitable for skilled workers who are taking on supervisory responsibilities for the first time.
Good spoken and written English. You need to be able to participate in group discussions, read course materials, and complete the written assessment.
Valid photo ID. You must bring a passport, driving licence, or another accepted form of ID on the first day. Without valid ID, you will not be able to sit the course.
There are no formal qualifications required to enrol. You do not need GCSEs, NVQs, or any previous health and safety training. The SSSTS is often the first formal H&S qualification that supervisors complete.
For online courses, you also need a laptop or PC with a working webcam and microphone, plus a stable broadband internet connection. Tablets and phones are not accepted.
SSSTS Course Cost UK (2026)
The cost of the SSSTS course varies by provider and delivery format. Here is what you can expect to pay:
Typical SSSTS course prices
These prices typically include registration, course materials (CITB publications), assessment, and certification. Some providers include lunch and refreshments for classroom courses.
CITB-registered employers can claim a training grant of £115 per delegate towards the cost of the SSSTS course. This was reduced from £240 following the 2025 CITB grant changes. If your employer is CITB levy-registered, the effective cost of the course drops significantly. Ask your employer about grant eligibility before self-funding.
Some providers offer group discounts for bookings of three or more delegates, typically reducing the per-person cost by 10 to 15%. Interest-free payment options are also available from some providers.
SSSTS Course Online
The SSSTS course is available as a fully online live virtual classroom, delivered via Zoom or Microsoft Teams by a CITB-approved trainer. The online version covers exactly the same content, assessment, and certification as the classroom version. There is no difference in the qualification you receive.
Online SSSTS courses are typically the cheapest option, with prices starting from around £175. They also offer the most flexibility, with dates available throughout the week and on weekends.
To attend an online SSSTS course, you need a laptop or PC (not a phone or tablet) with a webcam and microphone, a stable broadband internet connection, a quiet environment where you can participate without interruption, and the ability to be on camera for the full duration of both days. You will be assessed continuously, and your trainer needs to see and hear you throughout.
Online courses typically run from 9am to 5pm on both days, with breaks for lunch and refreshments. The multiple choice test is completed online at the end of day two.
SSSTS vs SMSTS: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions in UK construction training. The SSSTS and SMSTS are both CITB Site Safety Plus courses, but they are designed for different levels of responsibility:
| Feature | SSSTS | SMSTS |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme | Site Management Safety Training Scheme |
| Duration | 2 days | 5 days |
| Cost | £175 to £350 | £350 to £550 |
| Target audience | Supervisors, foremen, gangers | Site managers, project managers |
| Depth of content | Supervisory responsibilities | Full management responsibilities including CDM 2015 |
| CSCS card link | Complements Gold Card (NVQ L3/4) | Complements Black Card (NVQ L6/7) |
| Certificate validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Refresher | 1 day | 2 days |
The simple rule: if you supervise a team within a site, you need SSSTS. If you manage the entire site, you need SMSTS. Some professionals hold both, particularly those who have progressed from supervisor to manager during their career.
SSSTS can also serve as a stepping stone. Many supervisors complete the SSSTS first, gain experience in supervision, then progress to the SMSTS when they step into a management role. The two courses complement each other; SMSTS builds on the foundation that SSSTS provides.
Is There an SSSTS Card?
No. There is no physical SSSTS card. This is a common misconception, likely caused by confusion with the CSCS card system.
When you complete the SSSTS course, you receive a CITB Site Safety Plus digital certificate. This certificate is issued electronically and your achievement is recorded on the CITB Construction Training Register, which employers and principal contractors can check to verify your qualification.
The SSSTS certificate is separate from and does not replace the CSCS card. The CSCS Gold Supervisor Card requires a different qualification: an NVQ at Level 3 or 4, plus a pass on the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test. Most supervisors need both the SSSTS certificate (for H&S competence) and the Gold CSCS Card (for occupational competence).
SSSTS Refresher Course
The SSSTS certificate is valid for five years. Before it expires, you must complete the one-day SSSTS Refresher course to renew your certificate for another five years.
The SSSTS Refresher updates your knowledge on any changes to health and safety legislation, industry best practice, and guidance that have occurred since your original course or last refresher. It builds on the material covered in the full SSSTS course and focuses on practical application of any updates.
The refresher costs between £100 and £200 depending on the provider, and is available both in the classroom and online. CITB-registered employers can claim a grant towards the cost.
Do not let your certificate expire. If your SSSTS certificate expires before you complete the refresher, you will need to retake the full two-day course. There is no longer a grace period for expired certificates. Set a reminder for at least two months before your expiry date.
SSSTS and Your Career Pathway
The SSSTS sits at the supervisor level of the construction career ladder. Here is how it fits into the broader qualification pathway:
SSSTS + NVQ Level 3 or 4
Complete the SSSTS course for your health and safety competence, and an NVQ Level 3 or 4 for your occupational competence. Together, these qualify you for the CSCS Gold Supervisor Card and give you full site access as a supervisor on any major project.
SMSTS + NVQ Level 6
When you step into a site management role, upgrade to the five-day SMSTS course and complete the NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management. This qualifies you for the CSCS Black Manager Card and opens the door to site manager, project manager, and contracts manager roles.
NVQ Level 7 + FCIOB
At director level, the NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management formalises your strategic competence and strengthens your eligibility for FCIOB (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building). This is the peak of the construction management qualification framework.
Not sure which qualification or card you need? Use our CSCS Card Finder tool to get a personalised recommendation based on your current role and career goals.
CSCS Mock Tests for Supervisors
Alongside the SSSTS, you will need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test to apply for your CSCS Gold Card. This is a separate computer-based test taken at a Pearson VUE test centre. It covers 50 multiple choice questions in 45 minutes.
CSCS Practice Test
15 questions covering core health, safety, and environment topics. Instant feedback with detailed explanations for every answer.
50-Question Mock Exam
Full CITB test simulation. 45-minute timer, randomised questions, pass mark scoring. The closest thing to the real test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SSSTS stand for?
SSSTS stands for Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme. It is a two-day CITB-approved health and safety course for construction site supervisors, foremen, and first-line managers. On completion, you receive a CITB Site Safety Plus certificate valid for five years.
How much does the SSSTS course cost?
The SSSTS course costs between £175 and £350 depending on the provider and delivery format. Online courses typically cost £175 to £249. Classroom courses range from £200 to £350. CITB-registered employers can claim a training grant of £115 towards the cost.
How long does the SSSTS certificate last?
The SSSTS certificate is valid for five years. Before it expires, you must complete the one-day SSSTS Refresher course to renew it. If your certificate expires before you complete the refresher, you will need to retake the full two-day course. There is no grace period.
What is the difference between SSSTS and SMSTS?
SSSTS is a two-day course for site supervisors. SMSTS is a five-day course for site managers. SSSTS covers supervisory health and safety responsibilities. SMSTS covers full management responsibilities including CDM 2015 regulations, accident investigation, and legal duties. If you supervise a team, you need SSSTS. If you manage a site, you need SMSTS.
Can I do the SSSTS course online?
Yes. Many CITB-approved providers deliver the SSSTS course online via live virtual classrooms on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The content, assessment, and certification are identical to the classroom version. You need a laptop or PC with a webcam and stable internet connection. Online courses are typically the cheapest option, starting from around £175.
Is there an SSSTS card?
No. There is no physical SSSTS card. On completion, you receive a CITB Site Safety Plus digital certificate, and your achievement is recorded on the CITB Construction Training Register. The SSSTS certificate is separate from the CSCS Gold Card, which requires an NVQ Level 3 or 4.
What are the SSSTS course requirements?
You must hold or be about to hold a supervisory role in construction. You need good spoken and written English and valid photo ID. There are no formal entry qualifications required. For online courses, you also need a webcam-enabled laptop or PC and stable internet.
Do I need SSSTS for a Gold CSCS Card?
SSSTS is not a formal requirement for the Gold CSCS Card. The Gold Card requires an NVQ Level 3 or 4 and a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test pass. However, most principal contractors expect supervisors to hold both a valid SSSTS certificate and a Gold Card. In practice, you need both to work as a supervisor on major UK construction sites.
What is the SSSTS Refresher?
The SSSTS Refresher is a one-day course that renews your SSSTS certificate for another five years. It costs £100 to £200 and is available in the classroom and online. You must complete the refresher before your certificate expires, or you will need to retake the full two-day course.
Can SSSTS be used towards an NVQ?
SSSTS itself does not count as an NVQ unit. However, the health and safety knowledge demonstrated by your SSSTS certificate can support your evidence portfolio if you go on to complete an NVQ Level 4 in Construction Site Supervision. Many NVQ assessors recognise SSSTS as supporting evidence for the health and safety management units.
Ready to Book Your SSSTS?
TargetZero offer SSSTS courses nationwide, both online and in the classroom. CITB-approved, 4.9/5 rated, with interest-free payment options.
