SMSTS - The Number One Qualification for Site Managers

A five day course offered by numerous training providers through the UK, the SMSTS is the number one qualification for site managers. This is due to a number of reasons. Firstly the course is the duration of a working week, meaning in five days you can get the key qualification for construction site managers.

Secondly, the course can be completed in a week block or on one day a week. This means no matter how busy or how urgent the course is, there is a pretty good chance one that will suit you will be available.

Thirdly, the course is delivered in an interactive manner. Opportunities for discussion and questions are encouraged and being on a course with other managers from other firms and site manager means you can bounce ideas off one another.

Another reason the SMSTS course is regarded as number one, is that it is endorsed by the CITB, UKCG and meets the CDM 2007 regulations. In addition to this it is also recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building, The Institute of Civil Engineers and IOSH (The Institute of Occupational Health and Safety.) With so many professional bodies recognising the course, it is not hard to see why it is the choice of professionals across the construction industry.

One of the biggest bonuses of completing an SMSTS course is that, companies registered for the CITB levy can claim money back against the cost of the course. This can be done by providing your CITB number to the training provider, many of which will complete the claim form for you.

If you are thinking of becoming one of the 10,000 plus people that completes a CITB course this year you are probably wondering what the course itself entails. The SMSTS course is focused around educating managers as to their responsibilities on site. This includes their legal requirements, how to safe guard themselves, their employees and others on site and their moral obligations as site leaders. You will be assessed at the end of the course by completing a multiple choice test. You must also demonstrate throughout the course that you have engaged in discussion and completed the practical activities such as the model risk assessments.

Once you have achieved the SMSTS certificate, it is valid for 5 years. Once the five years are up you must complete a two day SMSTS refresher within 6 months of the expiry date. If you do not complete a refresher in this time you card will cease to be valid and you will need to complete the full five ay SMSTS course again. To enroll on a SMSTS course you must be able to provide evidence that you have a valid SMSTS card.

It is vital to be aware that as this course is endorsed by the CITB, they require attendance of all 5 sessions to achieve the qualification. If you are in any doubt that you may miss one of the sessions it is best to use an online search facility to find one that better suits your diary.