Can You Do the SMSTS Course Online?
For professionals in the construction industry, the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a cornerstone qualification. It's a five-day course designed for site managers and supervisors who are responsible for planning, organising, monitoring, controlling, and administering groups of staff and workforces. But can you take the SMSTS course online?
Understanding What the SMSTS Course Covers
The SMSTS provides a thorough understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental legislation that impacts the construction and civil engineering industries. It's a comprehensive programme, and it’s far more than a basic awareness course. The content of the course includes:
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, and other relevant legislation.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
Risk assessments and the importance of method statements.
Site set-up, including welfare facilities and site security.
High-risk activities such as working at height, excavations, and demolition.
Management of occupational health, including mental health awareness.
Environmental management, including the prevention of pollution.
Effective communication and leadership in a safety context.
The Flexibility of the SMSTS Course Online
The online version of the course offers significant flexibility and accessibility. It’s delivered in a virtual classroom environment, with a live tutor. This format allows you to access the training from your home.
Learn from Anywhere in the UK
One of the most significant advantages is that it removes geographical barriers. You no longer need to find a training centre near you or travel to a major city to access a course. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who live in remote or rural areas where in-person courses are less readily available.
Who Needs to Take the SMSTS Course?
The course is considered an essential training requirement for anyone with managerial or supervisory responsibilities on a construction or civil engineering site. This includes:
Site managers and project managers.
Site agents and supervisors.
Proprietors of small to medium-sized construction companies.
Client-based personnel who have management oversight of construction projects.
The SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) is a shorter, two-day course designed for first-line supervisors, so the SMSTS is the natural progression for those with greater responsibilities.
Key Benefits of Taking the SMSTS Course Online
Taking the online version of the course offers a range of benefits that go beyond just flexibility, making it an attractive option for many professionals.
Cost-Effective Training Option
An online course is often more cost-effective than its classroom-based counterpart. The total cost of a classroom course includes not only the course fee but also a range of ancillary expenses, such as travel, accommodation, and time away from work. The online course eliminates these costs, making it a more affordable option for both individuals and companies.
No Need to Travel to a Training Centre
The need to travel to a training centre can be a deterrent for some. It involves travel time, fuel costs, and potential overnight stays. The online course eliminates all of this.
How the SMSTS Course Online Maintains Its Standards
A common concern about online learning is whether it compromises the quality of the qualification, but this isn’t an issue for the SMSTS.
CITB Accreditation Remains the Same
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) sets stringent standards for all its Site Safety Plus courses, regardless of the delivery method. An online SMSTS course is delivered by a CITB-accredited training provider using a CITB-approved tutor. The course content, learning objectives, and assessment criteria are all a product of the CITB. The accreditation is the same for both the online and in-person formats, ensuring that the quality and integrity of the qualification are fully maintained.
Exams and Certification Are Fully Valid
The exam for the course is a CITB-approved assessment, and the certificate you receive upon passing is a full, valid CITB Site Safety Plus certificate. It’s the same certificate that is awarded to delegates who complete the in-person course.
What to Expect from the Online Format
The course is a live, interactive, tutor-led course delivered via a virtual classroom. You can expect to:
Attend five full days of live sessions, just as you would in a classroom.
Participate in group discussions and collaborative exercises with other candidates.
Engage with the tutor, asking questions and receiving real-time feedback.
Use a range of digital resources, including e-books and online presentations.
Complete a final online exam at the end of the course.
Is the SMSTS Course Online Suitable for First-Time Managers?
The course is entirely suitable for first-time managers. The course content and delivery are designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for all delegates, regardless of their prior experience with online learning. The live tutor-led sessions and interactive group work ensure that first-time managers have ample opportunity to ask questions, clarify doubts, and learn from their peers, just as they would in a physical classroom. The course provides a strong foundation of knowledge and confidence for those stepping into a managerial role.
Technical Support During Online Training
Reputable training providers understand that technical issues can arise during online training. They will provide dedicated technical support to help you resolve any problems you encounter with the virtual learning platform or your technology. This support is crucial for ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted learning experience.
How the SMSTS Course Online Encourages Interaction
A key concern about online courses is the lack of interaction. But a well-delivered online course actively encourages and facilitates interaction.
Live Sessions with Instructors
The course is not pre-recorded. It’s delivered live by an experienced and accredited tutor. This allows for real-time questions, answers, and discussions, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Tutors can also monitor delegate participation and provide individual feedback, ensuring that everyone is engaged and learning effectively.
Group Discussions and Case Studies
Online courses use virtual breakout rooms to facilitate group discussions and collaborative exercises. Delegates can work together on case studies, share their experiences, and present their findings to the wider group, just as they would in a physical classroom. This interactive element is crucial for reinforcing the course material and developing problem-solving skills.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your SMSTS Course Online
Choosing the right provider is crucial for a successful learning journey. Look for providers who:
Are CITB-accredited.
Have high pass rates.
Offer dedicated tutor support.
Provide excellent technical support.
Have positive reviews from past delegates.
A reputable provider will ensure that your online learning experience is as effective and engaging as an in-person course.
What Happens After You Pass the SMSTS Course?
Upon successfully passing the SMSTS course, you will receive a temporary certificate from your training provider, followed by your official CITB Site Safety Plus certificate, which is valid for five years. This certificate is proof of your competence in site safety management and is widely recognised and respected across the industry. You will be able to use this certificate to secure new roles, promotions, and gain access to compliant construction sites.
Renewing Your Qualification Through an SMSTS Course Online
To maintain your qualification, you will need to complete the two-day SMSTS Refresher course before your certificate expires. The good news is that the refresher course is also available online, offering the same flexibility and convenience as the full course. It's crucial to complete the refresher before the expiry date, as failure to do so will require you to retake the full five-day course.
Common Questions About Taking the SMSTS Course Online
Is the online exam invigilated? Yes, the online exam is conducted under strict virtual invigilation.
Is the certificate the same as the in-person version of the course? Yes, the certificate is exactly the same as for an in-person course.
Can I use my course book in the exam? The SMSTS exam is a multiple-choice paper, and you are permitted to refer to the course book for the final 15 minutes of the exam.
Conclusion: Should You Take the SMSTS Course Online or In Person?
The online SMSTS course is a highly effective and fully accredited alternative to in-person training. It offers unparalleled flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for busy construction professionals. While the choice between online and in-person delivery ultimately comes down to your personal learning style and logistical needs, the online format provides a robust and engaging learning experience that meets all CITB standards.
The Right Choice Depends on Your Schedule and Learning Style
If you’re a self-disciplined learner who thrives in a flexible environment and needs to balance training with work and family commitments, the online course might be an excellent choice. If you prefer a dedicated classroom environment and the direct, face-to-face interaction it provides, an in-person course may be better. Regardless of your choice, both formats lead to the same valuable qualification that will enhance your skills, boost your career, and ensure safer working practices on site.