What Happens If Your SMSTS Certificate Expires?
So, you've completed your SMSTS course, passed the assessment, and proudly earned your certificate – but what happens when those five years are up?
Whether you’ve just realised your certificate is about to expire or you’re already past the date, this guide will explain everything you need to know about renewing your SMSTS qualification and what to do if you've missed the window.
How Long Is an SMSTS Certificate Valid For?
Once you’ve completed the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) course and passed the assessment, your certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.
This five-year period is set by CITB, who regulate the course, and it’s your responsibility to renew the qualification before it runs out.
What If My Certificate Is About to Expire?
If your certificate is due to expire soon, you’ll need to book onto the SMSTS Refresher course. This is a shorter, two-day version of the original course and is specifically designed for those who need to update their knowledge and renew their qualification.
Key things to know:
You must complete the refresher before your certificate expires
You’ll need to provide your original certificate number when booking
Once you pass, you’ll be issued with a new five-year certificate
The refresher course is more than just a tick-box exercise – it includes updates on health and safety legislation, changes in best practice, and the latest industry regulations. It’s there to make sure your knowledge stays current and you remain compliant in your role.
What If My SMSTS Certificate Has Already Expired?
Unfortunately, you can’t take the refresher course if your certificate has already expired – even by a day. CITB are quite strict on this rule, and training providers are not allowed to make exceptions.
If your certificate has expired, you’ll need to complete the full five-day SMSTS course again to regain your qualification.
While this might seem like a step backwards, many people find it useful to refresh their understanding in full – especially if it’s been a few years since they last studied the material or if they’ve changed roles.
Will I Still Be Allowed on Site with an Expired Certificate?
It depends on your employer and the site you’re working on. Many principal contractors and construction firms require managers and supervisors to hold a valid SMSTS certificate as a condition of working on site.
If yours has expired, you could be denied access or asked to step down from your role until you’ve completed the training again.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to keep track of your expiry date and aim to book your refresher at least a month in advance.
How Can I Check My Expiry Date?
If you’re unsure when your certificate runs out, you can:
Look for the expiry date on the original certificate
Contact the training provider who delivered your course
Reach out to CITB if you can’t find the paperwork – they can confirm your course history
It’s worth setting a calendar reminder well in advance to avoid missing the deadline.
Can I Take the SMSTS Refresher Course Online?
Yes! Many providers now offer the refresher course online via live virtual classrooms, meaning you can take it from home or the office as long as you have a reliable internet connection.
The course content and assessment are exactly the same as the in-person version, so your qualification is equally valid.
Final Thoughts
Letting your SMSTS certificate expire can be a bit of a headache – especially if it means retaking the full course. But with a bit of forward planning, it’s easy to stay on top of it.
The SMSTS Refresher course is a quick and cost-effective way to keep your qualification valid, your knowledge up to date, and your place on site secure.
Need to renew your SMSTS certificate?
We offer both classroom and online refresher courses with regular dates available across the UK.
Check our upcoming course dates or get in touch with our team if you're unsure which course you need.
