SSSTS Training Course: What to Expect & How to Pass

What Is the SSSTS Training Course?

The SSSTS — Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme — is a two-day health and safety training course designed specifically for site supervisors and foremen in the UK construction industry. It's delivered by CITB-registered training providers and leads to a CITB SSSTS certificate and card, which demonstrates that the holder has received formal safety training at supervisory level.

If you're supervising workers on a construction site in the UK, an SSSTS course is essentially expected — and on many sites, it's a contractual requirement. Clients, main contractors, and principal contractors routinely ask for SSSTS as proof that supervisory staff have adequate health and safety awareness and legal understanding.

This guide covers exactly what the course involves, what the assessment looks like, how to choose a training provider, and what happens after you qualify.

Who Needs to Take the SSSTS?

The SSSTS is aimed at people who are moving into or currently working in a supervisory role on construction sites. That includes:

• Site supervisors and foremen
• Gang leaders responsible for small teams
• Experienced operatives stepping up into supervisory positions
• Any construction worker with direct responsibility for the safety of others on site

It's not designed for senior managers or contracts managers — that level is covered by the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme), which is a five-day course. The SSSTS is specifically for the supervisory tier: the people who direct day-to-day work on the tools.

If you're trying to decide between SSSTS and SMSTS, the SMSTS vs SSSTS guide breaks down which course is appropriate for which role and career level.

What Does the SSSTS Course Cover?

The SSSTS training course is structured as two full working days. Topics covered include:

• Health and safety law — the legal framework supervisors operate within, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and supervisor-specific duties
• Risk assessment — understanding hazard identification, risk evaluation, and how method statements and RAMS apply at supervisory level
• Site-specific hazards — working at height, excavations, plant and equipment, manual handling, COSHH, electrical hazards, and confined spaces
• Induction and briefing skills — how supervisors communicate safety requirements to the workers they're responsible for
• Accident investigation and reporting — RIDDOR requirements, near-miss reporting, and what supervisors need to do after an incident
• Supervisory responsibilities — the specific legal and practical duties that come with supervising others on site, distinct from operative responsibilities

The course is delivered through a mix of instructor-led sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises. It's designed to be interactive — participants are expected to contribute based on their site experience, not just sit and receive information.

SSSTS Assessment Format

The assessment takes place on the second day of the course. It consists of:

• Written test: Multiple-choice questions covering health and safety knowledge and legal requirements
• Project work/role play: Depending on the provider, there may be a practical element such as a site induction exercise or a written case study

There's no specific pass rate published, but the standard requires candidates to demonstrate adequate understanding across the course content. The assessment is designed to be achievable for candidates who engage with the two-day training — it's not a trick exam, and most candidates who attend and participate pass.

If you want to familiarise yourself with the question style before attending, working through SSSTS practice questions helps build confidence. The SSSTS course guide has more on what preparation is genuinely useful versus what you don't need to do.

How Long Does the SSSTS Training Course Take?

The standard SSSTS course runs over two consecutive days. Most providers run 8-9 hour days, typically 8am-5pm or similar, with breaks.

You must attend both days in full. Missing time — even a few hours — typically means you can't complete the assessment and won't receive your certificate. Plan your schedule accordingly and avoid booking the course during periods when you might be called away to site.

SSSTS Course Cost

SSSTS training costs vary by provider and region, but typical prices run:

• Open course (join a group): £200-£300 per person
• In-house/on-site delivery: £1,000-£1,800 for a full group (6-12 delegates), which works out significantly cheaper per head for employers with multiple supervisors to train

CITB grant funding is available if your employer is registered with CITB and paying the CITB levy. Check the CITB website for the current grant amount for SSSTS — it can significantly reduce the net cost to your employer.

Online SSSTS options also exist through some providers, though not all clients and contractors accept online certificates. If your workplace requires site-based CITB SSSTS, verify what format they'll accept before booking. The SSSTS online course guide explains which formats are widely accepted and which may face resistance.

Choosing an SSSTS Training Provider

All legitimate SSSTS courses must be delivered by CITB-registered training providers. Before booking, check:

• The provider is listed on the CITB website as an approved SSSTS provider
• The course location and dates suit your schedule (and consider travel time for early starts)
• The provider offers in-house delivery if you have 6+ supervisors to train
• Reviews from previous delegates — trainer quality varies considerably between providers

Don't book the cheapest option without checking it's CITB-registered. Non-CITB training may not be accepted by contractors or recognised for the SSSTS card.

The SSSTS Card

Passing the SSSTS training course earns you a CITB SSSTS card, which proves you've completed the qualification. The card is valid for 5 years. Before expiry, you'll need to take a refresher course to renew it.

The card is managed through CITB's CPD (Continuing Professional Development) system. Many supervisors carry their SSSTS card alongside their CSCS card — the CSCS Supervisory card requires SSSTS certification, so getting the SSSTS is often part of the CSCS upgrade path.

Full details on the card and how to apply for it are in the SSSTS card guide.

SSSTS Refresher Course

If your SSSTS card is within a year of expiry, you can take a one-day SSSTS refresher course rather than repeating the full two-day programme. The refresher covers updated legislation, any changes to CDM regulations, and ensures your knowledge is current.

If your card has already expired, most providers require you to take the full two-day course again rather than the one-day refresher. Don't let it lapse — booking the refresher before expiry saves a full day of your time.

For more information on the full SSSTS training programme and what distinguishes different delivery formats, the SSSTS training overview covers options in detail.