Which CITB Course Do I Need?

If you work in construction or manage teams on-site, choosing the right CITB training course is a key step in ensuring everyone is working safely, legally, and with the proper qualifications. But with several courses available – each with different purposes and requirements – many employers and individuals find themselves asking:

“Which CITB course do I actually need?”

This guide breaks down each of the main CITB-accredited courses offered by Safety For Business, who they’re designed for, what they cover, and how to choose the right one for you or your team. Whether you’re starting a career in construction, aiming to move into a supervisory role, or renewing an expired certificate, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.

What Is a CITB Course?

CITB stands for the Construction Industry Training Board, which helps maintain high safety and training standards across the UK construction sector. CITB approved courses are recognised nationwide and often form part of the legal and practical requirements for gaining access to certain construction roles or sites.

Completing a CITB course can help you:

• Secure a CSCS card
  
• Comply with legal safety regulations
  
• Progress into supervisory or management roles
  
• Improve your team’s on-site safety culture
  

At Safety For Business, we deliver CITB approved training at our site in Letchworth Garden City, giving individuals and companies flexible access to trusted, accredited courses.

CITB Courses We Offer – Explained

Below is an overview of the core CITB training courses we provide, what they cover, and who they’re intended for.

1. CITB Health and Safety Awareness (HSA)

Best for: Labourers, new starters, anyone who needs to renew their certificate as it gets close to the certificates expiry and anyone entering the construction industry for the first time.

This is an entry-level course designed to introduce workers to the basics of construction site health and safety. It covers topics such as:

• Common hazards on site
• Safe working practices
• Legal responsibilities of workers and employers
• Understanding site signage and safety procedures

Why take it?
This course is a requirement for applying for the CSCS Green Labourer Card and is ideal for those starting a career in construction or working in general operative roles.

Download the CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course PDF

2. CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

Best for: First-line managers, team leaders and supervisors.

SSSTS provides essential training for those who supervise operatives on-site. The course includes:

• Risk assessments and method statements
• Legal duties and responsibilities of a supervisor
• Health and safety management
• Toolbox talks and effective communication

Why take it?
SSSTS is widely recognised and required by many employers for supervisory roles. It gives individuals the confidence and knowledge to lead safely and legally.

Download the CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Course PDF

3. CITB SSSTS Refresher

Best for: Supervisors who previously completed SSSTS and need to renew it within five years.

This one-day refresher updates knowledge and helps keep your supervisory certification active. It includes:

• Key legislative updates
• New industry best practices
• Refresh on core SSSTS content

Why take it?
If your SSSTS certificate is due to expire, the refresher allows you to renew it without repeating the full course, saving time and money while keeping your qualifications valid.

Download the CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Refresher Course PDF

4. CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

Best for: Site managers, project managers, senior supervisors, and business owners responsible for health and safety.

SMSTS is an intensive, higher-level course that covers:

• Planning and organising site work safely
• CDM Regulations (Construction Design and Management)
• Environmental management
• Occupational health
• Legal compliance and enforcement

Why take it?
This course is essential for anyone managing construction sites or teams. Many principal contractors and clients require SMSTS certification as a condition of employment.

Download the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme Course PDF

5. CITB SMSTS Refresher

Best for: Managers whose SMSTS certification is about to expire (within the five-year validity period).

This two-day course updates your understanding of:

• Changes to legislation
• Emerging safety trends
• Current best practice in site management

Why take it?
Completing the refresher before your certificate expires ensures continuity of your SMSTS qualification and avoids needing to retake the full five day course.

Download the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher Course PDF

Local, Flexible CITB Training Across Hertfordshire

Safety For Business is a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), trusted by businesses across Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage, Hitchin, and wider Hertfordshire.

We offer:

• Face-to-face training at our dedicated centre
• Expert trainers with real world site experience
• Support with CSCS card applications and refresher scheduling

We make it easy for local trades, site teams, and construction companies to stay compliant, confident, and competent.

Ready to Book a CITB Course?

Whether you’re a contractor working solo or a company managing multiple teams, we’ll help you get the right training in place.

View our CITB course options here | Call us today | Or email to request a course schedule or quote

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between SSSTS and SMSTS?
SSSTS is aimed at supervisors, while SMSTS is for site managers or those with higher-level responsibilities. SMSTS goes into more detail on legal responsibilities, planning, and site organisation.

Do I need a CITB course for a CSCS card?
Yes – to apply for the CSCS Green Labourer Card, you must pass the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course and the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.

How long do CITB certificates last?
Most CITB course certificates are valid for five years. You’ll need to complete a refresher course before expiry to maintain your qualification.

What happens if my certificate expires?
If your certificate expires, you’ll need to retake the full course – the refresher option is only available before expiry.