Course overview
Exeter’s construction landscape is expanding rapidly, with new commercial developments, housing projects, and infrastructure improvements shaping the wider Devon region. Strong safety management is essential to support this growth. Our Exeter SMSTS course provides site managers, supervisors, and team leaders with the practical knowledge and leadership skills needed to manage health and safety effectively, comply with UK legislation, and maintain safe, well-organised construction sites. Whether you’re stepping into a management role or strengthening your existing responsibilities, this accredited programme helps you lead with confidence and competence.
Course Programme
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a widely recognised CITB qualification designed for those who plan, monitor, and oversee construction operations. It is trusted by principal contractors, local authorities, and major construction firms across the UK.
Delivered over five days at our Exeter training centre, the course provides a detailed understanding of health and safety requirements, risk management processes, and legal responsibilities. Real case studies from UK projects help you apply the learning to practical site situations.
This programme is ideal for experienced supervisors, new managers, or anyone seeking a formal qualification that demonstrates strong competence in construction safety leadership.
Course Content & Overview
Throughout the training, you will explore essential topics including:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act and key regulations
- Construction (Design and Management) – CDM Regulations
- Developing risk assessments and method statements
- Best practice and updates in safety standards
- Behavioural safety and improving site safety culture
- Managing occupational health risks
- Electrical safety and temporary works awareness
- Excavation and groundworks safety
- Working at height and fall-prevention measures
- Scaffolding installation and inspection principles
- Planning and managing demolition activities
- Confined spaces and emergency procedures
The course blends tutor-led learning, group discussions, interactive exercises, and practical examples to ensure you develop real-world confidence in managing site safety.
Entry Requirements
The course is delivered in English only. All delegates must have a good standard of written and spoken English to complete the learning and assessments effectively. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding suitability.
Course Materials
You will receive the official CITB Construction Site Safety GE700 publication along with additional handouts. These materials are yours to keep and support you in applying safety procedures on site after the course.
Assessment
To achieve your SMSTS qualification, you must:
- Attend all five training days
- Engage in group activities and course tasks
- Complete daily knowledge checks
- Pass the final multiple-choice exam
The course is designed to be practical and interactive, helping you apply your learning to real construction scenarios.
Qualification & Renewal
On successful completion, you will receive the CITB Site Safety Plus SMSTS Certificate, valid for five years. This qualification is widely recognised across the UK construction industry.
To renew your qualification, you must complete the 2-day SMSTS Refresher Course before your certificate expires.
Online Live SMSTS Training
Our Online Live SMSTS Training provides a modern, flexible, and highly effective way to complete your CITB qualification. Delivered through a virtual classroom, this training format includes the full CITB syllabus and leads to the exact same SMSTS certificate as traditional face-to-face learning.
The live online format is taught in real time by an experienced, CITB-approved tutor. You’ll take part in group discussions, breakout tasks, and interactive activities—mirroring the engagement and support of a classroom setting, but with far greater convenience. Many delegates find this learning method more accessible and better suited to the demands of modern construction roles.
- Live tutor-led sessions delivered via secure video conferencing
- Fully CITB-approved and identical to in-person SMSTS content
- Ideal for managers working across multiple projects or locations
- Digital course materials provided for ongoing reference
This approach ensures you receive high-quality training with maximum flexibility, allowing you to complete your SMSTS course from any suitable location.
What You’ll Need for Online Training
Joining the online training is straightforward. To participate in the virtual classroom, you will need:
- A laptop or desktop computer (a tablet may work but isn’t recommended)
- A stable internet connection
- A webcam (built-in or external)
- A microphone or headset
Setup is easy—click the joining link, test your audio and camera, and you’re ready to get started. Our support team is available before the course begins to help with any technical questions.
Tutors
Our Exeter SMSTS courses are delivered by experienced CITB-approved trainers with strong construction backgrounds. They bring real industry insight, practical examples, and an engaging teaching style to help delegates develop confidence and competence throughout the course.
CITB Grants Available
If your company is registered with the CITB Levy, you may be eligible to claim £240 in CITB grant funding for this course (subject to approval).
Grant process:
Delegates will need to provide:
- Company name
- Registered business address
- CITB Levy number
Approved grant payments are issued directly by CITB to the employer after course completion.
Group Booking Discounts
We offer a 25% discount for group bookings of three or more delegates. This is ideal for companies wanting to improve safety standards across entire teams or support several managers moving into leadership roles.
In-House Training
We also deliver in-house SMSTS training at your workplace or site office anywhere in Exeter and the wider Devon region. This option allows your team to learn together and tailor the course to your active projects.
Requirements include:
- A minimum of 6 delegates
- A suitable training room with the necessary facilities
Location – SMSTS Training in Exeter
Our Exeter training venue is well located for delegates travelling from across Devon, including:
- Exeter City Centre
- Exmouth
- Topsham
- Honiton
- Tiverton
- Newton Abbot
- Cullompton
- Torquay
- Okehampton
- Crediton
The venue has good transport links, nearby parking, and local amenities for convenience.
Book Your SMSTS Course in Exeter
Advance your construction career with an industry-recognised SMSTS qualification.
Secure your place on our upcoming SMSTS Course in Exeter today, or contact our team for help with booking, online training options, or claiming CITB funding.