Course overview
Ask most site supervisors across the South West what stops them booking safety training and the answer is rarely the course itself — it is the two days away, the drive across Devon, and the hours lost on site. Our SSSTS course for Exeter takes that obstacle away. The Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme runs as a live, interactive online class, so you sit the full CITB-recognised programme from your own home, a site cabin, or anywhere with a dependable connection — no journey to a training centre, no overnight stay, and no lost output beyond the two course days themselves.
The SSSTS (Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme) is a two-day CITB course written for the people who oversee work on the ground. It is recognised by CITB and endorsed by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), so the certificate is accepted by the main contractors and principal contractors working across Exeter, Devon, and the wider South West. When a site or framework asks for an SSSTS card, this is the course that earns it.
Who the SSSTS course is for
SSSTS is aimed at the first line of site management — the supervisors and team leaders who turn a safe system of work into what actually happens on site. It is the right course for you if you are:
- A site supervisor or foreman responsible for a gang, a trade, or a section of works
- A first-line manager or team leader stepping up from a hands-on trade role
- A ganger or chargehand taking on formal supervisory duties for the first time
- Responsible for delivering site inductions and toolbox talks to your team
- Expected to carry out or contribute to risk assessments and method statements
- Working in construction or civil engineering and about to take on supervisory responsibility
It is worth being clear about where SSSTS sits, because the two courses are easily mixed up. SSSTS is the two-day supervisors’ qualification. If you are a site manager or agent, or you are responsible for planning and organising the work of others across a whole site, the course you need is the five-day SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) instead. Supervise rather than manage, and SSSTS is the right fit.
What the course covers
Over the two days, an experienced CITB-approved tutor works through the health and safety knowledge a supervisor actually uses day to day — not abstract theory, but the duties, decisions, and conversations that come up on site. The programme covers:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act and the supporting regulations that apply to construction
- The role and legal responsibilities of the supervisor, and where they sit in the site’s management structure
- Risk assessments and method statements — how to read them, apply them, and feed into them
- Delivering effective site inductions and toolbox talks
- Monitoring the workforce and building a positive health and safety culture
- Understanding the causes of accidents and the part supervisors play in preventing them
- The main hazard areas a supervisor deals with, and the control measures that keep people safe
Because the class is live and interactive, you can put the situations you actually meet on your own projects to the tutor. Delegates from across Devon and the South West bring different types of work into the session — housing, commercial fit-out, civils, refurbishment — and that spread of real experience is a large part of what makes the two days worthwhile rather than a box-ticking exercise.
Course structure and assessment
The course runs over two consecutive days, from 08:30 to 16:00 each day, delivered as a live online video-link class. You are with your tutor and fellow delegates in real time throughout — this is not a recorded module you work through at your own pace. All course materials are supplied in a simple downloadable format before you start, so there is nothing to print or collect.
Assessment is woven into the two days rather than saved for the end. To gain the qualification you will need to:
- Attend both days in full and join in the discussions and group exercises
- Complete the knowledge checks and activities as the course goes on
- Pass the end-of-course assessment, which pairs a written exercise with a multiple-choice examination
The pace is set for working supervisors, and the results follow: our SSSTS courses carry a 98% pass rate. The tutor’s job is to make sure the material lands as you go, so that by the time you reach the assessment you are simply confirming what you already know.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements and no prior safety qualifications are needed to book. The one real requirement is language: the course, the materials, and the examination are all delivered in English, so every delegate needs a good standard of spoken and written English to take part fully and complete the assessment. Some construction experience helps you connect the content to your own work, but it is not compulsory. For the online class you will also need a computer, laptop, or tablet with a working webcam and microphone — built into most modern devices — and a reasonable internet connection. If you have ever taken a video call, you already have what you need.
Why train online from Exeter
Exeter sits at the centre of a construction economy that reaches right across Devon and into the wider South West — from city-centre commercial and residential schemes to the housing, infrastructure, and civils work that keep the region moving. For years, supervisors here often faced a long round trip to reach a physical training centre, sometimes with an overnight stay on top. Running SSSTS as a live online class changes that. You qualify to precisely the same CITB standard, with the same certificate, without leaving Exeter or your part of Devon.
The practical gains stack up fast. There is no travel cost and no fuel burned crossing the county, no hotel to book, and no whole extra day swallowed by getting there and back. Supervisors in the more rural corners of Devon and the South West — where the nearest classroom can be an hour or more away — get exactly the same access as someone in the centre of Exeter. For employers, qualifying a supervisor no longer means losing them for longer than the course itself, which makes it far easier to get several people trained around live project commitments.
The certificate you earn is not an Exeter-only or online-only credential. It is the standard CITB SSSTS qualification, recognised by CITB and the UK Contractors Group and accepted on sites nationwide. Whether your next job is in Exeter, elsewhere in Devon, or on a project at the other end of the country, the qualification goes with you.
Certification and renewal
Once you have completed the two days and passed the assessment, you are awarded the CITB Site Safety Plus SSSTS certificate, which is valid for five years. To keep the qualification live you take a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before your certificate runs out — a single day that renews your card for another five years and brings you up to date with any changes in legislation and best practice. Let the certificate lapse and you would have to sit the full two-day course again, so it pays to diarise the refresher well before the expiry date.
Pricing
Our pricing is straightforward and all-inclusive:
- Live online course — £199, covering the full two-day programme, all course materials, and the assessment
- Classroom course — £279, for delegates who would rather attend in person
For supervisors and employers in Exeter and across Devon, the online option is the most cost-effective way to a CITB-recognised qualification: a lower course fee than the classroom, with none of the travel, fuel, or time costs that come with attending in person.
How to book
Booking your SSSTS course in Exeter takes only a couple of minutes. Pick a date that fits around your site commitments, reserve your place online, and you will receive joining instructions along with everything you need to set up for the live class. If you are arranging training for several supervisors at once, or you want to talk through which course suits a particular role, get in touch with our team and we will point you the right way.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to travel to Exeter to take the SSSTS course?
No. The course is delivered as a live online video-link class, so you join from home, your site office, or anywhere in Exeter or Devon with a reliable internet connection. There is no training centre to travel to and no overnight stay involved. A classroom option is also available at £279 if you would rather attend in person.
Is the online SSSTS certificate accepted by contractors around Exeter and the South West?
Yes. You sit exactly the same CITB-recognised course and receive the standard CITB Site Safety Plus SSSTS certificate. It is recognised by CITB and the UK Contractors Group and accepted by contractors and principal contractors across Exeter, Devon, the South West, and nationally — the delivery method does not change the qualification.
What is the difference between SSSTS and SMSTS?
SSSTS is the two-day course for site supervisors, first-line managers, and team leaders. SMSTS is the five-day course for site managers and those responsible for planning and organising the work of others across a site. If you supervise a team or section, SSSTS is the right course; if you manage a site, you need SMSTS.
How long does the SSSTS certificate last?
The SSSTS certificate is valid for five years. To renew it you take a one-day SSSTS Refresher course before the expiry date, which keeps your card valid for a further five years. If you let it lapse, you would need to take the full two-day course again.
What are the timings, and will I lose much time on site?
The course runs over two consecutive days from 08:30 to 16:00, finishing at 4pm each day. Because it is delivered online, the only time you are away from site is the two course days themselves — there is no extra travel day or commute to factor in, which is a real advantage for supervisors working across Devon.
Do I need construction experience or a previous qualification to book?
No prior safety qualifications are required, and while some construction experience helps you relate the content to your own work, it is not compulsory. The main requirement is a good standard of spoken and written English, as the course and the examination are delivered in English.
Can I book SSSTS training for several supervisors from the same company?
Yes. Training a group of supervisors online is simple and cost-effective, since there is no travel or accommodation for anyone and you can fit the two days around live project commitments. Get in touch with our team to arrange dates for multiple delegates from your business in Exeter or elsewhere in the South West.
Modules breakdown
Our comprehensive SSSTS training covers the following key areas:
Health and Safety Law
- Current legislation affecting construction supervision
- Legal responsibilities of supervisors on site
- Understanding Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) requirements
- Health and safety regulations specific to construction activities
- Consequences of non-compliance for individuals and companies
Risk Management
- Principles of risk assessment
- Understanding and implementing method statements
- Delivering method statement briefings for workers
- Managing common site hazards effectively
- Control measures for various construction activities
- Managing hazardous substances
Supervisory Responsibilities
- The supervisor’s role in safety management
- Building and maintaining a positive safety culture
- Identifying and addressing bad practice
- Effective communication techniques
- Managing subcontractors and visitors
- Conducting site inductions and safety briefings
Practical Safety Management
- Planning for site safety
- Conducting effective toolbox talks
- Safety inspection procedures
- Accident reporting and investigation
- Record-keeping requirements
- Promoting safety awareness among workers
Health and Wellbeing
- Occupational health concerns in construction
- Behavioural safety approaches
- Managing workplace stress
- Noise, vibration and dust exposure
- Manual handling best practices
- Worker welfare requirements
Environmental Issues
- Environmental responsibilities on site
- Waste management and reduction
- Energy efficiency considerations
- Pollution prevention
- Sustainable construction practices
- Regulatory compliance
Course Structure
The CITB SSSTS course is delivered over two consecutive days through our professional remote learning platform:
- Led by experienced instructors with extensive construction backgrounds
- Interactive sessions with fellow construction professionals
- Comprehensive digital training materials provided
- Practical scenarios and case studies
- Group discussions and knowledge-sharing opportunities
Full attendance across both days is required to qualify for the examination. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure relevance to daily supervisory duties.
Accredited By CITB
Assessment Method
To successfully complete the SSSTS course, delegates must pass an examination consisting of:
- Multiple-choice questions testing knowledge across all course topics
- Four safety critical questions (all must be answered correctly)
- Short written answers demonstrating understanding
The examination lasts approximately 30 minutes with an examination pass mark of 80%. The paper consists of questions designed to test your comprehension of supervisory safety responsibilities and health and safety law.
Certification & Validity
Upon successful completion of the CITB SSSTS course:
- Delegates receive the official CITB SSSTS Certificate
- The qualification is valid for 5 years
- The certificate is recognised throughout the UK construction industry
- Certification demonstrates competence in site supervision safety
- A CITB Site Safety Plus card is issued as proof of qualification
This certification is increasingly required by employers and principal contractors as evidence of supervisory safety competence.
View Dates & Book Online
Benefits of Online Training
Our online SSSTS course delivery offers numerous advantages:
- Train from any suitable location with internet access
- Eliminate travel and accommodation expenses
- Interact with the instructor and colleagues in real-time
- Access course materials digitally for future reference
- Minimise time away from site supervision duties
- Maintain the same high standards as classroom training
- Immediate application of learning to your workplace
Why Choose Our Training Provider?
As specialist CITB approved training providers:
- Our pass rates consistently exceed the industry average
- All our instructors have practical construction supervision experience
- We offer post-course support to all delegates
- Our remote learning platform is user-friendly and reliable
- Training can be arranged in-house for companies with multiple supervisors
- Flexible dates available to suit your schedule
- Technical support available throughout your course
CITB Grant Information
The SSSTS course is CITB grant claimable for eligible employers. This financial support makes it easier for construction companies to invest in supervisor safety training. Our team can provide advice on the grant application process and eligibility criteria.
The Value of SSSTS Training
Completing the SSSTS course provides significant benefits for both individuals and organisations:
- Equips supervisors with essential knowledge to create a safe site
- Reduces the risk of accidents and incidents
- Demonstrates compliance with health and safety regulations
- Improves confidence in handling safety responsibilities
- Enhances career prospects in construction supervision
- Contributes to a positive safety culture
- Helps construction companies meet their legal obligations
Remote Learning Excellence
Our online SSSTS course delivers an engaging learning experience:
- Professional virtual classroom environment
- Interactive discussions facilitated by experienced instructors
- Media-rich presentations that illustrate key concepts
- Real-time question and answer opportunities
- Collaborative learning with peers from across the construction sector
- Technical support throughout the course
Book Your SSSTS Course Today
Invest in your professional development and enhance your supervisory capabilities by enrolling in our CITB SSSTS online course. This qualification is increasingly viewed as an essential requirement for supervisory positions across the UK construction industry.
For further information about upcoming course dates, pricing, and availability, please contact our friendly team. We’re committed to helping construction professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed for effective site safety supervision.
Remember, proper safety training for supervisors is not just a legal requirement—it’s an investment in your workforce, your projects, and your business reputation.
If you’d like to check your exam readiness you can try our SSSTS Mock Test.
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