What do I have to do to get an SMSTS certificate?

SMSTS Courses

All it takes is a few quick decisions before you book your SMSTS course, to make sure you are doing the right one. Then with trainers all over the UK running the course, all you need to do is attend and pass. 

Before booking

Firstly, ensure you know which of the SMSTS courses you need. If you have previously held an SMSTS certificate and it was completed less than five years and six months ago, you are eligible to do the shorter two day refresher course. However if this is the first time you are completing one of the SMSTS courses , or your certificate expired more than five years and six months ago, you will need to do the full five day course. 

When booking the course.

Once you have established which of the SMSTS courses, you need, you can go ahead and book your course. Booking can be greatly simplified by using an online service provider. With one call to them, they can locate the closest course location, the best dates or the cheapest course. This can save you lots of time, rather than comparing SMSTS courses for yourself. It can also save you a significant amount of money, as they can not only find you the cheapest course, but reputable online service providers will not charge you any more for the course than individual training providers themselves! 

If you have chosen a SMSTS full course, then you will be asked whether you prefer a day release or block option. Make your choice based on your work and life circumstances at the time. For example if you have a lot on at work, that needs your personal attention, the day release course is a useful option as you only have to attend one day a week, leaving the other four free for those vital jobs! However if are between projects, or need your SMSTS course ASAP, then the block course is a good option, allowing you to complete the required number of study hours and the assessment in a full working week. 

The SMSTS course.

Attendance on the SMSTS courses is very important. The Construction Training Industry Board, who accredit the course, require that delegates attend all sessions in order for them to gain a pass. Remember - you cannot get your certificate if you have missed any of the sessions. The SMSTS full course covers: legislation and moral responsibilities for managers including The Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM, risk Assessment, monitoring and accident reporting, method statements and how to brief your team on these, Identification of risk inducing electricity, chemicals, fire and transport,  how to minimise risk to health and safety, RIDDOR and the basis of a good health and safety culture. 

The SMSTS refresher covers: legislation and regulation updates including The Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM, HSE initatives and guidelines and ACop updates and any other leglation that is in the pipeline, up to date statistics including accidents, cost of accidents, causes of accidents, updates on management responsibilities, and motivating your team in health and safety.

Assessment.

Both SMSTS courses are assessed through a multiple choice test as the end of the course. 

In summary, with all the option for SMSTS courses, on offer, make sure you pick the right one for you!