Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CITB FAQs
No – if your CITB SSSTS or SMSTS certificate is out of date you will need to resit the complete CITB SSSTS/SMSTS course again.
The short answer is ‘Yes’ – Goldcross Training delivers tutor led SMSTS courses both in the classroom and remotely online via a virtual classroom using Microsoft Teams. The content covered is the same whichever version you choose as is the final certification/qualification.
Yes – Goldcross Training delivers tutor led SMSTS courses both in the classroom and remotely online via a virtual classroom using Microsoft Teams. The content covered is the same whichever version you choose, as is the final certification/qualification.
No, a CSCS card is not required to take the SSSTS course. However, most construction sites require a valid CSCS card of some form to gain access.
At this level you may wish to consider the CSCS Gold Supervisor card in which case you may also wish to undertake the NOCN Level 3 NVQ Diploma Occupational Work Supervision (Construction).
Yes, as specified by CITB:- Delegates are required to attend all sessions in accordance with the course programme (regardless of the delivery method undertaken) to achieve the necessary learning objectives to qualify for the certificate.
Failure to complete the full course will result in delegates failing and, as a result, they will not receive a certificate and they will need to complete the whole course again.
If a delegate is indisposed, in extenuating circumstances (such as bereavement or certified illness), the delegate may enrol on a new course to cover the missing days, provided the same training Provider is used, to ensure consistency of the course delivery. This must be carried out within 90 days of the last day of the delegate’s attendance.
Goldcross will do its utmost to provide for all extenuating circumstances however, delegates should be aware that they will need to provide the requiste documentary evidence that such circumstances are applicable prior to being enrolled on an alternative course.
All of our CITB courses have the exam fee’s incorporated within the initial cost, you are also entitled to a free re-sit on the day should it be necessary providing you have met the minimum criteria.
Yes, our CITB tutor-led remote courses provide the same qualification as those undertaken in the classroom.
There are however clearly some differences between how these courses are delivered and you can read more about that here.
Assessment is done through continuous evaluation of your participation throughout the course, alongside the completion of a multiple-choice/written short answer examination, held at the end of the course.
The following CITB examinations last for the period specified:
- Health and safety awareness (HSA) – 30 min
- SSSTS – 30 min
- SMSTS – 35 min
The CITB SMSTS certificate is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue.
In order to remain certified the CITB SMSTS Refresher two day course must be undertaken before your certicate expires. Failure to undertake the refresher course before your certificate expires will require you to complete the full CITB SMSTS course again.
The CITB SSSTS certificate is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue.
In order to remain certified the CITB SSSTS Refresher two day course must be undertaken before your certicate expires. Failure to undertake the refresher course before your certificate expires will require you to complete the full CITB SSSTS course again.
The course is delivered over five days which provides approximately 37.5 hours of training.
Goldcross delivers ‘tutor led’ CITB SMSTS courses both in the classroom and ‘remotely online’ which can be taken in the following formats:
- Block – over a 5 day period Mon – Fri
- Weekends – over 2 1/2 weekends
- Day Release – one day a week over a 5 week period
The course is delivered over two days which provides approximately 16 hours of training.
Goldcross delivers ‘tutor led’ CITB SSSTS courses both in the classroom and ‘remotely online’ which can be taken in the following formats:
Block – over a 2 day period i.e, Mon – Tue, Tue – Wed, etc
or at Weekends
Certificates are generally provided by CITB within 10 working days however on occassion this may take longer.
Goldcross will dispatch the certificate direct to the individual/organisation who booked the course upon receipt.
The cost of the SMSTS course varies considerably and generally ranges between £450 to £600 depending on the training provider and the location. At Goldcross Training we work hard to ensure that we provide the course at the lowest possible price whilst ensuring that the quality of delivery is maintained and that our delegates continue to receive a great experience.
While not legally mandatory, many employers require the SMSTS qualification for site management roles to ensure compliance with health and safety standards on construction sites, meaning that it has become the de facto standard throughout the industry.
There are no accademic pre-requisites to undertaking the CITB SMSTS course other than you must have a good understanding of spoken and written English. The CITB SSSTS course is manageable for the majority of delegates. Whilst the course covers everything needed to pass the exam, we would however recommend that delegates have a good understanding/knowledge of construction site safety and where possible have previously successfully completed the CITB Health & Safety Awareness course.
Further details regarding the SSSTS course can be found here.
While it is not legally mandatory, many construction employers require supervisors to complete the SSSTS course to ensure compliance with health and safety standards and hence, it has become the de facto sandard for health and safety training for supervisors in the construction industry.
If a delegate fails the SMSTS exam initially they will be provided with an opportunity to undertake a resit providing that they have:
• successfully completed the four core exercises, and
• passed the trainer’s review, and
• gained between 72%–78% (23, 24 or 25 out of 32) in the exam
When a delegate scores less than 69% (22 correct answers out of 32) in the final exam, the delegate must attend the full SMSTS course again before they are permitted to re -sit the exam.
An exam re-sit can take place on the same day or by attending the final day of another course within a 90-day period of the initial exam (the delegate is not obliged to re-do the whole course). Should the delegate not wish to undertake the re-sit on the same day than they should ensure that they inform their tutor accordingly and also contact the Goldcross bookings department as soon as possible to arrange for the re-sit to take place. If a delegate fails the re-sit, they must take the full SMSTS course again.
Full details regarding SMSTS examination re-sits are subject to change in accordance with CITB scheme rules the full details of which, including any relevant costs/charges (where applicable) can be found here.
Goldcross Training provides it’s delegates with an opportunity to take a re-sit ‘on the same day’ if necessary, free of charge. Should a delegate not wish to utilise this option than an applicable admin fee will apply.
The SMSTS course is a health and safety training program for site managers, project managers, and senior supervisors in the construction industry. It focuses on teaching participants how to manage safety on construction sites effectively.
The CITB SSSTS course is designed for site supervisors in the construction industry. It covers essential health and safety topics, helping supervisors manage risks on-site effectively.
Full details regarding the SSSTS course can be found here.
The SSSTS exam is a multiple-choice test with 25 questions, selected by the CITB and covering all aspects of the course.
Candidates must score at least 80% (24 out of 30) to pass.
There are no accademic pre-requisites to undertaking the CITB SMSTS course other than you must have a good understanding of spoken and written English. We would recommended however that delegates have a good understanding/knowledge of construction site safety and where possible have previously successfully completed the CITB SSSTS course.
Further details regarding the SMSTS course can be found here.
There are no pre-requisites to undertaking the CITB SSSTS course other than you must have a good understanding of spoken and written English. We would recommended however that delegates have a reasonable understanding/knowledge of construction site safety and where possible have previously successfully completed the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course.
Further details regarding the SSSTS course can be found here.
The SMSTS course covers a broad range of topics including: health and safety legislation, risk assessments, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, safe working practices (e.g., working at height, excavation), and management of occupational health hazards. The course is challenging and generally requires considerable effort from delegates to achieve the necessary standard.
Key topics covered throughout the CITB SSSTS course include but are not limited to: legal responsibilities of supervisors, risk assessments, toolbox talks, occupational health, and safety regulations.
The course that is best for you will largely depend on your current role or the role that you are aiming to fulfil:
If you are a construction site manager, project/contract manager or are aiming to obtain such a position then the SMSTS (Site Managers Safety Training Scheme) course is almost certainly the course that you should be undertaking. Generally the SMSTS course is seen as a progression from the SSSTS.
For construction site supervisors, team leaders, foreman, etc then the SSSTS (Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme) course is invariably the course you require unless you are looking to step up into a construction site management position.
Short Course Grants
All CITB registered employers can apply directly for a grant whether or not they are paying a levy.
If you purchase your short course through Goldcross Training, a registered CITB approved training organisation (ATO), all you will need to do is provide us with your CITB number on making your booking and we will notify the CITB once the course has been successfully completed so that the funds (grant) you are entitled to can be automatically paid to you.
If you are using a training provider who is not a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO) you will need to make your grant application via the CITB online system here.
Short qualification grants
To claim a ‘short qualification’ grant that covers training, such as construction supervision/management NVQs or NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK), you must download, complete and submit the relevant documentation to the CITB (grant.claimforms@citb.co.uk) within 52 weeks of the achievement date. Bulk claims for multiple employees are also provided for.
Goldcross Training can help and will assist you with your claim should you require us to.
Grants are typically processed within 28 days after submitting a complete application, although this may vary based on the type of training the grant is to cover and the documentation required.
CITB grants are a means of financial support provided to construction employers to help cover the costs of training their workforce. Grants are available, to those registered for the CITB Levy (even if they do not pay), for apprenticeships, short courses, and qualifications.
The commercial benefits of the CITB Levy system are significant, particularly for small employers who may not even pay a levy at all. The availability of grants to cover some (or even cover the total) cost of your training needs, not only helps to meet the cost of your training supporting you financially but also helps support organisations efficiency and employee skills base, enhancing your overall productivity.
For those taking short courses such as CITB SSP: HAS, SSSTS, SMSTS and the respective refreshers, these grants can cover in the region of 50% of the course costs.
For those taking NVQs, the grants have increased to £1,250 for Supervisor NVQs and £1,500 for Manager NVQs.
CITB grants are specifically tied to the CITB levy and construction training, whereas government funding may cover broader education and training initiatives. Employers can receive both CITB grants and government funding.
CITB grants cover a wide range of training, including short courses (SMSTS, SSSTS, HSA, etc), NVQ qualifications, apprenticeships, and other construction-related programs aimed at improving workforce skills.
The most common grants utilised by our customers and delegates are ‘short courses’ and ‘short qualifications’. Full details of the grants available can be found on the CITB website.
The levy assessment process will apply to your organisation if the primary focus of your business is within the construction industry and when your construction activities take up more than 50% of your total employee’s time – this includes subcontractors.
All employers registered with CITB can apply for a grant, regardless of size or whether they pay a levy to CITB. They must however have registered with CITB and be up to date with their levy returns.
Notably CITB grants are not only available to employees but also, business owners/partners, and all subcontractors, providing they are on the payroll.
CSCS Card FAQs
The CSCS Manager card is available for managers and technical occupations operating in the construction industry.
Obtaining the CSCS Supervisors Card is a three-stage process:
Stage 1 – Book and successfully complete a CITB Managers and Professionals Health, Safety and Environment test at your local test centre.
Stage 2 – Successfully undertake a recognised Level 4, 5, 6 or 7 Construction Related Management/Technical NVQ (SVQ equivalent in Scotland)
Stage 3 – Apply for your CSCS ‘Black’ Managers Card
You can complete Stage 1 and 2 in any order but both must be successfully completed prior to applying for your card.
Goldcross provide a range of options to assist you in obtaining your CSCS ‘Black’ Managers Card and also the CITB SMSTS which is a qualification that the vast majority of employers operating construction sites in the UK, require their managers to hold.
The CSCS Blue Skilled Worker card is available for those individuals who have a construction related qualification such as a recognised:
- NVQ/SVQ level 2 or SVQ at SCQF level 5
- City and Guilds Craft Certificate (CGLI)
- Employer sponsored apprenticeship
- CSCS Approved Apprenticeship
Obtaining the CSCS Supervisors Card is a three-stage process:
Stage 1 – Book and successfully complete a CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at your local test centre.
Stage 2 – Successfully undertake a recognised qualification as listed above.
Stage 3 – Apply for your CSCS ‘Blue’ Skilled Worker Card
You can complete Stage 1 and 2 in any order but both must be successfully completed prior to applying for your card.
Goldcross can assist you in booking the required CITB Health, Safety and Environment test should you require it.
The CSCS ‘Gold’ Supervisor card is available for supervisor and technical occupations operating in the construction industry in the UK.
Obtaining the CSCS Supervisors Card is a three-stage process:
Stage 1 – Book and successfully complete a Specialists CITB Health, Safety and Environment test at your local test centre.
Stage 2 – Successfully undertake a recognised Level 3 or 4 Construction Related Supervisory/Technical NVQ (SVQ in Scotland)
Stage 3 – Apply for your CSCS ‘Gold’ Supervisors Card
You can complete Stage 1 and 2 in any order but both must be successfully completed prior to applying for your card.
Goldcross provide a range of options to assist you in obtaining your CSCS ‘Gold’ Supervisors Card and also the CITB SSSTS which is a qualification that the vast majority of employers operating construction sites in the UK, require their supervisors to hold.
Whilst it is not a specific legal requirement the majority of construction sites within the UK require operatives/labourers to hold at least a valid CSCS ‘Green’ Labourer Card.
Obtaining the CSCS Labourer Card is a three-stage process:
Stage 1 – Book and successfully complete a CITB Health, Safety and Environment Operatives test at your local test centre.
Stage 2 – Successfully undertake a CSCS approved Level 1 Health, Safety and Awareness (HS&A) Course such as the:
- CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course
- ETA Health & Safety in a Construction Environment Course
Stage 3 – Apply for your CSCS ‘Green’ Labourer Card
You can complete Stage 1 and 2 in any order but both must be successfully completed prior to applying for your card.
Goldcross provide a range of options to assist you in obtaining your CSCS ‘Green’ Labourer Card including a complete Green Card Package.
The CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) requires all card applicants to have passed the relative CITB Health, safety and environment test within the last 2 years.
Once two years have passed the CSCS requires applicants to retake the test.
NVQ FAQs
The length of time required to complete an NVQ is dependent on a number of factors:
- the NVQ level
- the evidence you already have available
- the amount of time it will take you to collate any additionaly required evidence
- the amount of time you have available and the effort you put in
Generally you can complete an NVQ in 6 to 16 weeks however some NVQs may take considerably longer if you do not have the required supporting evidence readily available. We provide our delegates with 12 months access to our e-portfolio system upon registration, should they require it.
Undertaking an NVQ enables you to kick-start your career whilst learning on-the-job, without having to take time off work.
Some of the key benefits of completing an NVQ include:
- No formal qualifications required to get started
- It provides you the opportunity to ‘learn whilst you earn’
- It demonstrates practical ability to employers
- It’s a flexible route into your chosen industry
- You’ll gain a recognised qualification at the appropriate level without the need to sit formal accademic exams
The evidence required for an NVQ will be largely dependent on the NVQ selected however as an example for a safety related NVQ whether occupational or construction related, you could be expected to provide details of:
- risk assessments/safe systems of work
- minutes of safety meetings/discussions
- details of toolbox talks/safety briefings
- etc
We would also conduct site visits (either remotely or in person) to confirm that you are fulfilling the role you specify and may also request you provide video/photograhic evidence in support of specified activities. Your manager/supervisor would also be requested to provide supporting evidence regarding the activities you undertake.
NVQs are work-based qualifications that recognise the skills and knowledge a person needs to do a job. They allow the delgate to demonstrate and prove their competency in their chosen role or career path.
A Level 3 NVQ is equivalent to: 2A level qualifications, ONC’s and OND’s are considered broadly comparable to the L3 NVQ.
You would be expected to be fulfilling a role with some autonomy and responsibility, such as a supervisor, at this level albeit with some control and guidance being provided.
An NVQ Level 6 is considered equivalent to a range of qualifications such as:
- a bachelor’s degree
- the NEBOSH National Diploma
- a degree apprenticeship
They are for individuals whose responsibilities include developing and implementing health and safety procedures within their workplace and are considered the ideal pathway for those individuals who have gained career progression through hands-on experience rather than prior academic achievement.
There are no formal entry or qualification requirements to undertake an NVQ, but candidates must be aged 19 or over. As NVQs are work based qualifications you will need to be emplored and we would suggest that delegates are experienced in the specific area upon which the NVQ is focused.
Prior to starting the NVQ programme you will be asked to complete a self-assessment questionnaire to identify any likely training needs/shortfalls and to confirm that you are currently in employment.
NEBOSH FAQs
NEBOSH Certificates are considered to be level 3, equivalent to A level qualifications.
There are no academic entry requirements or training pre-requisites to study a NEBOSH certificate.
Delegates will however need to possess sufficient knowledge of the English language in order to enable them to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the course syllabus.
An open book exam allows you access to; course notes, textbooks and other research/data sources including the internet during the exam.
You complete you NEBOSH open Book Exam at any suitable location including at home.
Once started the NEBOSH Open Book Exam must be completed and submitted within 24 hours although it should only take around 3 hours to complete.
NEBOSH stands for “National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health.”
NEBOSH accredit national and international (globally recognised) qualifications in workplace health, safety, and environmental management in an effort to raise and recognise competence in the workplace. Their qualifications are highly respected by governments, employers and our learners across the globe.
The NEBOSH closing interview is a short but mandatory one-to-one meeting to discuss your exam submission confirming that you completed it on your own without any external help and to verify your identity.
It is not something for you to worry about and your interview will take place at an agreed time via a short video call using microsoft teams or in person at an agreed location.
NEBOSH ‘open book exam’ (OBE) results are released 50 working days from the exam date.
If you are required to undertake a practical assessment – these results are released 10 weeks from the submission date of the practical assessment (not the exam date).