What is CSCS?
The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is the main scheme for proving that construction workers in the UK have the health and safety knowledge needed to work on site. A CSCS card shows employers and site managers that the holder has passed the relevant CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and, for most cards, holds a recognised qualification for their role. The green Labourer card is usually the entry point for those who are new to construction, while other card colours reflect different trades, qualifications and levels of responsibility.
Learn more about the different CSCS card types.
What is SSSTS?
The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a CITB course aimed at people who are moving into, or already working in, supervisory or team leader roles on site. It covers a supervisor's legal responsibilities, risk assessments, method statements, toolbox talks and monitoring site safety. SSSTS is commonly taken once a worker has gained site experience and is stepping up from a general operative role, and it is often a natural step after holding a CSCS card.
What is SMSTS?
The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a CITB course designed for site managers, agents, project managers and anyone responsible for planning, organising and managing health and safety on a construction site. It is more in depth than SSSTS and covers areas such as the legal framework, CDM regulations, risk management and managing the workforce. SMSTS is typically taken by those who have progressed beyond a supervisory role and are taking on overall responsibility for a site.
CSCS vs SSSTS vs SMSTS
In short, CSCS proves you have the basic health and safety knowledge to work on site, SSSTS prepares you to supervise a team, and SMSTS prepares you to manage a site. They are not alternatives to one another but steps along a typical UK construction career path.
| Qualification | Best for | Level |
|---|---|---|
| CSCS | Labourers and general workers | Entry |
| SSSTS | Supervisors and team leaders | Supervisor |
| SMSTS | Site managers and project managers | Manager |
Which qualification do I need?
Use the quick check below to see which qualification is most likely to suit your current role. This is a general guide only, and your employer or training provider can confirm exactly what you need.
1. Are you new to construction?
2. Do you supervise a team or other workers?
3. Are you responsible for managing a site?
Construction career path in the UK
A common route through the UK construction industry starts on the tools and progresses into supervision and then management. Each stage usually builds on site experience and the relevant safety training.
- Labourer
- CSCS Green Card
- Experienced Worker
- SSSTS
- Site Supervisor
- SMSTS
- Site Manager
Steps shown in indigo are the safety qualifications, such as the CSCS card, SSSTS and SMSTS.
Start with a free CSCS mock test
Wherever you are on your construction career path, a CSCS card is usually the starting point. Our free CSCS mock test helps you revise the CITB Health, Safety and Environment questions so you can pass with confidence.
If you are preparing for your CSCS test, start with our free CSCS mock test.