Guide · Updated 2026-09-29
SMSTS vs SSSTS
SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is the longer management-level course; SSSTS (Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme) is the shorter supervisory course. Choose based on the role and what your clients require — then track each certificate on its own row with its own expiry.
Quick answer
Put managers and those with management accountability on SMSTS when your projects require it. Put supervisors and gang leaders on SSSTS when that is the gate or contractual standard. Do not treat SSSTS as a discounted SMSTS, and do not assume one course covers both titles on every site.
Side-by-side
| SSSTS | SMSTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical audience | Supervisors, chargehands | Site managers, project managers |
| Usual length | Two days (plus refresher route) | Five days (plus two-day refresher route) |
| Common buyer ask | Supervisory cover on site | Management competence evidence |
| Matrix tip | Watch acting-up cover | Watch named package managers |
Choosing for a role
- Read the principal contractor or client requirement for the package.
- Map job titles to the course they actually demand.
- Assign only those requirements — avoid blanket columns that force false gaps.
- Track expiry and refresher eligibility separately for each course.
- Attach certificate files for sample audits.
People who hold both
Some managers hold both certificates from earlier roles. Record both if both are assigned; otherwise keep the requirement that matches the current role and archive the rest as history. Dual holdings are not automatic dual requirements.
Honest limits
FieldClear does not decide which course a role must hold. It tracks what you assign. Neither course is described here as universal statute. Not legal advice; not a competence certificate.
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