How Do I Get SSSTS?
Achieving the SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) certification is a mandatory and crucial step for any professional moving into a supervisory role in the UK construction industry. This qualification is your official license to manage site safety, ensuring you can lead teams effectively and compliantly. Getting your certification is a structured process that requires formal training, full attendance, and successfully passing the final assessment. This blog outlines the four key stages you need to follow to secure your certificate and advance your career.
1. The Prerequisite: Choosing the Right Time
While there are no formal academic prerequisites for the course, the key requirement is professional context. The training is designed for individuals who are either newly appointed to a supervisory role or are preparing to take on such responsibilities (e.g., foremen, team leaders). The course content focuses on the legal duties and practical management skills of a supervisor. So, the first step is choosing the right time: ensure you’re either already working in a capacity that demands site safety management, or have a clear pathway to such a role, as the course material assumes practical site knowledge.
2. The SSSTS: Selecting an Accredited Course
To ensure your qualification is valid and recognised across the UK, you must select a course delivered by a CITB-accredited training organisation. Avoid non-accredited providers, as their certificates hold no industry weight.
The course is available in two main formats:
Classroom Training: A traditional, tutor-led course, usually conducted over two consecutive days.
Live Online Training: A virtual classroom format where you attend the full two-day course live via video conferencing.
Both options are equally valid and lead to the same official certificate, allowing you to choose the flexibility that best fits your busy schedule.
3. Full Attendance and Focused Learning
Full attendance is required for both days of training. The curriculum covers intensive topics, including risk assessment procedures, method statement development, legal compliance (CDM Regulations), and effective communication for site safety. Expect a highly interactive learning environment involving group work, case studies, and practical exercises. Active participation is crucial for knowledge retention and is often monitored by the tutor. Successfully absorbing the content is necessary not just for the final exam, but for applying the principles in your site role.
4. The SSSTS: Passing the Final Assessment
The final step in achieving your certificate is passing the mandatory assessment. The assessment typically consists of a multiple-choice test, and includes short written answer questions based on a realistic site scenario. The assessment is designed to confirm that you have absorbed and understood the key legal duties and safety procedures taught throughout the two days. With effective revision of the course materials and proactive engagement during the training, you’ll be well-prepared to secure your pass and earn your certification.
Conclusion: How Do I Get SSSTS?
To get your certificate, you must choose a CITB-accredited, two-day training course, ensure full attendance and active participation, and successfully pass the final assessment.
