Do I Need an SMSTS Refresher? Everything You Need to Know
If you're working in a construction management role, chances are you’ve already taken the SMSTS course — and rightly so. It’s one of the most recognised qualifications in the industry for site managers and supervisors. But once you’ve passed it, the job isn’t done forever.
At some point, that certificate will expire — and that’s where the SMSTS Refresher comes in.
In this post, we’ll walk you through when you need it, why it matters, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
First of all, what is the SMSTS Refresher?
The SMSTS Refresher course is a 2-day training programme designed to update your knowledge and renew your Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) qualification. It’s for people who’ve already completed the full 5-day SMSTS course and need to renew before their certificate runs out.
Rather than sitting the full course again, the refresher lets you top up your understanding, go over any changes in legislation, and keep your certification valid.
How long does the SMSTS certificate last?
Your SMSTS certificate is valid for five years from the date of completion. That means if you took the course in, say, April 2020, you’ll need to complete the refresher before April 2025 — otherwise, you’ll have to start from scratch and take the full 5-day course again.
It’s easy to lose track of time, especially when you’re busy on site. But CITB are strict about the deadline — once your certificate expires, you’re no longer eligible for the refresher.
So, do I need an SMSTS Refresher?
If you want to stay compliant and continue managing or supervising construction sites, yes — you absolutely do.
Here’s why:
It keeps your knowledge up to date – Health and safety laws change. Site practices evolve. The refresher ensures you’re not working off five-year-old guidance.
It’s required by employers – Most principal contractors won’t allow you to work in a management role without a valid SMSTS certificate.
It’s cheaper and shorter than redoing the full course – Two days instead of five. And usually at a much lower cost.
It protects your CSCS card application or renewal – If you need to renew your CSCS black card, for example, having an up-to-date SMSTS is often expected.
If your current certificate is still in date, the refresher is your best option. If it’s expired, you’ll unfortunately need to do the full course again.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
There’s no grace period. Once your SMSTS certificate has expired — even by a day — you can’t take the refresher. CITB’s rules are very clear on this.
We speak to a lot of people who only realise their certificate is out of date when they go to apply for a new role or renew their CSCS card. At that point, their only option is to retake the full 5-day SMSTS course, which takes more time, costs more money, and means more time away from site.
If you’re within 6 months of your expiry date, now is the time to book.
How can I check my SMSTS expiry date?
If you still have your certificate, the date will be printed clearly on it. If not, contact the training provider you booked through, or check with CITB directly — they’ll be able to confirm your course date.
Pro tip: set a reminder in your calendar around 6 months before your expiry date. That way, you’ve got time to find a date that suits you, and you won’t be caught out at the last minute.
Final thoughts
The SMSTS Refresher might only be two days long, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your qualification valid and your knowledge sharp. More importantly, it keeps you eligible to lead sites and take on responsibility without interruption.
If your certificate’s due to expire soon, don’t wait — get your refresher booked in, stay compliant, and carry on doing what you do best.
