How Long Does SMSTS Last? Renewal and Refresher Rules Explained

The short answer: your SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. To keep it, you must complete the 2 day SMSTS Refresher before the expiry date, which renews it for another 5 years. If the certificate expires, the refresher route closes and you have to sit the full 5 day course again. This guide explains the rules and the timing, so you never pay for the full course twice.

The 5 year rule

SMSTS is part of the CITB Site Safety Plus scheme, and every SMSTS certificate is valid for 5 years. The expiry date is printed on the certificate itself, so if you are not sure where you stand, dig it out and check the date now.

Site managers are asked for a valid SMSTS certificate all the time: by employers, by main contractors at site inductions, and during audits. An expired certificate is treated much the same as no certificate, so the expiry date matters as much as the pass itself.

Five years is a long time. A certificate gained on one job is easily forgotten by the third job after it, which is exactly how renewals get missed. Check the date now, whatever the answer turns out to be.

How to renew: the 2 day SMSTS Refresher

As long as your certificate is still in date, you can renew it with the SMSTS Refresher. The key facts:

• It takes 2 days instead of 5.
• It must be completed before your current certificate expires.
• It renews your certificate for another 5 years.

The refresher brings you up to date on changes in legislation and site practice since you last qualified, and like the full course it ends with an exam plus a trainer assessment. It runs in classrooms across the UK and as an online instructor led course, taught live by a tutor over video call, with the same certification either way.

What happens if your SMSTS expires

There is no grace period. Once the expiry date on your certificate has passed, you can no longer take the refresher. The only route back is the full 5 day SMSTS course: five days off site instead of two, and a higher course fee. If you manage sites for a living, letting the certificate lapse is an expensive admin mistake, and it is entirely avoidable.

When should you book the refresher?

Do not leave it until the final week. Course dates fill up, work gets in the way, and if you miss the window the full course is your only option. A sensible approach:

• Check your expiry date today and set a reminder at least 6 months out.
• Book a specific refresher date 2 to 3 months before expiry, so you have room to rearrange if the job moves.
• Remember the renewed certificate runs for 5 years from the refresher, so renewing a little early costs you very little validity.
• If several managers qualified at the same time, their certificates expire together. Book the group early so nobody is left without a date.

What does renewing cost?

The 2 day refresher costs less than repeating the full 5 day course, which is the main financial reason to stay on top of your expiry date. Prices vary by date, venue and format, so compare live prices before you book. Our SMSTS course cost guide shows current refresher prices from live availability.

If your employer is registered with CITB, they may be able to claim a grant towards SMSTS and other Site Safety Plus courses. Rules change, so check the current position on the CITB grants and funding pages. Booking renewals for 4 or more people? Request a group quote here.

Does SSSTS work the same way?

Yes. The SSSTS certificate for supervisors is also valid for 5 years, and it is renewed with the 1 day SSSTS Refresher, which must also be completed before expiry. The same warning applies: once an SSSTS certificate expires, the holder has to sit the full 2 day course again. If you look after training records for a site team, treat both schemes the same and track every expiry date.

Common questions

Can I take the refresher after my certificate has expired? No. The refresher is only open to holders of a valid certificate. After expiry you must retake the full course.

Does the refresher have an exam? Yes. Like the full course, it ends with an exam plus a trainer assessment.

How early can I take the refresher? Any time while your certificate is valid. The renewed certificate runs for 5 years from the refresher course.

I have lost my certificate and do not know my expiry date. Contact the provider who ran your original course. They can usually confirm your course date and advise on a replacement.

Will anyone remind me? Do not count on it. Some providers send reminders, but the certificate is your responsibility, and so is booking the refresher in time.

Certificate still in date? Book your SMSTS Refresher here with live availability and instant confirmation. Already expired? Compare full SMSTS course dates and prices here.