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What is the Pass Mark for the SMSTS Refresher Exam? For construction site managers to keep their Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certification current, they need to take the SMSTS Refresher course every five years (before their certification has expired). The pass mark for the Refresher exam is 81%- but what else is there […]

What are the Requirements for SMSTS Refresher? If you work in a site management role, maintaining your health and safety qualifications is essential. One key part of this is keeping your Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certification up to date. To do that, you’ll need to complete the SMSTS Refresher course- but who is […]

How Long is SMSTS Refresher? If you’re working in a construction management role and your SMSTS certification is nearing expiry, you’re going to need to take the SMSTS Refresher course before that certification lapses. But how long is the course- and what sort of content should you expect?  A Quick and Focused Update The Refresher […]

What is SMSTS R? SMSTS R (more commonly referred to as SMSTS-R) stands for Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher, which is a condensed version of the full SMSTS course designed specifically for those who already hold a valid certificate. The SMSTS Refresher helps site managers and supervisors maintain their qualifications without repeating the full […]

What is the Grace Period for SMSTS Refresher? When it’s time to renew your SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate, timing is everything. While there was previously a temporary grace period during the pandemic (for those whose SMSTS certificate had expired before they were able to take the Refresher course), there is no such […]

What Can a HSA Course Do for Your Career? In the fast-paced and often high-risk world of construction, a strong understanding of health and safety is non-negotiable. For many individuals stepping onto a construction site, whether as a new worker or an experienced operative, the Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) course serves as a fundamental […]

SSSTS Course Near Me: Where Can I Train? For any construction worker aspiring to a supervisory role, the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is a crucial qualification. It provides the essential health and safety knowledge required to manage teams and ensure a safe working environment. But if you intend to take the course in-person, […]

What Can the SSSTS Course Do for my Career? For many construction workers, the path to leadership begins at the supervisory level. Moving beyond the tools to oversee a team, manage tasks, and ensure safety requires a distinct set of skills and a recognised qualification. This is where the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) […]

SMSTS Refresher: 4 Facts You Should Know For construction site managers, the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certificate is a crucial credential. It demonstrates competence in managing health, safety, and environmental issues on site. But to maintain its validity and ensure your knowledge stays current, your SMSTS certificate needs to be renewed via the […]

Online SMSTS Course: 4 Facts You Should Know The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certificate is a cornerstone qualification for anyone in a construction management role, or on the verge of entering a management role. It signifies a comprehensive understanding of health, safety, welfare, and environmental issues on a construction site. With the rapid […]

SMSTS Online: Is the Course Hard? The SMSTS online course (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) is often a vital qualification for professionals in the construction industry who are about to be, or are already, supervisors or managers (usually the latter, because the SSSTS would be more appropriate for supervisors). But is the course hard?  In […]

SMSTS Course: Who Can Be a Site Manager?  The role of a Site Manager is crucial to the success of any building project. They’re the orchestrators on the ground, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality from groundbreaking to handover. For those aspiring to this position, the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS course) is regularly highlighted […]

What Can SEATS Training Do for my Career?  These days, in the construction industry, technical skills and knowledge can get you far- but for some jobs, you need a little bit more. That’s especially true in jobs where environmental regulations need to be followed very, very closely (which applies to most jobs in the industry, […]

CITB Grants: 5 Facts You Should Know Access to high-quality, accredited training is essential in the construction industry, because it ensures that workers are both skilled, and compliant with regulations. The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) helps to bridge the gap between training needs and affordability with CITB grants. So, what’s there to know about […]

What Can a Roofing NVQ Do for Your Career? In a competitive industry like construction, it can be hard to know how to stand out to employers and contractors. But if you’ve already got multiple years of experience in your trade- in this case roofing- then there’s one particular qualification that could do wonders for […]

Is the Plastering NVQ for Beginners? The Plastering NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is widely respected within the construction industry, because it signifies a plasterer’s competence, and adherence to professional standards. But who is the qualification actually for- and can beginners take it?  The short answer is no; NVQs are designed for those who are already […]

NVQ Level 7 in Construction Management: Who It’s For In the complex, and often demanding, landscape of the modern construction industry, strong leadership at the highest levels is vital. The sector is constantly on the lookout for individuals who can not only oversee projects, but can also drive innovation, manage large-scale operations, and contribute in […]

Benefits of the NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management In the construction industry, effective leadership is completely crucial. The role of a site manager isn’t just to oversee tasks- it’s about orchestrating complex projects, ensuring operations are carried out as safely and efficiently as possible, and delivering results on time and within budget. If you’re […]

Is the Plant Maintenance NVQ for Beginners? The construction industry relies on an array of different plant machinery, and the responsibility for making sure that machinery is operational falls to skilled plant maintenance professionals. That’s who the Plant Maintenance NVQ is designed for- professionals who have been working in this trade for a considerable amount […]

NVQ Level 6 Construction Contracting Operations Management FAQs If you’re a seasoned professional in the construction industry and you’re looking to formalise your expertise, gain recognition, and move into higher-level management roles, the NVQ Level 6 Construction Contracting Operations Management could be pivotal for your career. It’s an advanced vocational credential, designed for professionals who […]

Is the Painting and Decorating NVQ for Beginners? If you’re looking to take the next big step in your career as a painter and decorator, you should at some point be obtaining the Painting and Decorating NVQ. One thing that should be made very clear, though, is that neither the Level 2 NVQ nor the […]

NVQ Level 2 Plastering: What to Expect If you’re currently working in the finishing stages of construction, the NVQ Level 2 Plastering qualification could be a milestone for your career. It formalises the skills essential for creating smooth, durable surfaces. But what should you expect from the qualification?  Understanding the Role of a Plasterer in […]

NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating: What to Expect The NVQ Level 2 Painting and Decorating is designed for professionals who have already been working as a painter and decorator for a considerable amount of time, and are looking to obtain a qualification that formalises this experience. While you’re not technically required to complete an […]

How Long is the Level 6 Construction Management NVQ? If you’re working in a management role in the construction industry but you don’t have any formal management qualifications, the Level 6 Construction Management NVQ could be an ideal option for your career.  NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are designed not to teach you new skills, but […]

NVQ Level 2 Groundworks: What to Expect If you’ve got considerable experience in groundworks but you haven’t yet acquired a qualification to formalise that experience, you might be considering an NVQ- specifically, the NVQ Level 2 Groundworks.  But how do National Vocational Qualifications work, and what should you expect from the Groundworks NVQ?  What Does […]

Multi-Trade Level 2 NVQ: How Long Does it Take? Versatility is key in the construction sector. Employers and contractors value professionals who have a range of skills, outside of just one particular trade. This is especially true for smaller companies, and for maintenance work. If you’ve been working in more than one trade and you’d […]

NVQ Level 2 Bricklayer: What to Expect If you’re working in the bricklaying trade and you want to gain a nationally recognised qualification without stepping away from your job, the NVQ Level 2 Bricklayer could be the perfect fit. A practical, work-based qualification, the NVQ will help you prove your skills on-site, and open up […]

3 Misconceptions About the NVQ in Construction Management The NVQ in Construction Management is a highly respected credential for professionals aiming to lead, and excel, within the construction sector. But despite its growing popularity and practical benefits, several misconceptions still circulate about what the qualifications actually entail.  In today’s blog, we’ll be debunking three common […]

How Long Does the NVQ Level 4 Construction Take? If you’re an experienced supervisor in the construction industry and you want to advance your career, you might want to consider the NVQ Level 4 Construction, most commonly known as the Site Supervision Level 4 NVQ. It’s a particularly valuable qualification for supervisors- but how long […]

Is the Level 3 Supervisor NVQ for Construction Workers? The journey of a skilled operative to a supervisor can be a significant step in a construction career. And if you’ve been on that journey, you’ll eventually want to have a formal qualification that validates your experience and provides industry-wide recognition. That’s what the Level 3 […]

Is the Groundworks NVQ Competency Based? If you want to succeed in the construction industry, you need more than just theoretical knowledge- you need proven, on-the-ground competence. And this is particularly true in the field of groundworks. At CST Training, we offer the Groundworks NVQ (National Vocational Qualification), which allows candidates to validate their skills […]

10 Tips for Obtaining the CSCS Card Bricklayer CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Cards are essential credentials for anyone that works in the UK construction industry, particularly if you’re working on-site. It’s not technically a legal requirement to have a CSCS Card, but it’s typically a must-have in the eyes of employers and contractors. For […]

Are Construction NVQs Competency Based?  In the construction industry, the idea of ‘competence’ is thrown around regularly. But with ever-fluctuating industry standards, what does it actually mean to be competent in a specific trade? In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at the competency based nature of Construction NVQs, and why these qualifications are perfect for […]

10 Tips for the Carpentry NVQ The National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Carpentry is a testament to your hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and practical competence in the woodworking trade. For carpenters all over the UK, it can be a massive step towards formal recognition, career advancement, and demonstrating true professionalism. Unlike more traditional qualifications (specifically […]

Is the Construction Management NVQ Competency Based? In the construction industry, effective management is crucial. And for established construction managers, the Construction Management NVQ is an ideal way to formalise your experience with a widely recognised, and widely valued, qualification.  Is the NVQ competency based? Yes, as are all NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications). In today’s […]

10 Tips for the Bricklaying NVQ The Level 2 Bricklaying NVQ, upon completion, is a testament to your skills, knowledge, and overall competence in the trade of bricklaying. If you’re already working as a bricklayer but you don’t have any qualifications, the NVQ is a way to formalise your experience and, ideally, make the next […]

5 Tips for the NVQ Level 6 Occupational Health and Safety Earning your NVQ Level 6 in Occupational Health and Safety is a significant milestone in any health and safety professional’s career. It’s a qualification designed to reflect the strategic-level responsibilities of health and safety practitioners working across various industries. But while the course is […]

Is the 18th Edition Course Up to Date? In the electrical industry, compliance is non-negotiable. Whether you’re installing systems, designing circuits, or maintaining infrastructure, you need to work in line with the latest regulations. That’s where the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) comes in. But is the 18th Edition course actually […]

Does the 18th Edition Online Course Make You Compliant? In the electrical industry, staying compliant with the latest regulations is crucial, not only for safety but also for legal and professional standards. One of the most frequently asked questions by electricians, contractors, and industry newcomers is whether completing the 18th Edition online course is enough […]

Temporary Works Supervisor: Do You Actually Need It? In the construction industry, temporary works are essential for enabling the safe completion of permanent structures. Whether it’s scaffolding, formwork, or shoring systems, every example of temporary works needs to be carefully designed, checked, and monitored to ensure safety on-site, which is where a Temporary Works Supervisor […]

Will the SSSTS Online Course Make You a Better Supervisor? If you’re going to be stepping into a supervisory role in the construction industry, the SSSTS online course or in-person course is one of the most recognised, and most respected, qualifications available. It’s a training course designed to equip site supervisors or aspiring supervisors with […]

Can I Go Straight to the SSSTS Course? If you’re looking to step up into a supervisory role on a construction site, the Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is an excellent place to start. It’s a widely recognised qualification that equips you with the essential knowledge to ensure health and safety on site. But […]

5 Key Tips for the SMSTS Refresher The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certificate is a vital qualification for anyone managing health and safety on a construction site. But it has an expiry date, which is five years. As that deadline approaches, the question isn’t just if you need a refresher, but how to […]

Can I Go Straight to the SMSTS Online Course? The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is a highly respected, and often essential, qualification for anyone looking to manage construction sites effectively and safely. The online version of the course is particularly convenient- but you can go straight to the SMSTS online course?  Understanding SMSTS […]

NVQ Level 6 Construction Site Management: 9 Tips to Pass If you’re pursuing the NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management, you’ll already be working in the construction industry, and looking to take the next step in your professional development. This qualification is designed for site managers and senior supervisors who want to gain a […]

Key Features of the NVQ in Construction Management If you’re a construction professional who’s looking to take the next step in your career, an NVQ in Construction Management could be just the right opportunity. It’s a way to formalise your skills, gain a widely respected qualification, and, crucially, boost your value in the eyes of […]

Can I Go Straight to the NEBOSH Certificate?  If you’re considering making a move into a career in health and safety, you’ve probably come across the NEBOSH Certificate. The NEBOSH is a widely recognised, and highly regarded, qualification, which can open the door to a whole host of opportunities in the health and safety field, […]

Why do you Need a Temporary Works Coordinator? On construction sites, temporary works such as scaffolding, formwork, and excavation supports are essential for progressing projects safely. But these short-term structures come with serious safety risks if not properly planned and monitored. That’s where the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) course comes in.  Designed for those taking […]

Is a Temporary Works Supervisor a Legal Requirement? In the construction industry, temporary works refer to any short-term structures or supports that are required during the building process, such as scaffolding, formwork, or props. Ensuring these structures are planned, installed, and dismantled safely is essential. While having a designated Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) is considered […]

Can a Temporary Works Coordinator be a Supervisor? In construction, roles like Supervisor and Coordinator carry distinct responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing temporary works. But if you’re considering the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) course, you might be wondering whether a Coordinator can also act as a Supervisor on-site. The short answer is yes, […]