FAQ: CITB Training

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is a UK based accreditation body offering the Site Safety Plus Scheme, a collective group of courses that provide those working in the construction, civil engineering and allied industries with the training necessary to maintain a safe workforce.

In addition to the health and safety elements of CITB training, undertaking and passing the CITB training course(s) necessary for specific job roles onsite helps workers to demonstrate competence and their own skillsets.

We understand there are a wide range of CITB courses available and looking through the options may give rise to more questions that need answering before a booking decision can be made. We’re here to help – please read on for our CITB training FAQ.

What is CITB training, and why is it important?

CITB training is the umbrella term used for the range of CITB courses offered by this accreditation body. Whilst the majority of them fall under the Site Safety Plus scheme, there are a few do not come under the SSP framework.

CITB training is important because:

•    It ensures compliance with H&S Regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
•    The scheme works alongside CSCS; many CITB courses are mandatory for achieving a CSCS card
•    CITB training helps to improve workplace safety, especially in high risk environments. 
•    The SEATS course highlights environmental issues to ensure all workers are aware of their responsibilities to the planet
•    Those who hold CITB/CSCS qualifications have industry recognised certifications which can further career opportunities and allow them to move into senior positions/management roles.
•    Many construction sites require CITB training before they allow workers on site. Not only does this raise workplace safety, but also helps companies to win contracts by demonstrating compliance with safety standards.
•    As CITB training covers legal responsibilities, this can help to protect all parties from fines and legal action as those who have undertaken and passed CITB training will have an in depth knowledge of their legal responsibilities.

What types of CITB courses are available?

As above, there are a number of courses that fall under the CITB umbrella. Some are included in the SSP scheme, and others are not.

Site Safety Plus courses (SSP)

•    Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) – Entry-level course for obtaining a CSCS Green Card.
•    Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) – Training for site supervisors.
•    Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) – Training for site managers.
•    SSSTS & SMSTS Refreshers – for those who need to renew their SSSTS & SMSTS qualifications.
•    Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) – For those managing temporary works.
•    TWCTC Refresher - for those who need to renew their TWCTC qualifications.
•    Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) – For those supervising temporary works.
•    Directors Role for Health and Safety – Aimed at company directors.
•    Achieving Behavioural Change (ABC) – Focused on improving safety culture.
•    Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) – Covers environmental responsibilities.
•    Tunnelling Safety Training Scheme (TSTS) - designed to train those working in the specific area of tunnel construction.

Additional Courses

•    CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Tests – Required for obtaining CSCS cards.
•    CITB Leadership and Management Courses – Covering broader skills beyond site safety.
•    CITB Plant Training and Testing (e.g., CPCS) – Covering construction plant operations.
•    Construction Skills Certification Schemes (CSCS Partner Courses) – Support industry-specific qualifications.

Who needs to take CITB training courses?

•    Anyone who is looking to work on a construction site where CITB/CSCS qualifications are required.
•    Those who are looking to move into Supervisory or Management roles in the construction sector
•    In addition, anyone looking to further their knowledge in health and safety specific to the construction sector.

How do I apply for a CITB course?

You can view our full range of CITB courses on our website: https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/citb-site-safety/
Once you know which course or courses you need to take, you can browse all available courses on the specific course information page and book online.

If you cannot find a course location nearby, we do also offer a wide range of the CITB courses in Online Classroom formats – these cover the same content as classroom based CITB courses, but are delivered online. These differ to e-learning courses as the sessions will be live and attendance will need to during specific times.

CITB Online Training - https://www.bookmycourse.co.uk/courses/citb-online-training/ 

What is the CITB Health, Safety & Environment (HS&E) test?

This is a key CITB test that ensures construction workers can demonstrates competence n working safely at all times.
The HS&E test contains 50 questions and lasts 45 minutes. A Demo test can be found on the CITB website: https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/health-safety-and-environment-hse-test-and-cards/about-the-health-safety-and-environment-hse-test#structure-of-test 

How much does CITB training cost?

This varies depending on the course being undertaken, the location and the delivery. 1 day courses such as Health and Safety Awareness or Directors Role for Health & Safety Training will be less expensive than longer options such as the 5 day SMSTS course.
Grants for many CITB courses are available to CITB Levy Payers. The CITB Levy is a mandatory tax imposed on employers in the UK construction industry by CITB to fund training and skills development for the workforce. 

How long does CITB training take to complete?

Again, this depends on the course. Each course listed on our website has the duration listed next to it. Whilst most courses do run over concurrent days, there are some that do stretch out over several weeks even if the training is only for a set number of days.
Some of the most popular CITB course durations are listed below:

•    Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) – 1 day
•    Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) – 2 days
•    Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) – 5 days
•    SSSTS Refresher – 1 day
•    SMSTS Refreshers – 2 days
•    Temporary Works Coordinator (TWCTC) – 1 day
•    TWCTC Refreshers – 1 day
•    Temporary Works Supervisor (TWSTC) – 1 day
•    Directors Role for Health and Safety – 1 day
•    Achieving Behavioural Change (ABC) – 1 day
•    Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS) – 1 day
•    Tunnelling Safety Training Scheme (TSTS) – 1 day

Do I need to renew my CITB certification?

This depends on the qualification in question. All CITB Site Safety Plus certifications are valid for five years – this includes SSSTS, SMSTS and TWCTC. There is no grace period before expiry, so those who need to renew these will need to sit the relevant Refresher courses before their original certification expires. If this does not happen, they will need to re-sit the full relevant training courses.
CITB certification outside of the SSP scheme is also subject to expiry, however there are not Refresher options for all courses. 

What is the difference between CITB and CSCS?

The CITB are an accreditation and training body fully focused on improving workforce competency and safety standards. CSCS is the certification body that issues cards to construction workers, proving they have the necessary skills and qualifications to work safely on-site. 

Whilst CITB provides the training and assessments needed to meet industry standards, CSCS focuses on verifying that workers have the appropriate credentials to gain access to construction sites. 

Can I take CITB courses online, or do I need to attend in person?

Yes, there are a wide range of CITB courses available to take in an Online Classroom format – a few, such as the Tunnelling Safety Training Course, cannot be taken online as workers need to demonstrate competence in person, however the majority of CITB SSP courses are available.

How do I prepare for the CITB HS&E test?
What happens if I fail a CITB Test?

In the first instance, you will need to book a retake of the failed test to achieve a passing score. If you do not pass, you will not receive the relevant qualification. Please note that additional re-testing fees do apply.
It is beneficial for anyone who has failed a CITB test to look at the weak areas of the original test and use CITB revision materials in order to pass and not have to take numerous re-tests. Please remember, failing is not uncommon, and with proper preparation, it is most definitely possible to succeed on your next attempt.

How do I check if a CITB training provider is accredited?
We only work with CITB accredited training providers to deliver CITB courses.

You can also use the CITB website to find an accredited training provider or approved training organisation.