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Five-Year Renewal: Why SSSTS Refresher is Mandatory

If you work as a site supervisor, holding a valid SSSTS certificate is essential. It proves you’ve completed the necessary training to manage health and safety on site.

The certificate stays valid for five years, but you’ll need to complete a refresher course before it runs out. This ensures you stay compliant and confident in your role, with up-to-date knowledge of legislation, risks and site responsibilities.

The SSSTS Refresher course is the only way to renew your certificate without having to repeat the full two-day programme.

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How Long Does an SSSTS Certificate Last?

SSSTS Certificate Validity Period

Your SSSTS certificate is valid for five years from the date you pass the course. Before that period ends, you need to complete the one-day SSSTS Refresher to stay certified.

If you don’t renew it in time, the certificate becomes invalid, and you’ll lose your CITB-recognised status as a trained site supervisor.

Why You Need to Renew

Letting your SSSTS certificate expire can impact your role and your legal duties. Without a valid certificate, you can’t prove your training is up to date, which may put you or your employer at risk of non-compliance.

If your certificate has already expired, you can’t take the refresher, you’ll need to sit the full two-day SSSTS course again. Renewing on time helps you avoid unnecessary costs, stay compliant and protect your team.

What Is the SSSTS Refresher Course?

The SSSTS Refresher is a one-day training course designed to renew your Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) certificate. It’s aimed at supervisors who have already completed the full two-day SSSTS course and need to stay up to date.

The refresher covers key responsibilities, updates to legislation, and how to continue managing health and safety effectively on site.

Who Can Take the Refresher

To attend the refresher, you must already hold a valid and in-date SSSTS certificate. You can take the course at any time before your certificate expires, but not after. Once your certificate has lapsed, you’ll need to complete the full two-day SSSTS course again to regain your qualification.

Why the SSSTS Refresher Is Mandatory

CITB does not offer a grace period for expired certificates. That means once your SSSTS certificate has expired, you lose eligibility for the one-day refresher. Completing the course before the expiry date is the only way to renew your qualification and remain compliant.

Benefits of Renewing Instead of Repeating the Full Course

Save Time and Money

The refresher takes just one day, compared to the full two-day course. By renewing before expiry, you reduce time away from work and avoid the higher cost of redoing the full training. It’s a quicker and more cost-effective way to stay qualified.

Maintain Your Supervisor Role Without Interruption

Renewing on time helps you avoid disruption. You stay active on site without needing extra days off to complete additional training. It also ensures you meet the expectations of your employer and remain compliant with CITB standards.

Keep Up with the Latest Legislation

The refresher brings your knowledge in line with the latest health and safety laws, regulations and site practices. As a supervisor, staying informed helps you lead confidently and protect your team.

Course Format Options

Online SSSTS Refresher

We offer the SSSTS Refresher as a remote course delivered through Zoom. It’s ideal for those who prefer to save time and avoid travel. You’ll join a live virtual classroom led by an experienced trainer, with full interaction through video and chat.

The final assessment, including your exam and case study, is completed online as part of the session.

Classroom-Based Refresher

If you prefer face-to-face learning, you can book the SSSTS Refresher at one of our UK-wide training centres. You’ll join a small group of delegates for a full day of tutor-led learning, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take part in discussions.

The classroom environment is great for those who benefit from direct engagement and in-person guidance.

In-House SSSTS Refresher for Businesses

We also offer in-house training for companies who want to upskill a group of supervisors at once. You can choose a date and delivery format that suits your team, whether that’s online or at your own site.

Our trainers tailor the content to your business, using real-world examples that your team can relate to.

CITB SSSTS Online Zoom Course

What Will You Learn on the SSSTS Refresher Course?

Key Topics Covered

The refresher course brings your health and safety knowledge up to date. We revisit key areas like supervision duties, legal responsibilities, and accident prevention.

You’ll also explore how to carry out effective risk assessments and manage hazards such as working at height, manual handling, and environmental risks. We include mental health awareness to help you support your team more effectively.

Assessment and Certification

You’ll be assessed through a multiple-choice exam, a case study, and a short toolbox talk. We’ll also review your participation throughout the session. Once you pass, you’ll receive a renewed SSSTS certificate that remains valid for five years. Certificates usually arrive within six to eight weeks.

When Should You Book the SSSTS Refresher?

How to Check Your Expiry Date

Your SSSTS certificate lasts for five years, but it’s easy to lose track of the expiry date. We recommend checking it well in advance.

You can use the CITB Card Checker to view your certificate status online. If you’re unsure or need support, just get in touch with our team at 3B and we’ll guide you through it.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Minute

CITB doesn’t allow late renewals. Once your SSSTS certificate expires, you no longer qualify for the refresher course.

That means you’ll need to retake the full two-day course. Booking ahead gives you more choice on dates and avoids unnecessary disruption to your work schedule.

What Happens If Your SSSTS Certificate Expires?

No Grace Period from CITB

There is no leeway once your certificate has expired. CITB rules are clear, you must complete the refresher course before the expiry date if you want to stay certified.

What to Do If You Miss the Deadline

If your certificate has lapsed, you’ll need to book onto the full two-day SSSTS course again. While that’s a valuable option, it’s more time-consuming and costly than the one-day refresher. We strongly recommend renewing in advance to avoid this.

Stay Certified and Stay Safe

Renewing your SSSTS certificate is quick, straightforward, and essential for staying compliant on site. It gives you the confidence and knowledge to supervise safely and legally under the latest regulations.

Don’t leave it to chance, act early to protect your qualification, your role, and your workforce.

View our SSSTS Refresher dates and book online today

SSSTS Certificate Expiry and Refresher FAQs

How long does SSSTS last?

The SSSTS certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue.

How long does a SSSTS certificate last before expiry?

Exactly five years. You must complete the refresher before it runs out.

How do I renew my SSSTS certificate?

Book and pass the SSSTS Refresher course before your expiry date.

Can I renew my SSSTS after it expires?

No. If your certificate has expired, you must retake the full two-day course.

What’s the difference between SSSTS and the refresher?

The full SSSTS is a two-day course for new supervisors. The refresher is a one-day update for those already certified.

Is the refresher course accredited?

Yes. It’s fully accredited by CITB and part of the Site Safety Plus suite.

How can I check my SSSTS certificate expiry date?

Use the CITB Card Checker or get in touch with our team for help.

Can I do the SSSTS refresher online?

Yes. We offer online refresher courses with live tutor-led sessions via Zoom.

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