The SMSTS Refresher Hangover: COVID Extensions Come Back to Bite

5 January 2026

As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic construction landscape, one lingering issue that’s causing major headaches for site managers is the hangover from SMSTS refresher courses.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every corner of life and work, and while the temporary extensions granted by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certificates provided some much-needed relief, the aftershocks are now being felt. Many construction professionals attempting to renew their SMSTS certifications are finding themselves in an unexpected, and often costly, predicament: fraudulent certificates that were issued during the COVID extension period.

• According to SafeContractor, qualification fraud is a growing problem, with SMSTS certificates among the most commonly forged health-&-safety qualifications
• Over the past few years, the CITB counter-fraud team has reported dealing with 1,700+ fraud incidents, revoked 2,210 health & safety test results and shut down about 10 test centres.

This issue isn’t just a small inconvenience—it’s a significant challenge that is only now coming to light as workers attempt to book their SMSTS refresher courses. Here’s a closer look at what’s going wrong, why it’s happening, and what construction workers and businesses need to know.

The Problem: Fraudulent Certificates Are Coming to Light

When the COVID pandemic first hit, training providers closed their doors and many courses—including essential SMSTS refresher courses—were either postponed or cancelled. To ensure that workers could continue to operate on site, the CITB implemented temporary extensions to the validity of SMSTS certifications. Initially, this was a lifeline for site managers who needed to keep their qualifications up to date but couldn’t attend in-person training.

However, as training resumed and workers began booking their refresher courses, many are discovering a harsh truth: their SMSTS certification was never actually registered with the CITB. In some cases, training providers issued certificates without completing the proper registration process, or worse, they issued fraudulent certificates altogether.

This means that when these workers attempt to book their refresher courses, they’re finding out—sometimes for the first time—that their qualification doesn’t exist in the system. They are now facing the prospect of having to retake the entire SMSTS course, a major setback both in terms of time and cost.

Why is This Happening?

There are several reasons why this issue is so widespread, and it’s not just about fraudulent intent. During the COVID pandemic, the demand for training surged when restrictions were eased, and many construction professionals scrambled to renew their certifications quickly. Some training providers, under pressure to meet this demand, may have taken shortcuts. Others, particularly less reputable providers, issued certificates without the necessary steps for proper registration.

Key Factors Driving the Issue:

1. Rushed Registration Process: With many providers offering training through online platforms and a rush to certify workers, the usual due diligence around proper certificate registration was sometimes overlooked. This meant that even though workers had completed the courses, their certifications were not submitted or recorded with the CITB.
2. Pressure to Get Certified Quickly: Site managers and supervisors were under significant pressure to get back to work. In many cases, businesses chose the fastest, cheapest options available, which unfortunately led some workers to fall victim to sub-standard training providers.
3. Fraudulent Practices: In some instances, less scrupulous training providers issued certificates without actually conducting the necessary courses or assessments. This issue, which has become more apparent only now as workers attempt to renew, has left many with the unpleasant surprise of learning that their certification never existed in the first place.

The Consequences: Retaking the Entire SMSTS Course

For workers and employers, the consequences are severe. If you find out that your SMSTS certification wasn’t registered with the CITB—or worse, that it was a fraudulent certificate—you will likely be required to re-sit the full SMSTS course. This can take several days of training and depending on the course provider, the costs can be significant.

For some, this is an unexpected financial burden. For businesses, it means additional time and resources spent on retraining workers who were already qualified, causing disruptions to project timelines and potential delays on-site.

But the real issue here is the lack of awareness: many workers only discover these problems at the moment they attempt to book their refresher courses. After waiting to get back on track, only to find out that their certificates are invalid, frustration and confusion set in. For some, this means scrambling to find an alternative course at the last minute, which can also lead to delays in project timelines and extra costs.

What Else is at Stake?

While fraudulent or improperly registered certificates are the most glaring issue, there are other concerns that are exacerbating the situation:

1. Increased Backlog in Refresher Courses: The pandemic has led to a massive backlog of SMSTS refresher courses, as many site managers’ certificates expired during the COVID lockdowns. Now that workers are trying to catch up and renew their qualifications, many training providers are facing high demand, making it difficult to secure a spot for the refresher course. This delays workers from returning to sites or taking on new projects, adding another layer of frustration.
2. Loss of Confidence in Training Providers: The rise in fraudulent certificates is leading to a loss of confidence in some training providers. Workers and employers are now more cautious when selecting their training courses, and the pressure is on reputable providers to ensure that their services are above reproach. Unfortunately, this issue isn’t just limited to the low-cost providers; even well-established companies have been caught up in the confusion and rushed registration process.
3. Compliance and Legal Risks: At a time when compliance and safety are more important than ever, workers who have not properly renewed their SMSTS certification are at risk of breaching legal requirements. Employers could be held liable if workers are found to be operating without valid certification, putting businesses at risk of fines, legal action, or worse—unsafe working conditions.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls

If you’re preparing to renew your SMSTS certification, here are a few steps you can take to avoid falling into the trap:

1. Double-Check Your Certificate: Before booking your refresher course, verify that your certificate is properly registered with the CITB. You can do this by checking the details on the CITB’s official website or directly contacting the CITB for confirmation.
2. Choose Reputable Providers: Opt for training providers with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. While these may come at a slightly higher cost, the peace of mind they offer is worth it. Be cautious of providers offering training at a significantly lower price—especially if the courses are offered online without the appropriate quality checks.
3. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: If your SMSTS certification is approaching expiration, don’t wait until the last minute to book your refresher. The backlog of courses and the increased demand for places means you may face delays. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid the stress of last-minute scheduling and the risk of missing a renewal window.
4. Report Any Issues: If you discover that your certificate is invalid or fraudulent, report it to the CITB immediately. They can help investigate the issue and assist you in finding a resolution. The quicker you act, the better chance you have of avoiding disruption to your work schedule.

The Road Ahead: Fixing the System

The hangover of the COVID extension period highlights significant flaws in how training certificates are issued and tracked. While the CITB has worked hard to manage this backlog and ensure the quality of certification, there’s still much work to be done.

As we move into 2026, it’s clear that the construction industry will need to place a renewed focus on training integrity. We cannot afford to let these issues slip through the cracks again. For now, workers and employers must stay vigilant and ensure they are working with trusted training providers to maintain safety, compliance, and the integrity of their qualifications.

If you’re facing these challenges, take heart: you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and with careful planning, we can make sure the lessons of this turbulent period lead to a safer, more reliable future for our industry.

< back