What Certifications Do You Need to Work on a Building Site?

All staff working on building sites need the right training, skills, and knowledge for the tasks they’re expected to do. The complication is that there are multiple potential certifications and courses employees and contractors might need, and in many cases construction professionals may require more than one certification.

This depends on the specifics of the person’s role and responsibilities, the risks involved at each building site, and the equipment they’re using. 

Some workers may need basic construction health and safety training, supervisors and managers might require additional qualifications, and some employers or sites require all workers to hold a CSCS card.

Working on a Building Site: Key Takeaways

• While everyone working on a live construction site needs appropriate training and the competence to fulfil their roles, there is no standard qualification or list of certifications every construction professional needs.
• CITB Health and Safety Awareness is a common starting point, while supervisors and managers often complete SSSTS or SMSTS courses. 
• Those carrying out specialist activities or using specific equipment may need focused training based on those tasks, such as IPAF or forklift operator courses.
• CSCS cards are widely used in the industry, but employers and staff should check the requirements for each job and site rather than assuming a CSCS card covers every training requirement.

Do You Need Qualifications to Work on a Building Site?

Generally yes, because employers need to meet the obligations set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure their staff have the right training, instruction and supervision to carry out their roles safely.

However, there isn’t a definitive qualification everybody on a building site needs, because this varies depending on what work they’re actually carrying out, and what they might be responsible for.

Those new to construction are often enrolled in the CITB Health and Safety Awareness course, which is an introduction to building site safety and looks at common hazards, health and safety responsibilities and safe working practices.

You’ll find more information about matching training to construction roles in our guide to What Health and Safety Qualifications Do Construction Staff Need.

What Training Do You Need to Work on a Building Site?

As we’ve mentioned, this will depend on several factors, with some potential courses as follows:

These are examples, and employers are advised to consider the work being carried out before identifying the training needed.

What Health and Safety Training Do Construction Supervisors Need?

Supervisors and team leaders often need further training to ensure they’re able to fulfil their health and safety responsibilities, and the CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is designed for people in these roles. The two-day course covers areas including:

• Health and safety legislation
• Supervisory responsibilities
• Risk assessments and method statements
• Site inductions
• Identifying and controlling hazards
• Monitoring site activities

For more information, see our guide to CITB SSSTS Course Requirements.

What Training Do Construction Site Managers Need?

Construction site managers have broader responsibilities for planning, organising and monitoring health and safety, and the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) may be more relevant. 

The five-day course covers topics including health and safety legislation, CDM Regulations, risk assessments, accident prevention, fire safety, COSHH and other construction-related risks.

SMSTS isn’t universally mandatory for every site manager, but it is a widely recognised qualification and may be required by employers, contractors or clients.

What Other Qualifications Might Construction Workers Need?

Some construction work involves specific equipment or higher-risk activities, and workers may need additional training before they can carry out those tasks.

For example, someone operating a MEWP may need IPAF operator training for the relevant equipment category.

Workers operating forklift trucks may require RTITB forklift operator training, while people who need to locate underground services may benefit from CAT and Genny operator training.

Other potentially relevant courses include:

• Working at height
• Manual handling
• Fire safety
• First aid
• COSHH
• Asbestos awareness
• Harness use and inspection
• Temporary works

The right combination will depend on the individual and the work being undertaken and, as Steve Booker, Managing Director at Kentec Training, explains, ‘Working on a building site can involve very different responsibilities from one person to the next, so training needs to reflect that. The aim isn't to collect certificates but to ensure everyone has the knowledge and skills they need to carry out their work safely.’

Kentec Training offers a range of construction health and safety courses for workers, supervisors and managers, and if you're unsure which training your construction workforce needs, please contact Kentec Training to discuss your requirements.

Related Guides and Resources

• Health and Safety Executive: Construction
• Health and Safety Executive: Construction Skills
• CITB: Site Safety Plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What Qualifications Do I Need to Work on a Building Site?

There isn't one qualification every construction worker needs, because the right training depends on each person’s job, responsibilities, and the risks they might encounter. Courses like CITB Health and Safety Awareness are often a starting point, while supervisors, managers and specialist operators may need further certifications.

Do I Need a CSCS Card to Work on a Building Site?

Sometimes, yes, because although CSCS cards aren’t a legal requirement, many employers and sites expect workers to hold the relevant card for their occupation.

Do Construction Supervisors Need SSSTS?

SSSTS is a widely recognised course for supervisors but also isn’t a legal or mandatory certification. However, as with CSCS cards, it can be something that contractors or site owners require all supervisors to hold.

For more information about construction training requirements, see our guide: How Long Does an SSSTS Certificate Last?

What Qualifications Do Construction Site Managers Need?

Many construction site managers enrol in the SMSTS course, and although that might depend on the rules and policies of each site or project, it’s specifically designed for building sector professionals with construction site management responsibilities.