What is the Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) and Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) course?

Key facts

• TWS = Temporary Works Supervisor. 2-day course. Supervises temporary works on site.
• TWC = Temporary Works Coordinator. 2-day course. Coordinates the temporary works process across the project.
• Both courses are built around the temporary works management process set out in BS 5975:2019 (Code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework).
• Certificates are CITB-accredited and recognised across UK construction.
• Validity is typically 5 years, in line with the other SSP qualifications.
• TWS and TWC are normally held alongside SSSTS or SMSTS, not instead of them.

What temporary works covers

Temporary works are the parts of a construction site that exist only to support the permanent works during construction: excavation supports, formwork, falsework, scaffolding, propping, temporary site access, and so on. Failure of temporary works is one of the highest-consequence risks on a UK construction site, with several fatal incidents on record over the past two decades. BS 5975 sets out the management process needed to design, check, install, monitor and remove temporary works safely. The CITB TWS and TWC courses train supervisors and coordinators to operate that process correctly.

What the TWS course covers

The 2-day Temporary Works Supervisor course is built for the person on site supervising the installation, use and removal of temporary works. Across the two days, delegates work through:

• The BS 5975 framework and the four roles it defines: Temporary Works Designer, Designer Check, Temporary Works Coordinator, Temporary Works Supervisor.
• The temporary works register and how to operate it.
• The permit-to-load system: what it is, who issues it, how it is signed off.
• Reading and interpreting temporary works design drawings.
• Hazards and controls for the main temporary works families (excavation supports, falsework, formwork, scaffolding, propping, temporary site access).
• The supervisor’s daily duty: pre-use checks, monitoring during use, sign-off for removal.
• An end-of-course written assessment.

What the TWC course covers

The 2-day Temporary Works Coordinator course is built for the person coordinating the temporary works management process across the whole project. Across the two days, delegates work through:

• The BS 5975 framework in depth, with the Coordinator’s duties as the focal point.
• Setting up and maintaining the temporary works register.
• Commissioning temporary works designs and arranging the independent design check.
• Coordinating with the Principal Contractor under the CDM 2015 Regulations.
• Issuing permits to load and permits to dismantle.
• Briefing TWS holders and operatives on the temporary works arrangements.
• An end-of-course written assessment.

TWC is typically held by site engineers, agents or assistant site managers who carry the BS 5975 coordination duty for the project.

TWS vs TWC: which one do I need?

Do I need both?

Not usually. Most temporary works staff hold one or the other depending on their role. A site agent or site engineer running the project’s temporary works process needs TWC. A working supervisor on a temporary works package needs TWS. On smaller projects, the Coordinator and Supervisor may be the same person, in which case both qualifications are useful. On larger projects, the roles are typically separated and held by different people.

How TWS and TWC sit alongside SSSTS and SMSTS

TWS and TWC are temporary-works-specific. They do not replace the general supervisory or management qualifications. A working temporary works supervisor still needs SSSTS as the general first-line supervisor qualification, plus TWS for the temporary works duty on top. A site agent coordinating temporary works typically holds SMSTS as the general site manager qualification, plus TWC for the temporary works duty on top. Both pairings are common and align with the way Tier 1 main contractors structure roles on site.

The BS 5975 backbone

BS 5975 is the UK code of practice for temporary works procedures and the permissible stress design of falsework. It is published by BSI and is the standard most Tier 1 main contractors and Principal Contractors reference in their project temporary works procedures. Both the TWS and TWC courses are built around BS 5975 and use the standard’s terminology, roles and permit system throughout. Holding TWS or TWC tells the Principal Contractor that the supervisor or coordinator understands and can operate the BS 5975 process.

Related questions

• What’s the difference between SMSTS and SSSTS?
• What is CITB Site Safety Plus?
• Who needs SMSTS vs the Black Manager CSCS card / NVQ route?
• What is the Director’s Role for Health & Safety course?
• Can SSP courses be delivered on-site?

Quick answers to related questions

How long is the TWS course?

2 days. The CITB-accredited TWS course covers the BS 5975 framework, the temporary works register, the permit-to-load system and the supervisor’s daily duty. End-of-course written assessment.

How long is the TWC course?

2 days. The CITB-accredited TWC course covers the BS 5975 framework in depth from the Coordinator’s perspective, the design check process and coordination with the Principal Contractor under CDM 2015.

Do I need SSSTS or SMSTS as well as TWS or TWC?

Typically yes. TWS and TWC are temporary-works-specific and do not replace the general supervisory or management qualifications. A working supervisor on temporary works usually holds SSSTS plus TWS. A site agent coordinating temporary works usually holds SMSTS plus TWC.

Last updated: 2026-05-21. Reviewed by the MPTT CITB Site Safety Plus training team, CITB-approved instructors.