The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is the standard qualification for construction site managers — and a solid foundation in the health and safety duties that come with a management role. If you haven’t studied or sat an exam since school, the five days and the final assessment can feel daunting. They needn’t. The SMSTS is designed for people from all backgrounds and abilities, and a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to walk in confident and walk out qualified.
What the SMSTS exam actually involves
Knowing exactly what you’re preparing for takes most of the anxiety out of it. The SMSTS assessment is part continuous (tutor-marked exercises across the week) and part a final CITB examination paper:
The SMSTS exam at a glance
It’s mostly multiple choice with a short written element. The five safety-critical questions are worth 1–3 points each and must all be answered correctly to pass. For the final 15 minutes you may refer to the GE700 (Construction Site Safety) workbook — so know your way around it.
Eight study tips that work
1 Don’t leave coursework late
If you’re set work outside class, do it straight after the session or at a fixed daily time. Last-minute cramming adds stress and produces weaker work.
2 Break every 30 minutes
Concentration fades when you push too long. Stand up, stretch, get some air or water every half hour to keep your mind sharp.
3 Stay hydrated
It sounds minor, but dehydration dulls focus and raises anxiety. Keep water to hand throughout the course and the exam.
4 Protect your sleep
Tired learners struggle to concentrate and retain less. Get to bed early during the course week — and especially the night before the exam.
5 Rewrite points in your own words
Putting key concepts — risk assessment, CDM duties, method statements — into your own phrasing helps them stick far better than re-reading.
6 Know your learning style
Some people absorb more alone; others by talking it through. Work out which you are and study that way rather than forcing a method that doesn’t fit.
7 Ask questions in class
The tutor is there to help. If something doesn’t land, ask until it does — it’s far easier to clear up confusion in the room than in the exam.
8 Stay calm in the exam
Breathe, slow down, don’t panic. A calm mind recalls more and reads questions more carefully — which matters most on the safety-critical ones.
After you pass
Your SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. To stay qualified, complete the two-day SMSTS Refresher before it expires — if you let it lapse, you’ll have to retake the full five-day course. With the right preparation, there’s no reason you can’t pass first time and get the qualification your career needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SMSTS exam hard?
Most people pass without difficulty, though the exam is considered demanding rather than easy. The course is built to prepare you for it, and the assessment suits people of all study backgrounds. The part to focus on is the five safety-critical questions, which must all be answered correctly.
What is the SMSTS pass mark?
The pass mark is 81% — 26 out of 32 points. You must also answer all five safety-critical questions correctly, regardless of your overall score.
Can I use the GE700 workbook in the exam?
Yes, but only for the final 15 minutes of the exam. Knowing how the GE700 (Construction Site Safety – The Comprehensive Guide) is laid out, so you can find things quickly, is a useful part of your preparation.
Are past SMSTS exam papers available?
No. Under the CITB Site Safety Plus scheme rules, training providers aren’t permitted to share past exam questions. The best preparation is engaging fully with the course exercises and the GE700 workbook.
What happens if I don’t pass?
Re-sit policies vary by training provider, so check with yours before booking. Many offer a re-assessment opportunity. Full attendance across all five days is required to be eligible for the assessment in the first place.