If you’re stepping up into a site management role, the CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is one of the most important qualifications you can achieve. Over five full days (37.5 hours), it equips you with the knowledge and skills to manage health, safety and welfare on construction sites in line with the law.

It’s widely required by employers, particularly major contractors, but it’s also challenging. The SMSTS is not just a piece of paper; it’s an intensive programme with strict attendance, core exercises, and a tough end-of-course exam.

So how do you give yourself the best chance of passing first time? Here are 7 expert tips for SMSTS success.

1. SMSTS Is Harder Than You Think – Don’t Underestimate the Workload

This isn’t an easy course. You’ll cover two to three major subjects every day, alongside daily tasks and four mandatory exercises. Miss a session and you’ll usually have to retake the entire course. From day one, be prepared to commit fully, treat it like the professional qualification it is, not a tick-box course.

2. What Does the SMSTS Course Cover?

The SMSTS syllabus is broad and intensive. Understanding the main topics in advance will help you prepare and connect them with your site experience.

Here are the key areas covered:

• Health & Safety Law – Learn how UK legislation applies to construction, including the Health & Safety at Work Act, employers’ and employees’ duties, and enforcement powers.
• CDM Regulations – Understand the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and the responsibilities of clients, designers, principal contractors, and site managers.
• Leadership and Communication – Develop skills to lead teams effectively, influence safe behaviours, and communicate clearly across a site.
• Inspections, Audits and Accident Investigation – Gain the tools to check compliance, investigate incidents, and prevent recurrence.
• Health & Welfare – Cover mental health, stress management, drug and alcohol awareness, and site welfare requirements.
• COSHH and Asbestos Awareness – Learn how to manage substances hazardous to health, including asbestos, dust, and other dangerous materials.
• Noise and Vibration – Understand the health risks, regulations, and controls for common site hazards.
• Manual Handling – Explore safe handling practices and how to reduce the risk of injury through mechanical aids and correct technique.
• Site Organisation and Fire Safety – Plan site layout, manage vehicle movements, and control fire and explosive risks.
• Electrical Safety – Cover safe systems of work when dealing with temporary or permanent electrical installations.
• Temporary Works and Lifting Operations – Learn about safe planning, supervision, and execution of high-risk activities such as cranes and structural supports.
• Working at Height – A critical focus area, including scaffolding, ladders, fall arrest, and edge protection.
• Excavations and Confined Spaces – Understand the dangers, legal requirements, and safe systems of work in high-risk environments.
• Underground and Overhead Services – Learn how to plan work safely around buried utilities and overhead power lines.

Expect to cover two to three of these areas each day, building your knowledge step by step until the final exam.

3. Use Your Site Experience to Succeed in SMSTS

The SMSTS is designed for people already working in construction. If you’ve worked your way up from operative to supervisor, you already have real examples to draw on. Use them. When studying accident investigation, think about incidents you’ve witnessed. When learning about risk assessments, recall how you’ve applied them on site. This practical link is what helps the theory stick.

4. Stay on Top of SMSTS Evening Work

Each day builds on the last, so don’t fall behind. Set aside time each evening to go over your notes and complete the tasks you’ve been given. This steady review makes the end-of-course exam feel far less daunting and ensures you’re ready for the final assessment.

5. Ask Questions and Engage in SMSTS Training

The SMSTS is interactive, it’s not just listening to lectures. Trainers expect you to join discussions and share your experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. You’ll be surrounded by other supervisors and managers from different backgrounds; their insights can give you new perspectives and help cement your understanding.

6. Use Peer Learning to Your Advantage in SMSTS

Everyone on the course brings different experiences from different sites. Take the chance to learn how others have dealt with health and safety challenges. These conversations often give you practical examples that stick far better than memorising legislation alone.

7. SMSTS Exam Tips – How to Stay Calm and Pass First Time

The course finishes with a 35-minute exam, supported by the trainer’s review and the four core exercises. Here’s what to expect:

• 25 questions total: 18 multiple-choice, 7 short written/multi-response.
• Pass mark: 81% (26 out of 32).
• Re-sits: Scores between 72–78% may allow a one-time re-sit; below 69% requires retaking the course.
• Open book: In the last 15 minutes, you can use the official GE700 and XA6 workbook.

Remember: the exam is not designed to trip you up. It’s there to confirm you’ve understood the content. Read each question carefully, think back to the discussions and your own site experience, and manage your time wisely. If you’ve stayed engaged all week, you’ll be in a strong position.

From Site Worker to Site Manager – Where SMSTS Fits in Your Career

Think of the SMSTS as part of your career ladder:

• Operatives build awareness of hazards and follow procedures.
• Supervisors start leading small teams and enforcing standards.
• Managers must oversee the whole site, ensuring compliance, managing contractors, and preventing risks.

The SMSTS bridges your practical site knowledge with the legal and managerial responsibilities of running a project safely.

SMSTS FAQs

Is the SMSTS course hard?
Yes — the SMSTS is designed to be challenging. It covers a wide range of health and safety legislation and management responsibilities in just five days. But with preparation and focus, most delegates pass first time.

What is the SMSTS pass mark?
You need 81% (26 out of 32 marks) to pass the exam. Scores between 72–78% may allow a re-sit, but anything lower means retaking the full course.

How long does the SMSTS certificate last?
The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. After this, you must complete the SMSTS Refresher course to renew.

What happens if I fail SMSTS?
If you narrowly miss the pass mark, you may be offered a one-time re-sit. If you score below 69%, you’ll need to retake the full course.

Can you fail SMSTS for missing a day?
Yes. Full attendance is required, if you miss a session, you may not be awarded the certificate and would need to attend the course again.

Book Your SMSTS Course Today

Passing the SMSTS is demanding, but that’s exactly why it’s so highly valued across the construction industry. By committing from day one, staying on top of the workload, and using your own site experience, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.

• Explore our upcoming SMSTS courses and take the next step in your career.
• Get in touch with our team if you’d like advice or help booking your place.

Remember: investing in your SMSTS course isn’t just about passing an exam, it’s about proving you’re ready to lead, protect your team, and build safer sites for the future.