Common Challenges in SMSTS Courses and Solutions

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The SMSTS course is a demanding but essential qualification for construction site managers. It is designed to reflect the real responsibilities managers face on site, which is why many delegates find parts of the course challenging. These challenges are common, predictable and entirely manageable with the right approach.

This blog explores the most common challenges in SMSTS courses and provides clear, practical solutions to help managers complete the course confidently and gain real value from the training.

Challenge One Balancing the Course With Work Commitments

One of the most common challenges managers face is balancing the SMSTS course with ongoing site responsibilities. Construction projects do not pause for training, and many delegates feel pressure to stay connected to site issues during the course.

Practical Solution Plan and Protect Your Time

The most effective solution is planning ahead and treating the course as a priority.

This includes:

• Informing employers and clients well in advance
• Arranging temporary site cover if possible
• Avoiding unnecessary calls or emails during training
• Committing fully to each session

Managers who give the course their full attention gain far more from it and perform better in the assessment.

You can view course scheduling options on the SMSTS Course page.

Challenge Two Understanding Legal Responsibilities Clearly

Health and safety law can feel complex, especially for managers who have learned through experience rather than formal training. Some delegates struggle to understand how legal duties apply to them personally.

Practical Solution Focus on Application Not Memorisation

The SMSTS course is designed to explain law in practical terms.

A useful approach is to:

• Focus on what the law requires managers to do
• Understand who holds responsibility in different scenarios
• Think about how decisions affect compliance on site

Asking questions and discussing real situations helps make legal concepts clearer and more relevant.

Challenge Three Applying Risk Assessments to Real Sites

Many managers are familiar with risk assessments, but struggle when asked to critically review or challenge them. Generic paperwork often does not reflect real site conditions.

Practical Solution Think Critically and Practically

The SMSTS course encourages managers to move beyond acceptance of paperwork.

To overcome this challenge:

• Compare risk assessments against actual site conditions
• Ask whether controls are realistic and effective
• Be prepared to stop or adjust work when conditions change

This mindset shift is one of the most valuable outcomes of the course.

Challenge Four Managing the Assessment With Confidence

The SMSTS assessment can be a source of anxiety, particularly for delegates who have not sat an exam for many years.

Practical Solution Understand the Assessment Style

The assessment tests understanding and application, not memory alone.

Helpful strategies include:

• Reading questions carefully
• Answering based on real site experience
• Keeping responses clear and focused
• Managing time sensibly

Using practice questions before the course can also help build confidence. You can prepare using the SMSTS Mock Tests to become familiar with question style.

Challenge Five Participating in Group Discussion

Some managers find group discussion challenging, especially if they are used to working independently or managing teams rather than learning alongside peers.

Practical Solution Share Experience and Learn From Others

The SMSTS course benefits greatly from shared experience.

Delegates should:

• Contribute examples from their own sites
• Listen to how others handle similar challenges
• Ask questions without concern

Group discussion helps reinforce learning and provides practical insight that cannot be gained from slides alone.

Challenge Six Understanding High Risk Activities in Depth

High risk activities such as work at height, lifting operations and temporary works are complex areas that require careful management. Some managers feel unsure about their depth of knowledge.

Practical Solution Focus on Management Responsibilities

The course is not designed to turn managers into technical specialists. Instead, it focuses on understanding management responsibilities.

Managers should concentrate on:

• Knowing when specialist input is required
• Ensuring suitable planning and controls are in place
• Monitoring work effectively

This perspective helps managers manage risk without needing to be experts in every technical detail.

Challenge Seven Staying Engaged Throughout the Course

The SMSTS course runs over several days and covers a wide syllabus. Fatigue or loss of focus can affect engagement, especially for delegates balancing other pressures.

Practical Solution Stay Active and Involved

Engagement improves when delegates:

• Participate actively in discussions
• Relate content to their own sites
• Ask questions when unclear
• Take notes that are meaningful to them

Active involvement helps information stick and makes the course more rewarding.

Challenge Eight Understanding the Need for Refresher Training

Some managers view refresher training as an inconvenience rather than a requirement. This can lead to delays and lapses in certification.

Practical Solution Plan Refresher Training Early

The SMSTS certificate is valid for five years. To maintain compliance, managers must complete the SMSTS Refresher Course before expiry or within the permitted grace period.

Planning refresher training early:

• Avoids loss of site access
• Prevents the need to retake the full course
• Keeps knowledge current

You can plan renewal on the SMSTS Refresher Course page.

Challenge Nine Applying Learning After the Course

Some managers struggle to apply learning once they return to busy sites. Without reinforcement, good intentions can fade.

Practical Solution Apply Learning Immediately

The best way to embed learning is to apply it straight away.

Managers can:

• Review site risk assessments with fresh perspective
• Improve briefings and communication
• Address unsafe practices promptly
• Share learning with their teams

This reinforces the value of the course and improves site safety.

How Proper Preparation Reduces These Challenges

Many challenges become far easier to manage with preparation and the right mindset.

Effective preparation includes:

• Understanding your responsibilities before attending
• Being open to learning and discussion
• Using practice questions to build confidence
• Planning time away from site properly

Preparation improves both experience and outcomes.

Final Thoughts Turning SMSTS Challenges Into Strengths

The challenges faced during SMSTS courses reflect the realities of site management. They are not obstacles but opportunities to develop stronger judgement, leadership and confidence.

By understanding common challenges and applying practical solutions, managers can complete the course successfully and return to site better equipped to manage safety and compliance.

You can book the full qualification via the SMSTS Course, maintain compliance through the SMSTS Refresher Course, and support preparation with the SMSTS Mock Tests.

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