SMSTS exam questions and answers: what the test looks like

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If you are preparing for your SMSTS course, you are probably wondering what the final exam actually involves. Many candidates find the course content straightforward but feel anxious about the assessment. That is completely normal.

This guide explains what the SMSTS exam looks like, the types of questions you will face, the topics covered, the pass mark, and what happens if you do not pass first time. By the end, you should feel confident about what to expect on the day.

What is the SMSTS exam?

The SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) exam is a multiple-choice test that takes place on the final day of the course. It is set and marked by CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board. Passing the exam is a requirement for receiving your SMSTS certificate.

The exam is closed-book, which means you cannot refer to any notes or materials during the test. You will sit it in the same venue where you have been training throughout the week.

How many questions are in the SMSTS exam?

The SMSTS exam contains 25 multiple-choice questions. Each question has four possible answers, and only one is correct. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it is always worth attempting every question.

You have 45 minutes to complete the paper. Most candidates find this is enough time to read through the questions carefully and review their answers before the time runs out.

What is the SMSTS pass mark?

You need to score at least 18 out of 25 to pass. That is a pass rate of 72%. If you have attended the full five-day course and engaged with the material, most candidates pass comfortably.

The questions are designed to test understanding, not to catch you out. CITB wants to ensure that site managers can apply health and safety principles on site. The exam is not a memory test of obscure regulations.

What topics come up in the SMSTS exam?

The exam draws on everything covered across the five-day course. The questions are spread across the following areas.

Health and safety law and management

You should expect questions on the legal framework for health and safety in construction. This includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Questions in this area often ask about the roles and responsibilities of different duty holders, such as the principal contractor, principal designer, and site manager.

Risk assessment and method statements

A large portion of the exam focuses on risk management. You need to understand the five steps of risk assessment, the hierarchy of control, and how method statements are used on site.

Expect scenario-based questions where you are asked what the correct course of action would be when a hazard is identified.

Welfare and site setup

The CDM Regulations set minimum welfare standards on construction sites. Questions in this topic cover toilet facilities, washing facilities, rest areas, drinking water, and accommodation for clothing.

You may also be asked about signage, site inductions, and emergency procedures.

Working at height

Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatal injuries in construction. The exam reflects this. You should understand the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the hierarchy for managing work at height, and the specific requirements for scaffolding, ladders, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), and edge protection.

Excavations and groundwork

Questions on excavation safety cover the risks of collapse, underground services, and water ingress. You need to know the inspection requirements for excavations and when a competent person is required to carry out a check.

Lifting operations

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) applies to all lifting on construction sites. The exam may ask about thorough examination requirements, lift plans, and the responsibilities of the appointed person.

Electrical safety

Common questions here include the safe voltage levels for portable tools on construction sites, the requirements for inspection and testing of electrical equipment, and what to do if an underground cable is struck.

Fire prevention and emergency procedures

You should understand the fire triangle, the classes of fire, the correct extinguisher to use in different situations, and the legal requirements for fire risk assessments on site.

COSHH and hazardous substances

Questions on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) may ask about how to assess exposure risks, what a COSHH assessment should include, and the hierarchy of controls for hazardous substances such as silica dust, cement, and solvents.

Manual handling

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid manual handling where reasonably practicable. Exam questions may ask about the TILE framework (Task, Individual, Load, Environment) and when mechanical aids should be used.

Noise and vibration

You should be aware of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Typical questions cover exposure action values, exposure limit values, and the controls required when limits are exceeded.

Behavioural safety and leadership

The SMSTS is a management course, so some questions focus on how site managers influence safety culture. Topics include toolbox talks, safety observation tours, near-miss reporting, and how to challenge unsafe behaviour effectively.

Example SMSTS exam questions

The following examples are representative of the style and difficulty of questions you will encounter. They are not taken from the official CITB exam paper.

Example question 1

Under CDM 2015, which duty holder is responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring the construction phase?

A. The client
B. The principal designer
C. The principal contractor
D. The designer

Answer: C. The principal contractor is responsible for planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating the construction phase to ensure health and safety.

Example question 2

What is the first step in the hierarchy of control for managing risks?

A. Substitute the hazard
B. Eliminate the hazard
C. Isolate the hazard
D. Use personal protective equipment

Answer: B. Elimination is always the preferred and most effective control measure. PPE is the last resort.

Example question 3

What is the reduced low voltage used for portable tools on most UK construction sites?

A. 240V
B. 110V
C. 50V
D. 12V

Answer: B. 110V is the standard reduced voltage used for portable tools on construction sites, supplied via a centre-tapped transformer to limit the maximum voltage to earth to 55V.

Example question 4

How often must excavations be inspected by a competent person when people are working in them?

A. Once a week
B. At the start of every shift
C. Every two hours
D. Only when there has been a change in conditions

Answer: B. Excavations must be inspected at the start of every shift in which people are working in them, and after any event that may have affected their stability.

Example question 5

Which regulation places a legal duty on employers to assess the risk of injury from manual handling?

A. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
B. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
C. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
D. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Answer: C. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 specifically require employers to avoid manual handling where reasonably practicable, and to assess and reduce the risk where it cannot be avoided.

How to prepare for the SMSTS exam

The best preparation is active participation throughout the five-day course. Candidates who engage with group exercises, ask questions, and review their notes each evening tend to perform well.

Here are some practical tips to help you prepare.

Take a free SMSTS mock test

Target Zero offers a free SMSTS mock test on our website. It is a good way to familiarise yourself with the style and difficulty of questions before you sit the real thing. Working through it under timed conditions gives you a realistic sense of where you are and which topics need more attention.

Review your course notes each evening

The SMSTS course covers a lot of material. Spending 20 to 30 minutes each evening reviewing what you have learned that day helps to consolidate the information. Do not try to cram everything the night before the exam.

Focus on the key regulations

You do not need to memorise entire pieces of legislation. You do need to understand the purpose of the main regulations and what they require of site managers. Make a list of the regulations covered in the course and note one or two key points from each.

Understand the CDM duty holder roles

Questions about CDM 2015 are common. Make sure you are clear on the responsibilities of the client, principal designer, principal contractor, designer, and contractor. Confusion between these roles is one of the most common reasons candidates lose marks.

Learn the hierarchy of controls

The hierarchy of control appears across multiple topics, from working at height to COSHH to manual handling. Understanding it once means you can apply it to any scenario question.

Do not overthink scenario questions

Scenario questions describe a situation on site and ask what the site manager should do. The answer is almost always the most proactive, safety-first option. If one answer involves stopping work and another involves carrying on with additional PPE, the exam will typically expect you to stop and address the root cause.

What happens if you do not pass?

If you do not reach the pass mark of 18 out of 25, you will need to resit the exam. CITB allows candidates to resit the assessment. Your training provider will be able to advise on the process and timing for a resit.

It is worth noting that the majority of candidates who complete the full five-day course do pass the exam. Attending every day and engaging with the material gives you the best possible chance.

What about the SMSTS refresher?

If you already hold an SMSTS certificate and it is coming up for renewal, you do not need to repeat the full five-day course. The SMSTS refresher course runs over two days and includes an updated assessment. The format is similar to the original exam, with multiple-choice questions covering current legislation and best practice.

SMSTS certificates are valid for five years. After that, you must complete the refresher to maintain your certification.

Is the SMSTS exam the same as the SSSTS exam?

No. The SSSTS course is a two-day course aimed at site supervisors rather than site managers. The assessment is shorter and covers a narrower range of topics. The SMSTS is the more comprehensive qualification and is generally required for anyone in a site management or senior supervisory role.

If you are unsure which course is right for your role, our sales team can help. Call 01245 379496 or email sales@targetzerogroup.co.uk.

Where can I take the SMSTS course?

Target Zero Training runs SMSTS courses from venues across England. You can book at our centres in Chelmsford, Peterborough, Crawley, Sheffield, Stratford, Waltham Abbey, and Barking.

Prefer to study from home? Our SMSTS online course delivers the same CITB-approved content through live virtual sessions. Prices start from £399+VAT.

We are rated 4.9/5.0 on both Trustpilot and Reviews.io, with over 10,000 reviews across both platforms. Book your place on the SMSTS course page.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the SMSTS exam?

The SMSTS exam has 25 multiple-choice questions. You have 45 minutes to complete it.

What is the pass mark for the SMSTS exam?

You need to score 18 out of 25 to pass, which is 72%.

Can I take notes into the SMSTS exam?

No. The SMSTS exam is closed-book. You cannot use notes, course materials, or any other resources during the test.

What happens if I fail the SMSTS exam?

You can arrange a resit through your training provider. CITB allows candidates to resit the assessment. Contact your provider to discuss the options.

How difficult is the SMSTS exam?

Most candidates who complete the full five-day course pass the exam. The questions test understanding of key principles rather than memorisation of specific facts. Engaging fully with the course content is the most effective preparation.

Is the SMSTS exam the same for classroom and online courses?

Yes. The CITB assessment is the same regardless of whether you take the classroom or online version of the course. Both lead to the same SMSTS certificate.