SMSTS Exam Format Guide for Future Site Managers

Understanding the SMSTS exam format is one of the most important steps before you begin your training. The Construction Industry Training Board requires every delegate to complete the full assessment at the end of the course, and knowing the structure in advance helps you prepare with confidence. This guide explains the question structure, the marking system, the time limits and the most effective preparation strategies. You will also find links to the relevant Target Zero training courses and practice resources.

What Is the SMSTS Exam

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme is a five day programme designed for current and future site managers. It teaches essential knowledge for managing a construction site safely, including health and safety law, risk management, CDM duties, environmental responsibilities, site welfare and the responsibilities of senior management.

At the end of the course you must complete a formal assessment. The exam confirms that you have understood the content and that you can apply the principles of safe site management in real situations.

If your certificate expires after five years you must complete a refresher course which also contains an assessment. You can see details on our main SMSTS course page and refresher page below.

View the course: SMSTS Training
View the refresher: SMSTS Refresher

Complete Breakdown of the SMSTS Exam Format

The SMSTS exam is designed to test both your knowledge and your ability to apply site management principles correctly. The structure is clear and consistent across all CITB approved providers.

Total Number of Questions

You will sit a written exam containing twenty five questions.

Question Types

The exam contains two types of questions.

Multiple choice questions
There are eighteen multiple choice questions. Each question carries one mark and tests your knowledge of essential legislation, safety practices and responsibilities.

Short written questions
There are seven short written questions that require brief structured answers. These questions usually present a realistic site scenario. You may be asked to explain how you would handle a safety concern, what actions you would take or what control measures you would put in place. Each written question carries two marks.

Total Marks Available

There are thirty two marks available. The pass mark is twenty six. This means you must achieve just over eighty percent to pass the assessment.

Time Allowance

Most assessments allow thirty five minutes to complete the exam. Good time management is essential, especially when writing structured answers for scenario based questions.

Open Book Period

In many cases the final fifteen minutes are open book. During this time you may refer to the official publications that you used throughout the course. The open book section does not reduce the difficulty level. Instead it tests how effectively you can navigate trusted guidance under pressure.

Attendance and Course Work Requirements

You must attend all five days, complete the group tasks, engage in the exercises and participate in the case study work. The exam is only one part of the overall assessment, and full participation throughout the course is essential for certification.

What Topics Does the SMSTS Exam Cover

The exam questions reflect all major areas covered during the course. These include:

• Health and safety law
• Risk assessments and method statements
• CDM regulations and management duties
• Site inductions and toolbox briefings
• Working at height
• Fire safety
• Accidents, reporting and investigations
• Site welfare
• Hazard control and emergency procedures
• Environmental responsibilities and pollution prevention
• Leadership responsibilities for site managers

Scenario questions usually test your ability to think like a responsible site manager, not simply recall information. This is why practising both knowledge based questions and scenario based questions is so valuable.

How to Prepare Effectively for the SMSTS Exam

Practise With Realistic Mock Tests

The best way to prepare is to use timed practice that matches the real structure of the exam. You can use our dedicated SMSTS section on the mock test platform to build confidence in both question types.

Visit the Target Zero practice area: SMSTS and CITB Mock Tests

Use the Course Books

Become familiar with the structure of the official publications. During the open book section you will perform better if you already know where key topics appear within the text.

Focus on Scenario Thinking

Many candidates find the written questions the most challenging. The key is to think like a site manager. Explain your decisions clearly and show that you understand the right control measures.

Attend All Sessions

The trainer guides you through the essential reasoning that helps you answer the more complex questions. Missing sessions reduces your understanding and increases exam pressure.

Who Should Take the SMSTS Exam

The SMSTS assessment is suited to:

• Current site managers
• Aspiring site managers
• Project managers
• Health and safety professionals
• Supervisors preparing for more senior roles
• Anyone responsible for planning, managing or monitoring construction activities

If your current certificate is due to expire within six months you should complete the refresher programme rather than retaking the full five day course.

Why Understanding the Exam Format Matters

Knowing the exam structure gives you a major advantage before you step into the assessment. You can manage your time effectively, apply the right depth of reasoning and reduce exam day pressure. Most importantly, understanding the format allows you to study with purpose and focus on areas that matter most.

Target Zero delivers SMSTS courses across the UK with live instructors, practical scenario learning and full support throughout the programme. Our mock tests give you a structured way to revise and build confidence before taking the real exam.

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