SSSTS Course Day by Day: What to Expect Over 2 Days

Q: What is the pass mark for the SSSTS exam?

The CITB pass mark is set by exam paper and typically sits around 80%. The tutor will confirm the exact mark on the day. You also need to pass the practical assessment, not just the written paper.

When You Book Multiple Courses.

The Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme is a two-day CITB-approved course. Most delegates know roughly what it covers, but few know exactly what each day looks like. This guide walks through the SSSTS course day by day, so you can arrive prepared, knowing what to expect, what gets assessed, and how to pass first time.

SSSTS course overview

SSSTS is the recognised qualification for site supervisors, gang leaders, and team leaders on UK construction sites. Typically, employers and principal contractors require it before a supervisor can take responsibility for a team. The course runs over two consecutive days, either in a classroom or live online, and concludes with a written exam plus tutor assessment.

Both days are structured around CITB-approved content. However, our tutors bring in real site examples throughout, so the material lands as practical knowledge rather than just classroom theory. For a full breakdown of the qualification and how it sits alongside other courses, see our SSSTS course page.

Before the course

You will receive joining instructions about a week before the start date. Typically these include the venue or online platform login, timings, what to bring, and any pre-course reading. For online delegates, we send a quick technical check link to confirm your camera, microphone and connection work properly.

Generally, no formal pre-course study is required. However, if you have time, we usually suggest skimming the CITB GE 706 site supervisor textbook so the legislation references feel familiar on day one. Delegates who arrive prepared often find the assessment more straightforward.

Day 1: Legislation, roles and risk

Day one focuses on the legal and procedural foundations of site supervision. The day starts at 09:00 and finishes around 17:00, with breaks throughout.

Morning: Health and safety law

First, the tutor introduces the key legislation that supervisors need to understand. This includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. Typically, this section uses real prosecution case studies, so you can see exactly how the law applies on site.

Also covered in the morning is the supervisor’s specific role and responsibilities. In particular, the tutor walks through the legal duties supervisors owe to workers under their control, contractors, and visitors. Often this is new ground for delegates moving up from a trade role into supervision.

Afternoon: Risk assessment and method statements

After lunch, the focus shifts to risk assessment. First, the tutor explains the five-step risk assessment process. Then delegates work through practical exercises, writing risk assessments for typical site scenarios. This is the part of the course that supervisors usually find most useful, because it directly mirrors the documentation they need to produce or check on site.

Method statements come next. Specifically, this section covers what makes a good method statement, how to brief one out to a team, and how to monitor compliance during the work. Furthermore, the tutor explains the difference between generic and task-specific method statements, and when each is appropriate.

Day one finishes with a quick recap and an introduction to the topics covered on day two. Generally, delegates leave day one with a clear understanding of the legal framework and the documentation they will manage as supervisors.

Day 2: Site practice, assessment and exam

Day two builds on the legal foundations and moves into practical site management topics. Then the day ends with the formal assessment.

Morning: Site safety topics

The morning of day two covers the practical site safety topics that supervisors deal with daily. These include working at height, excavation safety, manual handling, plant and equipment, and electrical safety. For each topic, the tutor explains the key risks, the relevant regulations, and the control measures supervisors need to enforce.

Also included is fire safety on site, asbestos awareness, and welfare facilities. Often these areas are where supervisors get caught out in audits, so the tutor spends time on the practical compliance points rather than just the theory.

Late morning: Inspections and toolbox talks

Next, the course moves on to inspections, audits, and toolbox talks. Specifically, delegates practise running a toolbox talk on a topic of their choice. While this can feel slightly nerve-racking, it is one of the most valuable exercises on the course because most supervisors will deliver toolbox talks regularly once back on site.

In addition, the tutor covers how to conduct a site inspection, what to record, and how to escalate findings. Generally, this links back to the documentation work from day one, so the whole course connects up.

Afternoon: Assessment and exam

The final section is the formal assessment. First, the tutor reviews everything covered, gives exam guidance, and answers any last questions. Then the written exam takes place, typically lasting around 30 minutes. The exam is multiple choice and short answer, and the pass mark is set by CITB.

Also, the tutor assesses your participation, exercises, and toolbox talk delivery throughout the course. Both elements need to be passed to gain the SSSTS certificate. For more detail on the exam itself, see our guide to SSSTS exam questions and what to expect.

What you need to bring

For classroom delivery, bring photo ID, a pen, and a notepad. Lunch and refreshments are provided. For online delivery, you need a laptop or PC with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space where you can focus for two days. Tablets and phones are not suitable because the course materials and exercises require a proper screen.

Also, bring any questions you have about your own site or current projects. Generally, the tutors are happy to talk through specific scenarios in the breaks, especially around documentation and your supervisor responsibilities.

How SSSTS is assessed

The qualification has two assessment elements. First, the written exam tests knowledge of legislation, risk assessment, and site safety topics. Second, the tutor assesses participation, exercises, and the toolbox talk across both days. Both must be passed.

If you do not pass on the first attempt, a resit is usually available. Specifically, you can resit the written exam without re-attending the course, although you would need to retake the full course if the tutor assessment was not met. Generally, our pass rate is very high because tutors give clear guidance throughout, so most delegates pass first time.

After the course

Certificates are issued by CITB within four to six weeks of course completion. The qualification is valid for five years. Before it expires, you would need to attend the SSSTS refresher to keep your card current.

Many supervisors progress from SSSTS to SMSTS as they take on senior site management roles. For ideas on next steps, see our guide to what to do after SSSTS. Also, supervisors looking to formalise their experience can consider an NVQ qualification alongside the SSSTS card.

Frequently asked questions

Is SSSTS hard?

Generally, SSSTS is not considered difficult, especially if you already have site experience. The content is practical and directly relates to the supervisor role. Typically, delegates who engage throughout the two days and complete the exercises pass the exam comfortably.

How long is each day?

Both days run from approximately 09:00 to 17:00, with a lunch break and short breaks throughout. Online delegates follow the same schedule.

Can I do SSSTS in one day?

No. CITB rules require SSSTS to be delivered over two days. The structure is fixed because the assessment depends on tutor observation across the full course.

What is the pass mark for the SSSTS exam?

The CITB pass mark is set by exam paper. Typically, the threshold sits around 80%, although the tutor will confirm the exact mark on the day. The key thing is that you also need to pass the practical assessment, not just the written paper.

Can I do SSSTS online?

Yes. The course runs as a live online format, with the same content and assessment as the classroom version. Specifically, you would need a working webcam and microphone because the tutor must observe your participation throughout.

How is SSSTS different from SMSTS?

SSSTS is for supervisors and gang leaders, while SMSTS is for site managers and project managers. Generally, SSSTS is the right course if you supervise a team but report to a site manager. For a fuller comparison, see our guide to which construction course do I need.

Book your SSSTS course

Target Zero Training holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating from over 10,000 reviews. SSSTS courses run weekly across the UK and online, with prices from £199+VAT. To book, call 01245 379496 or visit the SSSTS course page.