SMSTS refresher: what to expect and how to prepare

What is the SMSTS refresher?

It is the renewal course for the Site Management Safety Training Scheme. CITB describes it as a two-day refresher of the full SMSTS course, aimed at bringing your knowledge of site safety, health, welfare and environmental duties up to date.

Attendance is strict. The National Construction College says Site Safety Plus rules require you to be present for the full 15 hours, so missing part of a day can put your certificate at risk.

Teaching is interactive. Expect discussion in the room, worked case studies, tasks in groups and presentations, so plan to take part rather than only listen.

The National Construction College describes the course as blended learning and offers two booking options, one in person and one online. Its page does not explain how the online sessions run, so ask the provider about timings and what equipment you need.

Who can book it?

At the National Construction College, you need an SMSTS certificate that is still valid and was gained within the past five years, and you must book the refresher before that certificate runs out.

You also need a good standard of spoken and written English, plus valid photo ID. The college points to a list of accepted ID on the CITB courses and tests pages. Other providers may set their own rules, so check the joining instructions.

If your certificate has already lapsed, the refresher is no longer open to you. The college says renewal has to happen every five years, before expiry, through the refresher, and that anyone who misses that window must sit the full SMSTS course again.

Look at the expiry date on your certificate today and work back from it when you plan your booking.

What does the course cover?

The National Construction College lists the topics the refresher looks at. They include the areas the Health and Safety Executive is currently focusing on, risk assessments and method statements, and health, safety and welfare on construction sites.

The list also covers reporting under RIDDOR, behavioural safety, occupational health and changes to legislation that affect construction.

Use that list as your revision plan. For each topic, think of a recent example from your own sites and what you did about it.

How is it assessed?

The National Construction College says the course finishes with a multiple-choice test. Its page does not give the number of questions, the time allowed or the pass mark.

We could not read the CITB scheme rules for the SMSTS refresher when we wrote this guide, so we have not quoted any exam figures here. Ask your provider, or check the current Site Safety Plus scheme rules on the CITB website, before the day.

If you fail the test, the college says you have 90 days from the date of the original course to re-sit it, and that a re-sit costs extra.

Other providers may set different terms, so ask about re-sits before you book.

What does it cost?

Prices differ between providers. At the time of writing, the National Construction College listed the refresher from 299 pounds with no VAT. It says the fee covers course publications, registration and the certificate, along with lunch and refreshments.

It also mentions that eligible employers may be able to get a grant. If your employer is paying, ask them to check before booking.

Employers who want to train a group of six to sixteen staff at a venue of their choice can arrange this through the college's account managers.

Always check the live price on the provider's page, because prices change.

How should I prepare?

Read your course notes and any site documents you rely on, such as risk assessments, method statements and your own site rules. Think about what has changed on your sites, and in the law, since you first qualified.

Practise explaining a hazard and its controls out loud. Short, clear answers make group tasks and presentations easier.

Check the joining instructions for what to bring, including the photo ID the provider will accept.

A timed practice paper can help you get used to reading questions closely under time pressure. Our free SMSTS practice paper does that, though it does not replace the approved course.

Plan to be present for both days from start to finish, and arrange cover on site in advance so you can give the course your full attention.