SSSTS refresher: what to expect and how to prepare

What is the SSSTS refresher?

It is the shorter route to renew the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme. CITB lists it as a one-day course for people who have passed the SSSTS or an earlier refresher.

The National Construction College version runs for 7.5 hours. CITB says you must attend all of it, because you are assessed throughout the day.

CITB says the course revisits risk assessment, control measures and communication, then applies them to real-life scenarios so you can discuss your experience with other supervisors. The National Construction College page lists these topics: health, safety and welfare on construction sites, the structure of health and safety law, the roles and responsibilities of supervisors and managers, the importance of method statements, how to communicate on site, behavioural safety and occupational health.

Delivery depends on the provider. CITB says the course can be taken in a classroom or by remote delivery.

Who can book it?

You must already have completed the two-day SSSTS. The National Construction College asks for a current SSSTS certificate gained in the last five years.

The National Construction College also asks for good spoken and written English and a valid form of ID, and links to a list of the ID it accepts. Other providers may set their own rules, so check before you book.

CITB's general course page also lists an earlier refresher as a valid starting point. The National Construction College page names only the SSSTS certificate. Ask your provider which proof they want to see.

If you do not have a certificate that qualifies, ask the provider whether you need the full two-day course instead.

How is it assessed?

CITB says the National Construction College course uses classroom discussion, case studies, group work and presentations. It also says there is a multiple-choice exam.

Because you are assessed all day, switch your phone to silent and join in with the group tasks. Missing part of the day is a risk to your result.

The CITB course pages do not give the number of questions, the time allowed or the pass mark. Ask your provider for these details, or check the current Site Safety Plus scheme rules on the CITB website.

If you do not pass, the National Construction College says a re-sit must take place within 90 days of the original course, at an additional cost. Other providers may set their own terms.

What does it cost and how do I book?

Prices vary by provider. At the time of writing, the National Construction College showed a price from 179 pounds with no VAT, and said grants could be available for eligible employers. Check the live price before you book, because our source pages did not agree with each other on the exact figure.

CITB's course page links to a search for Site Safety Plus courses near you or online, and you can book the National Construction College version directly. The National Construction College says employers with 6 to 16 places can hold the course at a venue of their choice.

Book well before your expiry date. CITB says you need to retake the course before the certificate expires.

How should I prepare?

Read your original course notes again. Pay most attention to the topics that supervisors use every day, such as briefing a team, checking the work area and spotting poor risk controls.

Practise explaining a risk assessment and a method statement in your own words. The group tasks reward clear, short explanations.

Bring your certificate, your ID and anything your provider asks for in the joining instructions.

A timed practice paper helps you get used to reading carefully under pressure. Our free SSSTS practice paper does this, but it does not replace the approved course.

On the day, arrive early, listen to the trainer and ask questions when something has changed since your first course.