SSSTS exam guide
How the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme exam works, taken from CITB's published scheme documents (checked 11 November 2026).
- Paper
- 25 questions
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Pass rule
- 80%, first 4 all right
The course
2 days, 15 hours.
The exam paper
25 questions in 30 minutes: 22 multiple choice and 3 short written questions. The first four are safety critical and must all be answered correctly.
Books and notes
Closed book, except the supervision guide (GE706) may be used in the last ten minutes.
Pass mark
80%, plus all four safety-critical questions correct, plus a pass in the trainer review.
If you do not pass
A re-sit within 30 days is allowed with 70% to 77% (safety critical questions all right) or 80% with one safety critical question wrong, if the trainer review is passed.
Syllabus
Law and management
- Health and safety law
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- Health and safety management systems
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Statutory inspections and checks
- Reporting accidents, injuries and ill health
- Leadership and worker engagement
Health and welfare
- Health and welfare of the workforce
- First aid and emergency procedures
- Hazardous substances
- Asbestos
- Dust and fumes
- Noise and vibration
- Manual handling
General safety
- Site set up and security
- Fire prevention and control
- Electricity
- Plant and work equipment
- Lifting operations and lifting equipment
High risk activities
- Working at height
- Excavations
- Underground and overhead services
- Confined spaces
- Temporary works
Environment
- Environmental awareness
- Pollution
- Waste materials
- Nuisance
How long does the certificate last?
CITB's scheme documents do not state the validity period. Most training providers say SSSTS certificates last five years, and that you must take the refresher before yours expires. Check the date on your own card and ask your training provider or CITB.
Source: CITB Appendix C: SSSTS (v01.04, February 2026). Rules can change, so always confirm with your training provider.
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SSSTS exam questions answered
What is the SSSTS pass mark?
80%, plus all four safety-critical questions correct, plus a pass in the trainer review. The paper has 25 questions in 30 minutes, worth 30 marks, with 24 needed to pass.
Can I re-sit the SSSTS exam if I fail?
A re-sit within 30 days is allowed with 70% to 77% (safety critical questions all right) or 80% with one safety critical question wrong, if the trainer review is passed. Always confirm the detail with your training provider.
Can I use books in the SSSTS exam?
Closed book, except the supervision guide (GE706) may be used in the last ten minutes.
How long is the SSSTS course?
2 days, 15 hours.
Where can I practise the SSSTS exam format?
Our free timed SSSTS paper follows the same layout and pass rules, with a score by module. Full access adds the whole question bank and explanations (30 days full access, 30 days).