Is the SMSTS Course Difficult? What to Expect from the Assessment
If you're thinking about taking the SMSTS course, it’s perfectly normal to wonder just how challenging it might be. After all, it's a respected qualification, and if you're stepping into a site management role, you’ll want to be fully prepared.
The good news is: the SMSTS course isn’t designed to trip you up. It’s built to help you succeed — not just in the assessment, but in your day-to-day responsibilities on site. In this post, we’ll break down what the course involves, how the assessment works, and what you can do to feel confident walking in on day one.
So, Is the SMSTS Course Hard?
In short — no, it’s not too difficult, as long as you’re willing to engage with the course and put in a bit of effort.
The course is aimed at people already working in construction, particularly those moving into a management or supervisory role. You don’t need to be an academic or have formal qualifications to pass — just some industry experience and a genuine interest in running a safe site.
That said, the course is detailed. It covers a lot of important topics, from health and safety legislation to risk assessments, CDM Regulations, occupational health, and more. There’s a lot to take in, so coming prepared with the right attitude can make all the difference.
What Format Is the SMSTS Assessment?
The assessment is held at the end of the course and usually includes:
A multiple-choice test
A few short written questions
A brief case study or scenario-based task, depending on the provider
It’s designed to test your understanding of the course material, not catch you out with trick questions. You’ll have covered everything during the five-day course, and the trainer will usually give you a heads-up on the types of questions to expect.
How Many Questions Are There?
While this can vary slightly depending on the training provider, most SMSTS assessments contain around:
25 multiple-choice questions
5 short written questions
You may also be asked to answer a few scenario-based questions that assess how you’d respond to real-life site situations. These are often the most valuable part, as they help show that you can apply what you’ve learnt.
What’s the Pass Mark?
To pass the SMSTS assessment, you typically need to score at least 80%.
That means you can get a few questions wrong and still pass. As long as you've paid attention throughout the course and taken part in the discussions, you should have no problem reaching the pass mark.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass?
If you don’t pass on your first try, don’t panic — you’re usually allowed to resit the assessment. Most training providers will let you retake the exam within a short period, either the same day or on another date.
However, it’s rare for people to fail if they’ve actively taken part in the course. The trainers are there to help you succeed and will support you every step of the way.
Tips to Help You Prepare
If you want to make sure you're well-prepared, here are a few tips from past learners and trainers:
Take notes throughout the course – especially around legislation and legal duties
Join in with discussions – the more you engage, the easier it is to remember
Ask questions – trainers are always happy to clarify anything you’re unsure about
Review your notes the evening before the assessment – a quick recap can go a long way
Don’t overthink it – most questions are straightforward if you’ve followed along
Final Thoughts
The SMSTS course is challenging enough to be worthwhile, but accessible to anyone with construction experience and a genuine interest in site safety.
It’s not about memorising textbooks — it’s about understanding your responsibilities, learning how to keep your team safe, and applying that knowledge in real-world situations. If you approach it with the right mindset, passing the assessment should be well within your reach.
Ready to book your SMSTS course?
We offer flexible options online and in-person, delivered by experienced trainers who’ll support you every step of the way.
You can check out our upcoming course dates or contact us today for more information.
