SSSTS Exam at a Glance

What changed for SSSTS in 2026

• Oct 26, 2026: Delivery changed to Classroom or remote online, 2 days (15 hours, all attended) (previously Classroom or remote, 2 days (15 hours, all attended)).^[1]
• Oct 26, 2026: Time limit changed to 30 minutes (workbook allowed in the last 10 minutes) (previously 30 minutes).^[1]
• Oct 26, 2026: Renewal changed to Pass the 1-day SSSTS Refresher before the certificate expires (previously Pass the SSSTS Refresher (1 day) before the certificate expires).^[2]

What the SSSTS is and how it works

According to CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) – Site Safety Plus scheme, “For SSSTS and SSSTS-R, the examination paper consists of 25 questions that cover the summative assessment criteria for the course”^[1]

The Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) is an official CITB Site Safety Plus course for workers who currently hold, or are preparing to take on, supervisory roles on construction sites. Training takes place either in a classroom or through remote online delivery across 2 days. To qualify for certification, delegates must attend all 15 hours of the course.

Course fees start from £279 (no VAT), though exact pricing and any re-sit fees vary because training providers set their own commercial rates. The final assessment contains 25 questions worth 30 marks. The examination has a time limit of 30 minutes, and delegates may consult their course workbook during the final 10 minutes of the test.

To pass, candidates must reach 80% (24 out of 30 marks). If a delegate scores at least 70% (21 marks) but misses the pass threshold, official rules permit one re-sit. Any delegate who scores below 70% is not eligible for a re-sit and must attend the full course again. Successful candidates receive a certificate with a validity of 5 years. Holders must renew by passing the 1-day SSSTS Refresher before their certificate expires, with refresher fees starting from £179 (no VAT).

Worked examples: how to reason through SSSTS questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What is a risk matrix and how does it help in prioritising control measures?

1. A mathematical formula used only by engineers
2. A tool that plots likelihood of harm against severity of harm to produce a risk rating, helping to prioritise which risks need the most urgent attention
3. A list of all possible accidents
4. A tool used only for financial risk

Answer: B. A tool that plots likelihood of harm against severity of harm to produce a risk rating, helping to prioritise which risks need the most urgent attention

Explanation:

Option B is correct because a risk matrix evaluates the likelihood of an event occurring alongside the severity of potential harm, generating a rating that guides which hazards require immediate control. Option A is incorrect because the tool is a visual decision-making aid used across workplace safety, not an engineering formula. Option C is incorrect because a simple inventory of accidents does not measure probability or consequences. Option D is incorrect because risk matrices evaluate physical occupational health hazards rather than purely financial concerns. The general rule is that site supervisors evaluate both probability and consequence together so that high-risk site operations receive prompt protective controls before work proceeds.

Example 2

Question: What does the term 'risk' mean in health and safety?

1. The combination of the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the consequence
2. Anything with the potential to cause harm
3. The number of workers exposed to a hazard
4. The cost of an accident

Answer: A. The combination of the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the consequence

Explanation:

Option A is correct because risk is defined as the combination of the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the potential harm. Option B is incorrect because anything with the potential to cause harm is the definition of a hazard, not a risk. Option C is incorrect because worker headcounts describe exposure rather than the definition of risk itself. Option D is incorrect because financial expense is a business outcome rather than the safety definition of risk. The general rule is to distinguish hazards from risks: a hazard is the source of danger, whereas risk assesses the chance and impact of harm happening under specific site conditions.

Example 3

Question: What immediate action should a site supervisor take following a reportable injury on site?

1. Provide first aid, call emergency services if needed, secure the scene, complete accident records and notify management to report to the HSE
2. Carry on working to minimise disruption
3. Clean up the area before informing management
4. Only notify the HSE and not management

Answer: A. Provide first aid, call emergency services if needed, secure the scene, complete accident records and notify management to report to the HSE

Explanation:

Option A is correct because supervisors must immediately provide first aid, call emergency support if necessary, preserve the scene, log incident details, and alert site management for statutory reporting. Option B is incorrect because continuing construction work ignores medical needs and compromises site safety. Option C is incorrect because altering or cleaning the incident scene destroys vital evidence required for statutory investigations. Option D is incorrect because site supervisors must inform company management so the organisation can coordinate internal escalation and formal regulatory notifications. The general rule is that human welfare and emergency response always take priority, followed promptly by securing physical evidence and informing management.

How to use these practice tests

Structured preparation helps candidates connect safety theory with daily supervisory tasks across the 2 days of course attendance. Use this sequence to study effectively alongside official CITB materials:

• Review core supervisory duties: Begin with the FREE SSSTS PRACTICE TEST and examine legal responsibilities before attending your course sessions.
• Target hazard management: Work through focused sets such as SSSTS Risk Assessment, SSSTS Method Statements, and SSSTS Working at Height to reinforce hazard identification.
• Study communication and reporting: Practise on-site communication using SSSTS Toolbox Talks and review statutory documentation with SSSTS RIDDOR Accident Reporting.
• Simulate testing conditions: Because the final assessment allows workbook access during the last 10 minutes of the 30 minutes allotted, practise answering questions without notes initially, checking your reference manual only at the end.

Sources & last verified

1. CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) – Site Safety Plus scheme — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake fee (official source). “For SSSTS and SSSTS-R, the examination paper consists of 25 questions that cover the summative assessment criteria for the course” Verified Oct 26, 2026.
2. CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) – Site Safety Plus scheme — exam fee, renewal (official source). “Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) course From £279 no VAT” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 26, 2026.
3. CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) – Site Safety Plus scheme — exam fee (official source). “Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS) Refresher Course From £179 no VAT” Verified Oct 27, 2026 · source checked Oct 27, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.