The SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) is a two-day construction safety course administered by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) in the UK. If you're a site supervisor or stepping up into a supervisory role, it's one of the most widely recognized safety qualifications you can hold — and increasingly required by principal contractors before they'll allow supervisory work on their sites. Practice with the free SSSTS practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (200+ questions with answer explanations).
This guide covers how SSSTS training online works, what's covered, how to find an approved provider, and how to prepare for the end-of-course test.
Interactive SSSTS resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against CITB. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against CITB. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 25 questions (30 marks) | CITB |
| Time limit | 30 minutes | CITB |
| Passing score | 80% (24 out of 30 marks) | CITB |
| Retake fee | Set by the training provider | CITB |
| Retake policy | One re-sit if you score at least 70% (21 marks); below 70% means retaking the full course | CITB |
| Validity | 5 years | CITB |
| Renewal | Complete the 1-day SSSTS-R refresher before expiry | CITB |
| Delivery | Classroom or remote, 2 days (15 hours, all attended) | CITB |
| Eligibility (SSSTS) | Current or prospective site supervisors with sufficient English | CITB |
| Eligibility (SSSTS-R) | Must have passed SSSTS (or a refresher) and hold an in-date certificate | CITB |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against CITB. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Partly. CITB-approved SSSTS training is traditionally delivered in a classroom setting. However, since 2020 many providers offer a blended learning format:
A fully online SSSTS course — including a remote exam — is not currently the standard CITB-approved format as of 2026. If a provider claims fully online completion with no in-person element, verify they're on the CITB's approved training organizations list before booking.
The two-day course is built around the key responsibilities of a construction site supervisor. Topics covered include:
The SSSTS assessment is a multiple-choice test taken at the end of Day 2. Key details:
The test isn't designed to trick you — if you've engaged with the course content over the two days, most candidates find it manageable. That said, the 80% pass mark is firm, and the questions do include specific legislative details (regulation names, numbers, specific requirements) that benefit from study beforehand.
Only CITB-approved organizations can deliver the SSSTS certificate. To find a legitimate provider:
Be wary of providers not on the CITB-approved list. Non-CITB SSSTS certificates are not recognized by principal contractors, and you'd have wasted your money. Always verify directly through CITB's official directory.
If you're employed in the UK construction industry and your employer pays the Construction Industry Training Board Levy (which most contractors with a wage bill above £80,000/year do), you may be eligible for a CITB training grant to offset the course cost. Grant amounts for the SSSTS course have varied; check the current CITB Grant Scheme rates at citb.co.uk/grants. Your employer's payroll team or training coordinator should be able to assist with the grant claim.
Two days isn't a lot of time to absorb the material and then pass an 80%-mark exam. A few prep strategies that work:
If your provider sends pre-reading materials or an e-learning module, do it before Day 1. Students who arrive familiar with CDM 2015 and the basic hierarchy of health and safety law get much more out of the two days and struggle less with exam questions.
SSSTS exam questions frequently reference specific regulations by name. The ones you must know:
The Hierarchy of Control appears in multiple exam questions in different contexts. Know the order: Eliminate → Substitute → Engineering Controls → Administrative Controls → PPE. Understanding why the order exists is more useful than rote memorization for applying it to exam scenarios.
Practice questions help you identify gaps and get comfortable with the multiple-choice format. Focus particularly on CDM 2015 roles, working at height requirements, and supervisor responsibilities under risk assessment legislation — these are perennially common exam areas.
Candidates often ask how SSSTS compares to the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme):
The SMSTS is the higher-level qualification. Many construction professionals complete SSSTS first as a stepping stone, then go on to SMSTS when moving into management roles. Both certificates are valid for 5 years.
Once you pass the SSSTS exam, you'll receive:
If your certificate expires, you can take a 1-day SSSTS Refresher course rather than the full 2-day programme. The refresher also requires a passing exam score. Don't let your certificate lapse if you're actively working in a supervisory role — many contractors check certificate validity before site access.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Structured SSSTS training builds a solid foundation of skills | Training programs can be time-intensive (weeks to months) |
| Multiple training formats available: online, in-person, and hybrid | Quality varies significantly between training providers |
| Hands-on practice prepares you for real-world job scenarios | Costs for comprehensive programs can be substantial |
| Training programs often include job placement assistance | Hands-on components may require travel or in-person attendance |
| Continuing education keeps your skills current with industry changes | Self-paced learning requires strong discipline and motivation |
Try these questions from our free SSSTS practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What is a welfare cabin and what facilities should it contain?
Answer: A. A portable, temporary accommodation unit providing rest, washing, toilet, changing and food preparation facilities — required on sites without permanent welfare provisions
A welfare cabin (or welfare unit) is a portable building used on sites where permanent facilities are not yet available. It should contain toilet and washing facilities, a rest/canteen area with tables and seating, means to heat food and boil water, a hand-washing sink, and clothing storage.
What is the HSE's RIDDOR online reporting portal known as?
Answer: A. The RIDDOR online portal at riddor.hse.gov.uk
RIDDOR reports are submitted via the HSE's dedicated online reporting system at riddor.hse.gov.uk. This portal guides reporters through the relevant form for the type of incident and provides immediate confirmation of submission.
What is a toolbox talk and what is its purpose on a construction site?
Answer: B. A short, focused safety briefing on a specific topic, delivered to workers to raise awareness and reinforce safe working practices
A toolbox talk is a short (typically 10-15 minute) informal safety briefing focused on a specific topic relevant to the work being carried out. Its purpose is to raise awareness of hazards, reinforce safe working practices, communicate lessons learned, and maintain a positive safety culture.
What is the purpose of asking 'what if?' questions when reviewing a method statement?
Answer: A. To identify potential failure scenarios not addressed in the method statement — for example, what if the shoring fails, what if the load shifts, what if the MEWP breaks down?
'What if?' questioning is a technique for stress-testing method statements by considering foreseeable failure scenarios. If the method statement does not address the 'what if?', it needs to be revised to include the appropriate contingency measures.